What is a Consultation?
A Consultation, via video chat; will give the trainer time to sit down with you and your dog and discuss your goals and expectations during training. We can determine a training program designed to fit your individual dogs' needs. This is also time for you to give us a history of your dog: what their normal daily schedule is, what commands he/she already knows, and if there are any behavioral issues that need to be addressed. We can set up a plan together, and figure out what program will work best for you and your dog. Our Consultations are only available online via video chat.
What equipment do I get to take home from a Board & Train?
Every dog will go home with different equipment. Some dogs will be sent home with a prong and an Ecollar, whereas other dogs may be only sent home on a flat collar or a harness. We train your dog according to his or her specific needs, and your ultimate goals. Every dog will receive a leash.
I am from out of state, can I still train with Fulton Strong K9?
Yes! The majority of our clients are actually from out of state. There are a few different ways you can receive training from Alicia.
1) Online lessons over zoom.
2) Private lesson weekends: which are designed for out-of-state clients. They are 2 full days of training with Alicia, here on Fulton Ranch- and include field trips around town. This is not designed to ‘fix’ all of your dogs behavior issues, but rather It is two days of owner training, to teach you how to continue your dogs training once you go home. You can supplement this training through online lessons and joining our virtual group class.
3) Board & Trains: This is where you come to Florida to drop your dog off, and then we train your dog for a month or two months — and then you come to Florida for one or two days of go home lessons. During the go home lessons you will learn how to continue your dogs progress when you’re back at home, and then you can supplement your progress and learning by joining the virtual group class or signing up for online lessons.
4) Virtual Group Class: Joining the virtual group class gives you the opportunity to learn how to train your dog from home with a community of like minded dog owners. Inside the group class you will find social learning guides, video tutorials, and access to discounts that are not available to the public. We also have an annual in-person meet up over a weekend every year on Fulton Ranch.
5) Seminars: Every year, Alicia has seminars and workshops that are listed on the website. You are welcome to attend these!
How effective are Online Lessons?
An Online Lesson is an hour long video chat with our trainer to discuss any behavior issues you may experiencing or new behaviors that you’d like to shape. Our trainer can offer you advice about how to handle these behaviors and progress further toward success. The effectiveness of these lessons is dependent upon your abilities to follow through with the advice and implement training at home with your dog. We encourage every dog owner to sign up for our online training lessons and receive training advice for their dogs!
What are your training methods?
Our training methods are ‘Bond Based’. Meaning everything is focused around developing the bond between you & your dog. We will assess the function of your dog’s behaviors to figure out why they’ve been maintained, and then use Operant Conditioning methods to discontinue or continue wanted or unwanted behaviors. We do not apply band aids here at Fulton Strong Canine Behavior Services, we are going to assess, and shape or extinguish behaviors that you are needing to target. Our trainer is committed to providing you with lasting behavior change.
We utilize healthy and humane forms of communication to enhance the learning process with the dog to either continue a behavior or to discontinue an unwanted behavior. OUR ultimate goal is to reach a direct line of communication with your dog. YOUR ultimate goal with your dog is to build a solid foundation by developing your bond, communicate trust, and have the ideal harmonious relationship.
You cannot outsource this bond, we are here to jumpstart your obedience & behavior. It is up to you to put in the work & time with your dog, and to become the leader your dog expects you to be. We are here to help you bridge the gap in communication and to coach you through the process of developing a solid bond with your pup.
How long does it take for the trainer to find us a dog for the companion program?
Each individual family will be looking for different aspects in a dog, and so every dog we evaluate has to be different and meet all of the specifications for each individual family. This could take weeks, or months. If you’re obtaining a matched puppy from us purchased from a breeder this is determined by litter availability, and heat availability for the females we are evaluating for your puppy. When you are accepted for a fully trained companion program from us, part of the interview process will cover the specifics about the search process and the length of time between contract signing and obtaining your new companion.
What does a day of board and train look like for my dog?
A typical day here on the ranch begins at 6am for your dog! They are let out to use the restroom, and then fed breakfast. After resting for a bit then we begin training rotations (every dog gets out and trains alone with the trainer), and then exercise rotations. Each dog get exercised according to his or her genetic needs: ball, treadmill time, running alongside the golf cart, etc. The Florida heat is taken into consideration. Afternoon rest, and then recess is next, along with any field trips the dogs need to go on. So while some are resting, some will go out and about. Once we are done with field trips, the afternoon training and exercise rotations begin. Then the dogs rest for a little while, and dinner time is shortly afterward around 7:30pm. Some dogs will also have a lunch if needed. There are many opportunities for your dog to be walked, and use the bathroom throughout the day. They are never inside the crates or runs longer than 2 hours unless it is over night. Last call for bathroom is at 11:30pm every night, and there are cameras with motion detection on inside the kennel building 24/7. If Alicia, our trainer, is doing a dock diving event or teaching a seminar- she has kennel help that walks the dogs and takes them out to use the restroom while she is absent. She plans her trips around when board and trains are here, so your dog is actively training every day while they are with us.
COVID POLICY:
We require negative COVID-19 tests 48 hours before private lessons and seminars. Please send them to us via email at fultonstrongk9behaviorservices@gmail.com — forms that are accepted: FDA approved at home tests, or rapid tests via pharmacy.
Masks are not mandatory here, but optional
Proof of vaccinated is not mandatory.
What are your health & vaccine requirements for my dog?
It is the owners responsibility to provide current copies of vaccination records to Fulton Strong Canine Behavior Services from a licensed veterinarian.
o Dogs without proper vaccination records or overdue vaccines will not be accepted for training.
o All dogs are required to be in good health and have the following vaccinations: Rabies, Distemper, and parvovirus.
o We do not accept female dogs that are in heat or pregnant for any type of training programs.
o We do not accept any dogs who look no underweight, sick, or ill- including dogs with missing fur/rashes.
No Refunds on training programs and lessons. Training time can be applied to equivalent programs or lessons.