FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS YOUR TRAINING METHODOLOGY?
We believe in versatility with dog training. Certified through Animal Behaviour Collage and a member of The Association of Professional Dog Trainers, our focus is on being a Canine Educator to owners. Focus K9's methods and techniques adhere to the industry’s LIMA approach of least invasive, minimally aversive training. Our mission is to foster the best possible relationship between dogs and their owners by taking a realistic approach that suits each individual owners lifestyle while creating accessible options for reactive dog owners.
We are here to play 3 roles in your training journey with us.
Your Coach. Your Counsellor and Problem Solver.
We are here as your coach to train, challenge and encourage you to the best of your abilities.
We are here as your counsellor to help you through the tough times and celebrate the milestones.
We are here to help solve your problem area's and give you tools to confidently solve them on your own
Everything to do with your dogs behaviour and lifestyle works simultaneously together and training your dog can be a journey.
We want you to feel supported every step of they way!
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 horses and wildlife.
Since living in BC, Sydney has successfully managed a dog daycare with large packs of dogs while also practicing her handling skills through pack hikes, private walks, day school, volunteering and coaching owners on responsible dog ownership. Specializing in large breeds, reactivity and high drive dogs, Sydney has been working with various dogs and owners for over 5 years now. She continues her education to keep up to the latest dog training science and techniques while training her working Cane Corso during her free time.
WHAT DOES FOCUS K9 DO DIFFERENTLY THAN OTHERS IN THE FIELD?
We focus on being versatile in our methods and finding solutions that are compatible with owners lifestyles & dogs. Offering an array of affordable options for various training goals; We acknowledge that it is hard to find secure environments for reactive/anxious dogs so our mission is to provide accessible options for these dogs & owners. Check out our flexible Socialization & Group Options.
We also strive to build a collaborative dog community that works together to provide a trustworthy place for dog owners to go to when in need. We collaborate and work with various local companies on the Island to give you the service you deserve.
We also teach owners through hands on, practical, experience and provide complimentary online learning resources tailored to your goals; an educated owner is a successful owner. We pride ourselves on providing a lifetime of support for your training journey - welcome to the K9 family!
We are Pet First Aid Certified, Insured and Bonded.
We continue to develop, innovate and educate to bring you the highest
quality training and care.
WHAT AREA DO YOU SERVICE?
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We currently offer in person private sessions from Metchosin to Brentwood Bay (Travel Fee's will apply for outside of Westshore area). Our Socialization and Group Options are held in the Westshore and Saanich.
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Day School is limited to the Westshore.
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We also offer online sessions with video tutorials though Zoom, Google Meet and Whats App for across Canada. These are also great for shy dogs or dogs who become overwhelmed easily.
WHEN CAN I SCHEDULE A SESSION?
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We are taking new clients on a limited basis. To book a consultation online Click Here.
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We have upcoming sessions for Group Training & Socialization that you can book online Here.
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Please complete the General Information Form if you are interested in Private Training or Day School.
WHAT IS FOCUS K9'S CANCELLATION POLICY?
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Owners have at least 1 year from purchase to use service.
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The owner of the dog(s) may postpone any of the lessons provided 48hrs notice is given to the Focus K9.
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Failure to give Focus K9 48hrs notice of a lesson cancellation will result in the Focus K9 counting said failure as a completed lesson.
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Once the service has started no refunds are available.
WHAT IF I'M LATE?
If you are running late please contact us to let us know, we understand!
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Sessions are shortened equivalent to minutes late.
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If you are more than 15 mins late, said lesson will be considered complete.
WHAT IS FOCUS K9'S REFUND POLICY
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The owner may have the animal withdrawn from training at any time, however, after the first packaged lesson; all fees are non-refundable.
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If you have booked one of our services (Day School, Transfer Session, Group Class, Socialization Class or Individual Training Sessions) all fee's are non-refundable after the service has started.
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We are a locally owned and operated small business and hope you can understand!
WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
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Currently accepting all major credit and debit cards, cash and E-Transfer
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All E-Transfers are sent to FocusK9Services@gmail.com
DOES FOCUS K9 OFFER DISCOUNTED RATES?
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Yes! The private lesson programs come at a discounted rate. We also offer discounts for regular Day School! Please contact us for more information.
HOW OLD DOES MY DOG NEED TO BE?
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For the Puppy Program we ask that dogs are between 8 weeks and 5 months old.
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For Group Training Options & Adult Socialization dogs must be 6 months or older.
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Private Training, Group Walks & Day School dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds are welcome.
COVID - 19 PROTOCOLS
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We ask all clients to notify us immediately if they are experiencing any symptoms of Covid-19. All clients, please wash your hands or clean them with hand sanitizer before and after your visit.
CLIENT RIGHTS
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The client has the right to refuse any part of the functional assessment, training class and/or behaviour change program including any training exercises they feel are incompatible. It is recommended that client respectfully and openly communicates with the trainer/behaviour consultant; the behaviour change or training program may be adjusted to reflect the client’s wishes if possible. The client has the right to ask further questions and be clear on all relevant details before consenting to the consulting relationship.
PHOTO'S & VIDEO'S
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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.