Frequently Asked Questions

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We offer Private lessons (in-home and virtual), Online Courses and Group Classes. There are 3 categories of private lessons, but all are positive, reward based, force-free and custom to the individual dog and owners. Group classes require an evaluation and approval to join. Basics sessions primarily teach manners, impulse control and confidence, but sometimes include foundational fitness or trick training. This arms dogs with skills to make better choices rather than jumping, nipping, barking excessively, or pulling on walks. Behavior Solutions and Behavior Transformation sessions include management strategies, games, and exercises directly aimed at getting dangerous behaviors such as biting under control, then working to resolve the problem entirely. Advanced training includes expert fitness material, advanced behavior chains, and introduction to agility. The advanced material builds on the concepts from basics sessions and requires that dogs are reliable with safety commands such as off, come, and leave it.

You can contact me and either fill out a Pre-Evaluation form or chat over the phone to allow me to determine your dog's classification. I officially confirm classification of dogs during the Evaluation session which is required for all dogs before beginning training, but classification can change over time. If necessary, you will be asked to fill out a Behavior Solutions form for your dog before the evaluation, which means your dog’s initial classification will be Behavior Solutions or Behavior Transformation. Classification determines whether or not we need to cover mandatory training concepts for safety and efficacy before moving on to next stages of their training. Behavior Solutions and Behavior Transformation classifications include but are not limited to moderate to severe reactivity, resource guarding, bite risk factors or bite history, excessively rough play resulting in injuries, and moderate to severe general anxiety. 

The amount of sessions needed depends on where your dog is now and how much that differs from your goals for him or her. It also depends on consistently doing the training homework given and practicing material we cover in sessions. Some dogs may only need a few sessions, while others may need long term training for severe issues, to develop advanced skills, or because the family’s goals have evolved. On average, most dogs have weekly sessions for about 2-3 months. 

Building concepts can’t be done too early, but traditional cues and challenges should be introduced after the pup is at least 8 weeks old and has had time to bond with you and adjust to their new home. 8-16 weeks is the ideal time to build foundational concepts for a well- rounded adult dog, such as confidence, proximity value, independence, optimism and calmness. At around 10-14 weeks old, puppies can begin focusing on more traditional cues and problem solving, and join appropriate group classes after completing shots. Senior dogs can enjoy and benefit from training at any age, regardless of physical disabilities. Seniors are still capable of developing skills, forming new habits and benefit from training for reliable safety skills and reducing anxiety. 

You can pay by Venmo, Zelle, check, or cash at the end of each private session. Group courses and bundles require payment in advance, and Accelerated Learning programs require a 50% deposit at booking. Please make checks payable to Sarah Singler or Wholehearted Canine. Rates listed on the services page are cash discount rates. Save by paying with Venmo, Zelle, cash or check! 

Corrections are not productive in teaching a dog to alter their behavior or to build necessary underlying skills, and only harm the relationship and trust between you and your dog. Dogs respond best to respect, patience and rewarding the behaviors we want rather than punishing undesirable ones. Rather than correcting a behavior, I teach the dog that the behavior is unnecessary or not rewarding, and teach him or her some behaviors I would like instead. Many of the most serious behavior problems, including "aggression," stem from fear and a lack of proper coping mechanisms and confidence. Correcting or punishing the behavior will only cause it to escalate over time, so it is best to teach the dog he or she doesn't need to be afraid in the first place. This not only resolves the bad behavior, but also the stress and fear that caused it. Aversives are inhumane and unnecessary for enviable training success.

Please fill out a Pre-Evaluation form using the "Pre-Evaluation Form" button at the bottom of any page to give me some background and safety information about your dog(s). A second follow-up form may be required in some cases for Behavior Solutions dogs. Please send a copy of your dog's most recent immunization records by email, along with a signed copy of the liability form, which can be found on the home page and services page. All forms and documents need to be completed or sent at least 48 hours before the evaluation. If your evaluation is around a mealtime, please withhold half of your dog’s food. Please consider your training goals, which we will be discussing, and most importantly, be ready to have fun with your dog and receive a training plan that will yield awesome results!

I primarily serve families in Allen, McKinney, and Plano, but I travel up to 12 miles for no additional fees, and within 35 miles for a small travel fee based on your location. You can use Rountree Elementary in Allen as the location to determine estimated travel fees and contact me for exact travel fees. The fee is $1.50 per mile over 12 miles (one way). If you are more than 35 miles away I cannot travel to your home for training sessions, but I offer Zoom sessions for all dogs as well as meetup options for dogs that qualify.

I coach owners through each exercise or game I teach their dogs, including the underlying concepts, different troubleshooting methods to make the games fun and most effective for their dog, and the actual mechanics of movements and correctly timing cues and rewards. I give homework based on the games you and your dog have learned, but the amount of time you spend on it each day is up to you. I recommend minimum and maximum time durations and frequencies for each game based on the individual dog's needs, but this is often only around 5-15 minutes a day per dog in total. Playing these training games with your dog regularly helps them get the most out of training, and provides enrichment and bonding time with you as well. 

Yes, I am Certified as a Professional Dog Trainer by Absolute Dogs, which is based in Devon, England. Certification is not required for dog trainers in Texas, so ask first before allowing anyone to handle your dog. I continually refresh my education and study dog training topics through many avenues. I am also a Professional Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. I am insured both personally and as a pet professional, and I take numerous precautions to protect the health and safety of all dogs and pets I come in contact with. I require up to date vaccination records for all dogs and maintain strict standards for quality and cleanliness of all gear and food I use with clients.