1. Where did the name Indigo Dog Training come from? After operating under Liberty K9 Dog Training for 13 years, Kristina decided it was time for a name change that better embodies our mission of helping companion pet dogs and their families. Why Indigo? Commonly the most forgotten color of the rainbow, indigo exemplifies the essential dog training qualities of being perceptive, intuitive, and structured. You can read more about the psychology of the color here. We also wanted a more easily recognizable brand as we aim to create lots of free high quality dog training content for people around the world through our social media accounts.
2. What is your training guarantee? We stand by our assertion that with a committed owner, every dog can be helped. Barring medical and environmental issues that will hinder training, we consistently see reliable results with our clients and their dogs. The success of any training program depends upon owner participation and follow through of training after a program has been completed. We offer a lifetime support assistance program for graduates of our programs that includes phone consultations, reduced rate additional lessons, and lower cost additional pay by the day board and train options.
3. Are you the right training company for me? Hopefully! But in some cases, we may not be. If you are not open-minded about using both rewards and consequences in your training, we encourage you to subscribe and follow us (@dcdogtrainer) on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram so you can learn more about how we utilize a balanced approach to our dog training. We start every dog off on their dog training journey with a relationship phase that helps build a foundation of leadership and trust, followed by a guidance phase that aims to help show the dog what it is we are looking for, and then introduce an accountability phase that helps keep the dog on the right path. Our primary focus in dog training is to give your dog the most amount of clarity in their life that greatly reduces the chaos, frustration, and anxiety that plagues so many of modern society's dogs.
4. Am I the right client for you? We want clients who are committed to maintain the dog’s training by providing enough exercise for the dog, continuing to practice commands on a regular basis, and by not encouraging improper behavior. It is understood that the success of any training program depends upon owner participation and maintenance after a training program has been completed. If an owner does not apply the knowledge and utilize the information and tools in full, the training will be compromised. We want clients that fully understand the tools and techniques that are used to train and successfully modify dog behaviors and are willing to make any necessary adjustments in their own life to help with their dog's behavior. We firmly believe that the second you limit what is in your training toolbox is the second that you limit your dog's training potential.
5. Do you use treats? YES!!!... but not exclusively! We believe in starting every dog off on their dog training journey with a leadership and relationship building approach combined with a guidance phase with leash help and positive reinforcement with treats, toys, and praise. Our goal is to find a variety of motivators for your dog so you can ensure your dog's success in every situation. We love using treats to help mold new behaviors and reward dogs for making great decisions, but the ultimate reward we can offer our dogs is to give them rock solid training with major distractions so they can be included in every aspect of our lives and have much more freedom.
3. Are you the right training company for me? Hopefully! But in some cases, we may not be. If you are not open-minded about using both rewards and consequences in your training, we encourage you to subscribe and follow us (@dcdogtrainer) on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram so you can learn more about how we utilize a balanced approach to our dog training. We start every dog off on their dog training journey with a relationship phase that helps build a foundation of leadership and trust, followed by a guidance phase that aims to help show the dog what it is we are looking for, and then introduce an accountability phase that helps keep the dog on the right path. Our primary focus in dog training is to give your dog the most amount of clarity in their life that greatly reduces the chaos, frustration, and anxiety that plagues so many of modern society's dogs.
4. Am I the right client for you? We want clients who are committed to maintain the dog’s training by providing enough exercise for the dog, continuing to practice commands on a regular basis, and by not encouraging improper behavior. It is understood that the success of any training program depends upon owner participation and maintenance after a training program has been completed. If an owner does not apply the knowledge and utilize the information and tools in full, the training will be compromised. We want clients that fully understand the tools and techniques that are used to train and successfully modify dog behaviors and are willing to make any necessary adjustments in their own life to help with their dog's behavior. We firmly believe that the second you limit what is in your training toolbox is the second that you limit your dog's training potential.
5. Do you use treats? YES!!!... but not exclusively! We believe in starting every dog off on their dog training journey with a leadership and relationship building approach combined with a guidance phase with leash help and positive reinforcement with treats, toys, and praise. Our goal is to find a variety of motivators for your dog so you can ensure your dog's success in every situation. We love using treats to help mold new behaviors and reward dogs for making great decisions, but the ultimate reward we can offer our dogs is to give them rock solid training with major distractions so they can be included in every aspect of our lives and have much more freedom.
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6. Why do you use advanced training collars such as slip leashes, martingale collars, starmark collars, and prong collars? We use these tools because we find them to be the best options for connecting, communicating, and creating a harmonious relationship with the least amount of physical stress to the dog and owner. Most tools tend to only mask or manage the behavior, while a training collar allows us to actually break through and effortlessly communicate, creating a vastly different state of mind and a highly responsive dog. While many training collars such as prong collars tend to look horrible, when used correctly, they have been proven to be the least physically taxing, most humane, and one of the safest tools available. Check out the following video to learn more about how and why we use tools such as the prong collar and the results that it can have:
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7. Why and how do you use E-Collars? We have found that combined with a well-rounded training program, modern E-Collar or remote collar training is the most effective, most reliable, most humane, and transformational training available today. Clients have consistently been astounded at the positive transformation their dog can go through when participating in an e-collar program. Kristina has invested a great deal of time, money, and education to extensively learn how to use e-collars in the safest, most subtle and gentle, yet highly effective way. We use low-level, communication-style, modern remote collar training, which uses the same technology as muscle TENS units widely used for physical therapy that simply stimulate the underlying muscle. For several examples of what our training looks like, take a look at the following videos:
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8. Won't using a remote collar on my fearful dog make him or her more nervous? We have found that modern E-Collar training is the best training for dogs with these types of issues. Our E-Collar training system is designed to create more relaxed and comfortable dogs while also giving them confidence and clarity on how to handle stress. Time and time again we have seen dogs have major behavior issues because they have never learned how to appropriately handle and cope with stress. The E-Collar can help introduce incredibly minor levels of stimulation and pressure in a subtle way where we can then teach the dog to have complete control of the pressure and how to turn it off. It's part of a complete behavior modification system of desensitization, counter-conditioning, and confidence building. So many trainers want to try to simply convince the dog that the world isn't stressful by training with nothing but treats while ignoring the fact that there are parts of our modern society that will always be innately stressful to many dogs such as random visitors coming into a house, strange dogs invading their space, or being trapped behind barriers such as leashes, doors, fences, and cars. We do aim to create positive associations with all these stimuli, however, we get the maximum amount of success by also pairing it with clear instruction with the remote collar to stay much calmer during these times of stress therefore reducing the overall anxiety of the dog.
9. My dog is very aggressive. Do you work with aggressive dogs? Yes, we really do offer to help every single owner that is willing to be fully committed in their dog's training and maintenance for their dog's lifetime. Please note though that we never consider aggression to be "cured" or "fixed." However, we do have great success modifying the behavior to make it much more manageable which helps mitigate the risk. A true canine rehabilitation program, very similar to human rehab, is a lifelong commitment that requires a certain level of maintenance to keep the dog on the path of success.
10. My dog is uncontrollable on the walk – pulling, lunging, barking, growling – can you fix this? Yes! Whether it's just disobedience, severe leash reactivity, or more territorial aggression, we can structure a program to help with your dog's on-leash issues.
Training Camp Frequently Asked Questions
11. I notice most standard board and train programs are two weeks long. Why is your program three weeks? By extending our entry level camp from two weeks to three weeks, we have fully maximized each dog's success rate. One, it helps us go at each dog's individual pace much better so we aren't rushed to go through the process. That way if a dog takes a few extra days to initially get settled and bonded with us, we aren't putting any unnecessary time constraints on the dog. Second, we pride ourselves on being one of the very few board and train places that emphasizes practicing the dog's training out in the real world with field trips to local parks and metropolitan areas. We have noticed that these field trips help solidify the dog's training substantially and helps make the transition back to their owner much easier. Having the dogs stay a full three weeks allows us complete the dog's foundational training at our facility the first two weeks so we aren't exposing them to those real world distractions prematurely. Third, it helps us accommodate weather related delays. Since we do a significant amount of training outdoors and on our field trips, it allows us to schedule them on days that aren't rainy, snowy, or excessively hot and humid. This helps ensure that the dog is kept as safe as possible while also maximizing the number of people and dogs that will be out and about with us.
12. Will I get updates while my dog is at camp? Yes of course! Depending on the length of your dog's stay, we'll send you an update 1-2x per week to keep you updated on your dog's training so you know exactly what they are working on and how they are progressing.
13. Who will be working with my dog? Is Kristina the only trainer? In a board and train, Kristina will set up the program for your dog. We have skilled and qualified trainers who will also participate in the daily training. In private lessons, you may meet with either Kristina or one of our trainers, Kathy and Cassidy.
14. Will I get to see my dog during the Training Camp? Kristina will determine if owner participation is appropriate or helpful to the program during the weeks that your dog is here. In most cases, however, we find owner participation unnecessary during the initial rehabilitation and training process during camp. By bringing the owner in for private lessons after the initial training is completed, we can then 100% focus on coaching the owners to continue to maintain the training.
15. What is a day in the life at Indigo Dog Training look like? We only work with a small number of dogs to give every dog the attention they need, and maintain a relaxed environment. Dogs go out on long structured walks and our unique socialization/play time with our balanced pack (client’s dogs will not be in danger of interacting with dangerous dogs). Dogs go through several hours of hands-on training, alternating between active commands, duration work, and specific behavior modification. They will also receive plenty of rest, down time, and personal one-on-one attention. Your dog’s safety is our primary concern. We also pride ourselves in being one of the only dog training camps to proof the training in the real world with several field trips to DC, local parks, and other places throughout the area. Check out the YouTube playlist here of one dog's entire Training Camp Journey with individual daily progress videos.
Miscellaneous Questions
16. Can you help me decide on private lessons vs the training camp? What are the pros and cons of both? When trying to evaluate the best program for him, the key to success of dog training and behavior modification is repetition, consistency, and application! Deciding if he would benefit from private lessons or a board and train comes down to two main factors: Trooper's behavioral issues and/or the lifestyle and availability of your family.
The training camp is incredible for achieving outstanding obedience, behavior modification, and solid results with him in a short period of a few weeks. During your dog's stay I do a lot of the "heavy lifting" by working with your dog multiple times per day, teaching basic obedience, off-leash e-collar training, socialization with other dogs/people/animals, and behavior modification to help make those negative experiences into positive ones. He is challenged daily around distractions (like other dogs, public places, and new people) which is a huge part of the "real world success" of this program. This is what I do for a living, and your dog's behavior, obedience, and improvement is top priority everyday! When Trooper goes home, he will have his obedience training foundation and a new, calmer, tuned in, obedient, and more polite state of mind--as an owner, you just have to apply the training and follow through (they already know their stuff, you just keep up with it! I supply you with thorough after training protocols and am always available to you with any questions). Moderate to severe behavior modification cases are strictly board and train, which is definitely where I'm leaning towards with the information you provided me.
Private Lesson programs are an opportunity for you and your dog to learn together at the same time! In a sense YOU are really the dog trainer (not me), because once a week or every other week we work together for an hour, but you become the teacher at home. After our lessons you become the dog trainer as you teach, proof, and apply the things we've covered with your dog during the week. The success of your dog's training lies in your ability to practice training, setting boundaries, and following the rules I give you multiple times daily. Ultimately you have the opportunity to have a dog with precision behaviors and obedience (close to what they would achieve in a board and train at my facility) in a matter of 4-8 weeks as long as you put in the work! The more time and challenges you dedicate to your dog's training, the better your results will be! Remember, it's your effort that makes or breaks your dog's success. Because many people work full time jobs, long hours, and have very busy lifestyles that don't lend themselves to dog training two hours or so per day, the training camp becomes a great (and highly recommended) option. That said, if you're willing to put in the work and have the time, private lessons may be right for you!
The most important thing is that we match you with the program that best fit you and your family!
17. I am not local to the Washington, DC area. Can you still help me? Of course! We have had clients all the way up and down the East Coast travel to us to utilize our programs. We also offer Skype consultations around the world and private 3-5 day training seminars anywhere in the United States. Simply fill out our contact page with your information, and we will work with you to cater a program customized to you! Want to find a trainer that is local to you? We encourage you to check out the International Association of Canine Professionals at www.canineprofessionals.org for a directory of trainers close to you.
18. I can't afford your programs, but I'm in a bad situation with my dog - what can I do? We offer financing through the PayPal Bill Me Later program. If this is still not feasible, we have lots of free training videos and advice for you on our social media accounts. So be sure to stay "In The Know With Indigo" by liking our Facebook page, subscribing to our Youtube Channel, and following us on our Instagram page.
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