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FAQ 1

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS YOUR TRAINING METHODOLOGY?

At Focus K9, we firmly believe that owning a dog is not just an amazing and rewarding experience but also a significant responsibility, rather than a luxury. Properly training your pet is the key to building a stronger bond and enjoying greater freedom with your canine companion. We emphasize the importance of the owner-pet relationship as one rooted in mutual understanding and respect. Our approach is grounded in scientifically proven methods that encompass all four quadrants of operant conditioning.

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At Focus K9, our methods and techniques align with the industry's LIMA approach, which stands for Least Invasive, Minimally Aversive training. We adopt a balanced and realistic approach that leverages a dog's natural instincts and communication style while also taking into account the owner's lifestyle and goals.

We understand that everything related to your dog's behavior and lifestyle is interconnected, and the journey of training your dog is ongoing. At every step of this journey, we are committed to providing you with the support you need.

WHAT EXPERIENCE DOES FOCUS K9 HAVE?

Our certified head trainer, Sydney has completed an in-depth program through Animal Behaviour Collage along with multiple Pet Professional Programs and local Workshops which you can learn about here.

 

Prior to completing an extensive externship with an experienced, local trainer, Sydney grew up on her Alberta acreage where she spent her hours training & caring for the horses, livestock guardians and wildlife.

 

During her time in British Columbia, Sydney has achieved notable success by effectively managing an open-range dog daycare facility, overseeing large packs of dogs. Additionally, she has honed her handling skills through activities such as off-leash pack hikes, private walks, day school sessions, volunteering, and coaching owners on responsible dog ownership. Her specialization lies in working with large breeds, addressing reactivity issues, and handling high-drive dogs. Sydney has dedicated herself to working with and managing various challenging dogs, many of which had previously been turned away by other owners and professionals.

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With a wealth of experience spanning over five years of working closely with dog owners and their beloved pets, Sydney remains committed to staying updated on the latest developments in dog training science and techniques. She also devotes her free time to training her own working Cane Corso, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to the field.

WHAT DOES FOCUS K9 DO DIFFERENTLY THAN OTHERS IN THE FIELD?

At Focus K9, our philosophy revolves around understanding that each dog is as unique as their owner. Unlike other professionals who may insist on a one-size-fits-all approach, we recognize the importance of tailoring our methods to suit the individual needs and responses of our students. Whether your furry companion thrives with positive reinforcement, clicker training, or another method altogether, we're dedicated to finding what works best for them.

Gone are the days of generic training programs. When you choose Focus K9, you can expect a bespoke experience from start to finish.

 

Our expert trainers take the time to get to know you and your dog, crafting personalized recommendations and providing hands-on instruction in every lesson. Whether you're attending a group class or socialization session, rest assured that the guidance you receive will be tailored to your dog's unique personality, learning style, and behavior goals.

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What truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to inclusivity. We know it can be embarassing or overwhelimg to ask for help with your wild child of a dog. While some companies may shy away from working with reactive or fearful dogs in group settings, we embrace them wholeheartedly. We believe that every dog deserves a chance to learn and grow, regardless of their behavioral challenges. Overly or underly friendly, our experienced trainers create a safe and supportive environment where all dogs can thrive, building confidence and developing new skills at their own pace.

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We believe that every dog deserves a chance to learn and grow, regardless of their behavioral challenges. Our experienced team creates a safe and supportive environment where all dogs can thrive, building confidence and developing new skills at their own pace.

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Collaboration is a cornerstone of our approach to pet care. By partnering with municipal districts and fellow professionals in the field, we're able to deliver a level of care and customer service that sets us apart. Whether it's coordinating with local authorities on training initiatives or consulting with veterinary experts on behavior modification techniques, we're dedicated to providing comprehensive support to our clients and their four-legged companions.

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When you choose Focus K9, you're not just getting a team of trainers—you're gaining access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Our staff members boast extensive hands-on experience and educational backgrounds in canine behavior and training, allowing us to offer insights and solutions that others simply cannot match. With us, you'll gain a deeper understanding of your dog's behaviors and motivations, empowering you to build a stronger bond and foster positive change.

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But our commitment to excellence doesn't end there. We're passionate about driving positive change within the pet care industry, particularly in areas where government regulation is lacking. That's why we're actively involved in developing a non-profit project aimed at supporting owners of reactive or fearful dogs. Through this initiative, we hope to provide resources, education, and community support to those in need, ultimately improving the lives of dogs and their owners alike. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting endeavour, coming soon.

WHAT AREA DO YOU SERVICE?

  • We currently offer in person training in for Victoria and the greater area (Travel Fee's will apply for outside of Westshore area).

  • Our Socialization and Group Options are held in the Westshore 

  • We also offer online sessions though Google Meet  for across Canada. These are also great for shy dogs or dogs who become overwhelmed easily.

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WHAT IS AN ALUMNI STUDENT?

  • Alumni students are anyone of our clients who completes a training program with us or completes a a minimum of 7 Private Training sessions with us.

  • We honour our alumni students by giving them a special discount on private training, day training programs as well as exclusive access to group glasses.

WHAT IS FOCUS K9'S CANCELLATION & RESCHEDULE POLICY?

We have established a cancellation policy to ensure the predictability of our schedule, which is essential for the smooth operation of our business. This policy enables us to provide the best service to both our current and potential clients. It also helps us minimize waitlist times and respect pre-booked appointments.

  • Owners have up to 1 year from the date of purchase to utilize any unused services. It is the owner's responsibility to retain their receipt to facilitate the honouring of their service.

  • The owner of the dog(s) can postpone or reschedule, consultations, private training, socialization or group lessons, provided you provide Focus K9 with a minimum of 48 hours' notice. 

  • The owner of the dog(s) can postpone or reschedule day school sessions anytime prior to the start of the session.

  • Failure to provide Focus K9 with the required notice of cancellation will result in the owner owing the full amount for the service.

  • Once the service has commenced, refunds are not available as the service has been initiated.

WHAT IF I'M LATE?

If you are running late please contact us to let us know, we understand! 

  • Sessions are shortened equivalent to minutes late.

  • If you are more than 15 mins late, said lesson will be considered complete.

WHAT IS FOCUS K9'S REFUND POLICY

  • The owner may have the animal withdrawn from training at any time, however, refunds are provided on a case by case basis. Please refer to our cancellation policy for more details.

  • If you have made a deposit for the Puppy Program the deposit is refundable until 48 hours prior to the consultation.

  • If you have booked one of our services (Training Walk, Group Class, Socialization Class or Private Training Sessions) all fee's are non-refundable after the service has started.

  • We are a locally owned and operated small business and hope you can understand!

  • See our cancellation policy

WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?

  • Currently accepting all major credit and debit cards, cash and E-Transfer 

  • All E-Transfers are sent to FocusK9Services@gmail.com

DOES FOCUS K9 OFFER DISCOUNTED RATES?

  • Yes! We offer discounted rates through our package  and programs. Alumni students also recieve a special discount for future services.

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DO YOU OFFER GROUP LESSONS?

HOW OLD DOES MY DOG NEED TO BE?

  • For the Puppy Program we ask that dogs are between 8 weeks and 6 months old at the time of start.

  • For Adult Socialization dogs must be 6 months or older.

  • All other services: dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds are welcome.

Why can't I access my Lesson Notes folder?

  • ​Become a member:

    • In order to view your lesson notes folder, you need to sign up by setting your email and password in our 'Members' section.

  • Purchase a package

    • You get complimentary access when you purchase a package of 7 lessons or more until you have completed all of your training sessions

    • If you did not purchased a package, you can sign up for a student membership under our 'Members' section​

  • Notification email:

    • Once you have successfully signed up, our team will process your request within 24 hours.

    • You will receive an email notification once your access has been granted and the lesson notes are ready for viewing.

  • Contact Us for Assistance:

    • If you encounter any issues during the sign-up process or have not received your access notification within 24 hours, please do not hesitate to contact us.

    • Our team is available to assist you and ensure a smooth experience.

PHOTO'S & VIDEO'S

  • We often take photos and video and may choose to post on social media and/or online. If you would prefer to keep private please let us know and we will be happy to accommodate.

Alumni
Lesson Notes
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