Frequently Asked Questions

 

Do you train all breeds and ages of dogs?

Yes! I welcome dogs of every age, breed, and background. All of my training plans are tailored to my client’s unique needs, whether you’ve just brought home a new puppy or you’re helping an adult dog learn new skills. I’ve volunteered in rescues since I was a teen and I have a deep passion for helping fearful dogs become confident and resilient. I also developed a training program specifically for early puppy socialization.

Where is The Homeschooled Hound located?

I’m a certified professional dog trainer based in Covina, California. I welcome dogs from the surrounding areas for private dog training sessions in a cozy training space, and I also meet my clients around the city to train in real-life situations. In addition, I offer virtual dog training sessions, whether you’re local to Covina or Zooming in from around the world.

Is virtual dog training as effective as in-person dog training?

In-person training is great for hands-on practice and practicing skills in a distracting environment, while virtual training lets me observe your dog’s behavior without any distractions for your dog. Virtual training often gives me the best window into seeing and understanding your dog’s behavior, since we’re not changing anything in their environment. Ultimately, the best option is what works best for you and your dog. Drop me an email and let’s discuss your needs. With both options, you’ll get clear guidance, personalized support, and practical steps you can use right away.

How much does dog training cost?

I offer a range of different training packages depending on the type of support you’re looking for. My six-week Basic Manners package is $500, which is ideal for dogs who need to learn basic manners to solve or prevent unwanted behaviors such as pulling on the leash, jumping on guests, stealing food from the table, door darting, unreliable recall, etc. For more complex behaviors, I offer a three-month (12 session) behavior modification package for $950, which is most ideal for dogs struggling with behavior issues such as separation anxiety, fear, and reactivity. If you’re looking for a shorter, more targeted approach, I offer a three-session package for $250 called “My Biggest Training Goal,” where we work together on one specific behavior. Throughout the year, I also offer $75 workshops — one for recall and one for polite greetings — which offer essential skill-building in a live, group environment. Finally, for puppies sixteen weeks and under, I have a six-session puppy training program for $375, which covers all the foundations of good behavior as well as essential socialization.

Not sure which package is right for you? Give me a call or text me at (626) 655-1625. You can also email me at homeschooledhound@yahoo.com. Let’s discuss your goals!

When is the best time to start puppy training?

The sooner, the better. The window for socialization closes by 16 weeks of age, which means your early training efforts will be maximized during this essential period. My Muttessori Puppy Training Program is designed with this in mind. It takes place in a clean, sanitized training space with only one client at a time to make it safe for puppies who are still getting their vaccines. It’s also a great way to get your puppy used to going to new places and seeing new things. I introduce them to surfaces, sounds, and novel sights, as well as provide an early intro to cooperative care. We’ll even have some “surprise” guests to get them used to meeting new people. You can learn more about the program here.

Can adult dogs benefit from training?

Absolutely. Dogs don’t stop learning after puppyhood. Many adult dogs thrive when given the chance to build new skills. Training can help with everything from polite manners to easing big feelings around walks, guests, or new environments. It also provides great enrichment for your dog and helps you strengthen your bond. Dogs love to learn new things!

Can dog training help with behavior problems?

Common challenges like jumping, barking, pulling on leash, or nervousness in new situations can all improve with training. I use positive reinforcement to teach your dog the behaviors you want, so they understand what’s expected and gain confidence. If you’re working on a specific behavior, I offer a targeted, three-session package (both virtually and in-person) called “My Biggest Training Goal,” where we build a solid training foundation to tackle one specific behavior. You can contact me to learn more!

How long does dog training take to see results?

Every dog is unique. Some pups pick up skills quickly, while others need more time and practice. What matters most is consistency and teamwork—I’ll give you clear steps so you feel confident continuing the learning at home, and I’m available in-between sessions to answer questions over email or text message.

While your dog is learning, I also offer management solutions to help you handle challenging behaviors in the moment. Whether it’s leash handling techniques to manage reactivity or adjustments around the house to limit outside noise and prevent barking, I provide tools to keep everyone safe and calm while working on your training goals. I’m skilled at problem-solving and will tailor solutions so both you and your dog feel supported every step of the way.

What dog training methods do you use?

I’m passionate about only using positive reinforcement training, which means rewarding the behaviors we’d like to see more of. This approach is fun, motivating, and helps strengthen the bond between you and your dog. It’s also better for your dog’s overall health and well-being. You can learn more about why positive reinforcement works in my blog post.

Can I safely socialize my puppy before vaccinations?

Yes—when done carefully, early socialization is safe and highly beneficial. My training space is clean and fully sanitized between sessions. Only one puppy is scheduled at a time, so there’s no exposure to other dogs.

Because the critical socialization window closes quickly, starting early helps your puppy grow into a confident, well-adjusted adult. By introducing them to new people, environments, and experiences now, you’re setting them up for a lifetime of calm, confident behavior. Socialization should be done carefully and in adherence with your veterinarian’s recommendations. For example, putting your puppy in a carrier or wagon for an outing is a safe option. To learn more, check out my guide to socializing puppies safely.

Do you guarantee results with your dog training?

Dog behavior is complex and there’s a lot of factors that go into designing a successful training program. With consistency and the right approach, I believe that we can make progress on even the trickiest behavioral challenges. I offer a money-back guarantee to any of my clients who feel that they didn’t learn the skills they needed (though, to date, no one has requested it!). I’m just as committed to seeing success as you are and I’m here to support you every step of the way. You can check out previous reviews from my clients on my Google Reviews page, and please reach out with any questions you have!

How do I sign up for dog training?

Just text me or call me at (626) 655-1625. You can also email me at homeschooledhound@yahoo.com. You can share a little about your dog and your goals, and I’ll help you choose the right starting point.

Still have questions? I’m happy to help—get in touch anytime. I can’t wait to meet you and your pup!