Frequently Asked Questions

Book a private session! This is the best way for us to get to know you, assess your dog’s unique needs, and build a custom plan to move toward your goals.

Everything! Private training is completely customized to your goals. We commonly address:

• Basic & advanced obedience

• Reactivity (toward humans or other dogs)

• Loose leash walking & impulse control

• Separation anxiety & resource guarding

• Nipping, biting, counter surfing & begging

• Crate training, potty training & over-arousal

Every dog and family is different. All private training begins with an Initial Consultation & Behavioural Assessment, where we'll develop a training plan based on your goals and your dog's individual needs. Some clients may need only one or two follow-up sessions, while more complex cases may benefit from ongoing support or a structured training package.

We provide customized homework! Within 48 hours of your session, you will receive a detailed summary prioritizing everything we discussed so you can easily implement the training into your daily routine.

• Act Natural: Show us what you normally do so we can see how your dog reacts in real-time.

• Skip Feeding & Exercise: Please do not feed or heavily walk your dog right before the session. We want a realistic energy level, and food will be our primary motivator.

• Bring Safe Treats: If your dog has food allergies, please have safe, high-value treats ready. Otherwise, we come fully equipped!

It depends! We recommend starting with the dog that needs the most immediate attention. Foundations translate easily across dogs in the home. However, for reactivity or aggression, we must work with one dog at a time. We can build a multi-dog plan during your first consultation.

Yes! We strongly encourage anyone handling the dog to participate. Consistency and clarity across the whole household help your dog learn much faster.

Yes! For initial assessments, foundation building, or clients located outside our immediate travel area, virtual sessions via Zoom are a fantastic, low-stress way to start before moving to in-person work.

No dog is too old or too young! Puppies require their second set of vaccinations to attend group classes in person, but we can start working with younger pups in your home right away.

Yes! No dog is too big or too small. All breeds are welcome.

Group classes are high-distraction environments that follow a structured curriculum. Starting with a private session allows us to evaluate your dog's individual needs, teach you how to effectively communicate with them first, and make sure our training environment is the best fit for both you and your dog. This sets you up to stay calm, focused, and successful once you step into a group setting!

Yes! If you complete an initial private consultation with us and decide to enroll in a group class down the road, we will deduct the full cost of your initial consult off your group class registration fee. We want to make transitioning from 1-on-1 foundation work to a group environment as seamless and rewarding as possible!

Yes! Reactive dogs are welcome.

• For Drop-In Walks: No prior consultation is needed! Our pack walks are drop-in style, and we strongly encourage dogs that need extra space to join us. We just ask handlers to maintain distance and advocate for their dog's comfort zone.

• For Group Classes: A private consultation is required beforehand so we can equip you with personalized strategies to manage stress in a structured environment.

Note: If your dog has a bite history or is a potential bite risk, we strictly require them to be safely muzzled for the safety of everyone in attendance. Please reach out to us prior to registering for a group class.

Absolutely! Our classes go beyond standard cues. We focus on real-world motivation, handler engagement, and maintaining focus around heavy distractions. If you've already mastered a skill, we will give you a more challenging variation!

• High-value treats (and a treat pouch/pocket for easy access)

• Water & bowls (staying hydrated is essential for both you and your dog!)

• Standard leash and collar/harness (No flexi/retractable leashes for safety)

• Poop bags & comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing/footwear

• Optional: Favorite tug toy or ball, plus bug spray and sunscreen for outdoor summer sessions

No! We rotate locations and exercises to keep training fun and challenging.

Yes, absolutely! We encourage family members who live with the dog to attend so everyone is on the same page with handling, cues, and consistency. However, to keep class calm and manageable, we ask that one primary adult handler works with the dog at a time during active exercises.

Because group classes run on a fixed schedule with limited spots, we cannot offer make-up sessions or individual refunds for missed weeks. However, we will send you the week's lesson summary and homework so you can easily catch up at home before the next class!

• Bonus for Graduates: Once you complete and graduate from a group class program, you are invited to drop into future sessions of that class level anytime to refresh your skills for just a $10 drop-in fee per class!

A Board & Train program is an immersive, high-results training experience where your dog stays in our home/facility for a set period (typically a few weeks). During their stay, they receive daily, individualized training sessions, structured socialization, routine maintenance, and real-world practice.

Yes, but on a case-by-case basis. Because every dog and behavioral goal is unique, we carefully evaluate each dog to ensure a Board & Train is the absolute best approach for them.

An initial private consultation is required before booking any Board & Train program. This allows us to assess your dog's temperament, discuss your specific goals, determine if a Board & Train is the right fit, and build a customized training plan.

Yes! We offer priority boarding to members of our Elevated Canine family so you can travel with peace of mind knowing your dog is in a comfortable, familiar environment.

Our daily routine balances structured exercise, supervised outdoor bathroom breaks, daily enrichment, and essential downtime. Because we operate in a quiet rural setting in Sturgeon County, dogs enjoy ample space to decompress without the high stress of a loud, commercial kennel environment.

1. Rabies

2. DHPP / DA2PP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)

3. Bordetella (Kennel Cough)

Vaccination records must be submitted at least 48 hours prior to your dog's stay.

• Food: Pre-portioned meals in a sealed container or individual ziplock bags for the duration of their stay (plus 2 extra days of food, just in case of travel delays).

• Medication: Any required medications in their original prescription bottles with clear dosage instructions.

• Leash & Collar/Harness: A standard flat leash and walking equipment (no retractable/flexi leashes).

• Special Diet Treats/Kongs: If your dog has allergies or specific chew preferences.

Note: We provide clean, comfortable bedding and water/food bowls! Please leave personal toys or household items at home to prevent loss or resource guarding.

All of our staff are Pet First Aid Certified. In the event of a health concern, we will contact you immediately. If emergency veterinary care is required, your dog will be taken directly to our local emergency vet partner, and you (or your designated emergency contact) will be updated every step of the way.