Private Sessions: FAQs
What is an Initial Consultation?
The initial consultation is a 60-minute online session which includes an intake on your dog’s history, your home environment, family dynamics and behavioral issues. We will explain the basics of positive reinforcement training and give as much foundational training information and practice as time allows. We have found that Zoom is more efficient for observing your dog at home and conveying everything in a timely manner. You will have plenty to work on after the session!
Who should be present at the first meeting?
Ideally all family members are present at the first consultation. Parents can use their own judgement about having young children at the session. It’s important for all to be involved, but also for everyone to be able to focus.
What happens if I need to reschedule my session?
You are able to reschedule your session at any time via the scheduling system, within 24 hours of your scheduled appointment. There are no refunds for cancelations.
How do virtual sessions work?
Virtual sessions happen via Zoom or FaceTime. We will demonstrate techniques and can coach you while keeping your dog in their home environment. This service is wonderful for Separation Anxiety dogs or dogs with such high reactivity that the trainer's presence is a trigger.
Will you come in-person and help me train my dog?
Yes! Dharma Dog NYC does in-person private sessions in most areas of Brooklyn, NY. The initial consultation is always virtual, and after that we can find time to work together live.
What areas do you serve?
Due to increased demand, we have had to reduce our area of coverage. We currently travel to most of Brooklyn. If you live in an area we don’t cover, we may have a great trainer to refer you to or we can work with you online, so please inquire!
Can I email you if I have a question after we have met?
Absolutely! We love to clarify any advice we’ve given. If your question is about a new behavior or something we didn’t cover in the session, it may require another session to fully cover the topic.
How do I know how many sessions I need?
We can make a recommendation but it depends on your schedule and how often you are able to work in between sessions. We are flexible to come at a frequency that is best for both human and canine clients.
How do we decide if group classes are better for my dog?
While in private virtual sessions you get one-on-one information and attention, group online classes can be fun and give you a sense of community. They are also more affordable if you are on a tight budget.
What forms of payment are acceptable for private sessions?
We take payment via Stripe through our website. Venmo, Zelle or cash are accepted as alternatives.
Do you guarantee results?
Dogs are living beings, and so it’s actually not possible to guarantee their behavior. Any being under enough stress may change their behavior. It isn’t ethical to guarantee a perfect dog, and we would never assume to.
We will give you the information and tools you need to help your dog and improve their behavior and their emotional well-being.
Separation Anxiety Training: FAQs
What happens in an initial consultation for Separation Anxiety Training?
The initial consultation is a 60-minute online session which includes an intake on your dog’s history, your home environment, family dynamics and behavioral issues. We will explain the basics of positive reinforcement training and give as much foundational training information as time allows. During that session, we will also go over your home set-up, and do a baseline initial assessment if you are ready. Otherwise the initial assessment will be done before the package starts. Once that assessment happens, you will want to start your training within a week or two so that it is an accurate baseline of behavior.
I read that spaces for daily training packages are limited and so there is sometimes a wait for a spot. How long is the wait and what do we do in the meantime?
Yes, when you have the initial consultation for SA I can tell you if I have any current openings for the month long intensive training. If there aren’t any openings, I can usually give a decent estimate for when I can take on another daily client. If you do need to wait for a spot, many clients use that time to get the right camera set-up, put daycare and pet sitters into place and if needed to discuss medication with their vet. I will put you on a waitlist and let you know of the first opening. If the wait is unusually long I do have trainers who are also CSATs who I can refer you to so that you can get started right away.
We have a vacation planned in the coming month. How does that work with the training?
You should start training during a month when you are home and can be consistent about the daily training work to get the most out of the training. Desensitization is about repetition so you make more progress when you do it more often.
Why do we need to “suspend absences” or not leave our dog alone, during the training period?
Separation Anxiety Training works through a technique called desensitization; repeated exposure to positive smaller experiences that happen incrementally to slowly adjust your dog to being alone. To do this correctly, you cannot leave your dog for longer than they can tolerate it. Having a bad experience of being left alone only unravels the training you did, that taught them they were safe. This training is not effective if you continue to put your dog into a situation where they feel panicked.
How long will it take for my dog to be ok when left alone?
It depends on the dog! Every dog is different and this training follows the pace of the “learner” or in this case of your dog. Most clients need to put in several months of training, but unfortunately there is no way to know in advance. The dog tells us what they can handle and we continue by working in their safe zone of tolerance.
Virtual Group Classes: FAQs
Why am I directed to another website for classes?
Dharma Dog NYC is fortunate enough to be a part of a wonderful team of dog trainers at PumpkinPups Dog Training. PumpkinPups is founded and run by Viviane Arzoumanian. Classes are taught by various trainers, all of whom you will love! Come and join us in class!
What do I need to bring to class?
You should come to class with several different kinds of treats cut into tiny pieces. Have more on hand than you think you need and don’t feed your pup a full meal before class. You will also want a treat pouch, a flat collar or harness, and a 6 foot regular leash. No choke or prong collars are allowed, and please don’t use a retractable leash in class.
I heard that socialization is most important for my puppy. Is that part of virtual class?
Absolutely. We prioritize socializing your puppy to many things in classes and discussion around how best to give them positive experiences in their world during the critical socialization window. While classes are virtual, we will guide you to the best exposure and practice actively online.
What if I cannot make a class?
We record every class for this purpose! You will receive a recording of the class in your weekly homework email. Attending live does have the advantage of real-time coaching, but you can catch up with the recording too.
Is there an age limit on Basic Manners classes?
Nope - the only age restriction is that your dog be old enough.
Can I do both private session and take a class?
Of course! What rock stars you will be!
