Frequently Asked Questions
Dog training is a big, complicated industry, and it often feels like it gets more complex every day. In this world of marketing and social media, it can sometimes feel like trainers are intentionally trying to deceive you. As the owner of Venus and Mars K9, this reality is always at the forefront of my mind.
It is extremely important to me to be as clear and forthcoming as possible with clients about how dog training works, as well as how my services are structured.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to ask any questions!
Where are you located?
Venus and Mars K9’s home base is in the Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago. We travel all over the city and (depending on availability) sometimes the suburbs.
What can you guarantee about training with Venus and Mars K9?
You are guaranteed an assessment of your dog and your goals based on the trainer’s 10+ years of professional training experience, as well as a training plan (including short-term and long-term checkpoints), customized homework exercises, and other specific behavior-related training and lifestyle recommendations.
Can you guarantee my dog's behavior will be “fixed”?
Behavior change can never be 100% guaranteed in any sentient being.
How long will it take to reach my goals?
This depends on many factors: the type of training goals, the severity of existing learned behavior/habits, the temperament of the dog, the environment in which you live and train, the learning of the owner, the handling of the dog by the owner, and the time dedicated to homework exercises.
Some problem behaviors can be “solved” the first time we meet one another. Other projects are more long-term. And sometimes goals are adjusted to better suit the dog, owner, and their lifestyle.
A more specific timeline can usually be parsed out by Cori in 1-3 sessions.
How much time will I have to dedicate to training?
This also depends on the above factors, but (aside from sport/trick training) the goal is always to integrate homework into “real life” as soon as possible, so it does not feel like you have to set aside a lot of special time just for training.
Do you work with all breeds, including rescues?
Yes, from pit bulls to doodles and everything in between, all breeds from all backgrounds are welcome.
Do you work with dogs who have anxiety, trauma, fear, etc.?
Yes, confidence building and rehabilitation from fear (of all degrees of seriousness) is a common theme in V&MK9 training programs.
Do you work with leash reactivity and leash aggression?
Yes – in fact, this is the most popular goal of private lessons. And most of my group class regular attendees are “recovered” or “recovering” reactivity cases.
Do you work with dogs who are aggressive, protective, or have "stranger danger?"
Yes. For dogs who are potentially aggressive towards humans, we will discuss safety measures on the phone before meeting in person.
Are you a purely positive/force free or balanced trainer? Or are you a rewards-based or mixed method trainer?
Despite their popularity, these terms mean different things to different people. You will meet many trainers who use any of these labels and operate completely, wildly differently from one another, thus causing the labels to be suggestive of ideology but ultimately meaningless and useless. To avoid confusion, I do not use any of these labels.
Can you summarize your training philosophy?
My primary focus is on enhancing relationship and quality of life through clear communication and a variety of other training techniques. Minimizing stress and maximizing practicality for the human and the animal are imperative to me.
In sport and trick training, I prioritize high-level, clean mechanics, as well as creativity and keeping training fun.
Do you require all dogs to use a certain tool in training–for example, every dog wears a harness, or every dog wears a prong collar?
No, every training plan is customized to the individual dog and owner. You can read my article about the woes of “cookie cutter dog training” here.
Do you require owners to sign up for packages or programs, or do you offer individual behavior consultations/obedience lessons?
You will never be pressured to sign up for a package or program here. While I will always be honest regarding whether a more frequent training schedule would be better for your dog's success, I proudly work with people's budgets and find solutions for scheduling individual sessions.
Do you use positive reinforcement, food, play, and praise as rewards in training?
Yes! For every dog, we will assess what motivators can be utilized by the handler to most effectively encourage desired behavior.
Do you teach owners how to stop using food in training for real life skills/basic manners?
Yes, techniques to "fade off of food" are immediately incorporated into training to maximize practicality.
Do you use corrections and punishment in your training?
I teach owners to physically/mechanically interrupt and deter dangerous or unwanted behaviors when a punishment-based technique is going to be the safest, most effective, and least-dramatic way to encourage healthy, cooperative behavior.
For any training technique–be it reinforcement-based, punishment-based, or something else–I am always assessing if the dogs (and owners!) are emotionally well, healthy, and being supported by the training.
How do I know my dog will be safe with you if I send them on a training adventure?
Safety is my #1 top priority. I have over ten years of professional dog training experience, including managing dog training kennels and professionally hiking dogs in the Pacific Northwest woods. I provide safety gear such as back-up clips and may require that you adjust your dog's gear if it does not fit properly. Additionally, Venus and Mars K9 is licensed and insured.
Where can I see pictures and videos of your clients' success?
I have videos and pictures scattered all around the internet, but I currently most frequently update instagram. You can also read testimonials here, by viewing my Google Business profile, or on my (new!) on Yelp.
Have you worked with clients who have physical disabilities?
Yes, I am experienced with keeping an open dialogue with my clients about any accommodations, adjustments, breaks etc. needed during our sessions and for homework assignments.
Have you worked with clients who are neurodivergent, dealing with trauma, anxious, etc.?
While I am not a therapist and our dog training sessions should never be a substitute for therapy, I consider myself particularly well-versed in coaching clients who need space to process difficult feelings during our sessions. We have an emotional connection with our dogs, and so training can bring up a lot of emotions. Furthermore, everyone has a different learning style, and I will always do my best to match my instruction to the kind of communication and coaching best suited to my individual students.
Do you have any sliding scale options?
For those in need, I accept sliding scale (pay what you can) for virtual private lessons as well as my outdoor group class Teamwork on the Town.
Gotham City Dawg Sports is an affiliated Chicago community training club that also accepts sliding scale payment.
Do you have any free training resources?
Yes, click here.