Puppy Questions

My vet says my puppy is too young to receive his/her Rabies Vaccine. Can he/she still attend classes?

Yes! For puppy class and puppy hikes, puppies just need to have started their puppy series vaccines. Puppies need to have had their first shot at least 7 days before their first class or hike!

For dogs over 6 months old a copy of the dog’s rabies certificate is needed for classes.

I’ve always been told to wait until my puppy has finished his/her puppy series vaccines before attending class or taking my puppy in public. Why do you allow puppies as young as 8 weeks to attend class?

We follow the AVSAB’s Position Statement on Puppy Socialization. According to research, the most important time for socialization is the first 3 months of life. Puppy series vaccines are not typically completed until 4 months old — but puppies aren’t unprotected during this time. They carry some natural immunity passed down from their mother, which fades gradually as they grow, and that’s part of why the vaccine series is given in stages instead of all at once. Proper socialization during this window can prevent life-long behavior problems, such as aggression, avoidance, and fear, and behavior problems are the number one cause of relinquishing a dog to shelters or rescues. As AVSAB puts it: “the combination of maternal immunity, primary vaccination, and appropriate care makes the risk of infection relatively small compared to the chance of death from a behavior problem.”

Does my puppy have to be enrolled in Puppy Class to attend Puppy Hikes?

Absolutely not! We realize people have preferences for certain dog trainers in the area, but not all of these trainers have socialization opportunities that we can provide. This is why Puppy Hike Registration is separate from Class Registration.

Wait…What’s a Puppy Hike?

Puppy Hikes are a socialization opportunity for puppies between the ages of 8 weeks – 5 months old. Find out more information here.

General Questions

What kind of collar or leash is required?

There are no requirements for the type of collar or harness you can use in class. However, for safety reasons, we do not allow puppies to wear choke/slip or prong collars. We do not allow shock collars or flexi/extension leashes to be used in class or in the parking lot.

If you choose to use a harness for your dog, we recommend using a front clip-style harness. Our favorite type of harness is the K9 Balance Harness.

Shock collars of any kind are not allowed!

What’s wrong with using a Flexi/Extension leash?

It can be difficult to control your dog using this type of leash. These leashes have been known to cause injury to unsuspecting bystanders, owners, and dogs using them. These leashes also teach your dog to pull on a leash, rather than teach your dog how to properly loose leash walk. There is a time and place for flexi/extension leashes, but in public around other people and dogs is not one of them.

What happens if I have to miss a class? Do you offer make-up classes?

Unfortunately, we cannot offer individual make-up classes. Please check out the Policies page for more information on this question.

What breeds do you train?

All of them! I work with dogs of every breed, size, and mix — from tiny Chihuahuas to giant Great Danes, and everything in between. Whether you have a high-energy Border Collie, a stubborn Basset Hound, a misunderstood Pit Bull, or a lovable mixed-breed rescue, every dog is welcome here.

I firmly believe that no breed is untrainable. Every dog — regardless of breed, age, or background — is capable of learning when given the right guidance, the right environment, and a trainer who takes the time to understand their individual needs.

If you have a breed that has been turned away elsewhere or told they “can’t be trained,” I encourage you to reach out. Every dog deserves a chance.

Do you offer payment plans?

At this time, payment in full is required at the time of booking. We accept multiple forms of payment to make the process as convenient as possible.

If cost is a concern, we do offer a variety of service options at different price points — from group classes to individual sessions — so you can choose the option that best fits both your budget and your dog’s needs. We are happy to help you find the right fit!

Have questions about pricing or services? Feel free to get in touch.

Private Lessons

Do you offer Board-and-Train Programs?

Unfortunately, I do not offer a Board and Train program. I hold myself to a very high standard of care and I would be unable to provide that standard of care for dogs being housed for any length of time at this time. I also believe it is important for owners to be involved in their dog’s training process. Your dog needs to develop a working relationship with you, not a dog trainer. For dogs that may not do well in a group class I highly recommend Private Training Lessons.

When do you offer Private Lessons?

I offer Private Lessons on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11:00am – 3:00pm and Saturday afternoons from Noon – 3:00pm. Please let me know if these times do not work for you. There are other times that are available, but not on my publicly available calendar.

Why do you recommend 30-Minute Private Lessons?

This is my recommendation because many dogs can only pay attention for short amounts of time. There are very few times I recommend doing 60-minute Private Lessons.

I purchased a package. How often should I schedule lessons?

My recommendation is to book one lesson per week. I typically give homework for you to work on at home. At the next lesson we build on what you practised. If lessons are booked too close together, you will not have enough time to work on your homework.

I also recommend booking all of your appointments for your package at once, if possible. That way you get the times you want, and you will not forget to book your lessons.

How long until my training package expires?

Your dog will do best when you can build on each lesson consistently, but life happens, so you have one year from the day you buy a package to use your lessons. I still recommend booking your lessons as soon as you buy the package, so you can keep to a steady schedule.

Recommendations

Pet owners have asked for recommendations on a variety of products, people, and things in the area. This is not an exhaustive list of people, places, or things that we recommend, but these are items that are often recommended in classes or in conversation. Endless Pawsabilities, LLC is not responsible for any outcomes from using these services or products! 

Supplies

While some of these products might seem expensive, they generally last a very long time or actually work! It is our opinion that it is better to spend a little more money on products that actually work or last a long time.

• Martingale Collars – Also called Limited Slip collars. These are great for all breeds of dogs. It keeps dogs from being able to “slip” out of their collars.
• K9 Balance Harness – This is my absolute favorite harness! It adjusts on all straps, which makes fitting it on odd-shaped bodies so much easier. I also love the chest attachment, which makes teaching loose leash walking easier. The 1/2″ – 3/4″ webbing makes the harness much cooler in hot weather, plus it keeps matting down in long hair dogs.
• ThunderEase (similar to Adaptil) – The products come in several varieties, such as a diffuser, travel spray, or collar. This dog appeasing pheromone helps ease anxiety. Please follow the directions carefully!
  • There is a Cat version too! It’s called Feliway. We recommend using it in the same room as the litterbox or using the spray or wipes in the carrier prior to transporting the cat to the veterinarian.
• Zylkene for Small Dogs – This is a supplement for dogs that helps with anxiety.
• Zylkene for Large Dogs – This is a supplement for dogs that helps with anxiety.
• Pet Geek – Remote Treat Dispenser
• Best Shot Shampoo System – Affordable, professional Shampoo & Conditioning system for all hair coats.
• Slicker Brush – High quality and comfortable brush for several breeds of dogs. This type of brush needs to be comfortable for your dog. Please invest in a good, safe brush for your dog. Colleen has had one of these brushes since 2012.
• Pin Brush – High quality and comfortable brush for several breeds of dogs. This type of brush needs to be comfortable for your dog and is great for long-haired dogs when used in combination with other brushes. Colleen has had one of these brushes since 2012.
• Uradicator – Urine Odor & Stain Remover. This product is great for cleaning up diarrhea and vomit as well. Colleen has used this product since 2021 and will use nothing else! While it can be a bit pricier than other products, it is absolutely fabulous and actually works.
• Paw Prosper – Is your one-stop shop for everything from Canine Fitness gear, Help-Em Up Harnesses, K9 Wheelchairs, accessories for Blind Dogs, to Sleepy Pod restraint system for cars! 

Veterinarians

These are some local veterinary clinics. This is not an exhaustive list of clinics, nor do we endorse one over the other! 

• The Cross Lanes Veterinary Hospital – Cross Lanes, WV
• Valley West Veterinary Hospital – Charleston, WV
• Hurricane Animal Hospital -Hurricane, WV
• Healing Paws Veterinary Center – Hurricane, WV
• 4Paws Veterinary Associates – Wayne, WV
• Proctorville Animal Clinic – Proctorville, OH
• Rock Lake Veterinary Care – South Charleston, WV
• Ayers Animal Hospital – Huntington, WV