Many times,we get very similar questions from our clients. Here is a list of some of them:

How much experience does Rick have training dogs?

Rick Klassen is a Certified Master Dog Trainer, and has been training dogs since 1977. He has trained thousands of dogs in the areas of obedience (all levels), tracking, various forms of detection, guard, personal protection, as well as service dogs. More information on Rick can be found on the Biographies page.

How is Black Forest different from other dog trainers?

Black Forest does not use "treat" or "clicker" training. Rather, the focus is acheiving respect between master and dog, positive reinforcement and consistency. The owner undergoes as much training as the dog, and therefore understands his/her dog much better.

My dog seems pretty happy, why should I train him/her?

While your dog may seem very happy, a dog that has no training could be much
happier. Most dog breeds were created for a specific purpose. If you help
your dog realize his or her purpose through proper training, they will be more
confident and happy. Also, many people misunderstand dog behavior and mistake anxiety for happiness. Training takes away most or the anxiety dogs feel.

How can a "paper" lesson help me with a huge problem like chewing or housebreaking?

The on-line lessons are as close as is possible to what you would hear from Rick if he were in your own living room. The first step in tackling any problem is understanding the cause of the behavior. Each lesson will tell you not only why the dog is doing what he or she is doing, the lessons also give you step by step instructions to correct your dog's behavior. Remember, YOU will be training your dog, Black Forest shows you how to do it.

Aren't "choke chains", prong collars, and shock collars abusive to dogs?

NO, when used properly and for the right reasons. The muscularity of a dog's neck is similar to a human's thigh. The purpose of training collars (choke chains), prong or pinch collars, and shock collars is to correct behavior and get the dog's attention. When used properly, these devices are tools that are beneficial. We explain these collars and their uses in Training Fundamentals to help you decide which collar is appropriate for your dog.

I am a very busy person, so I can't spend hours and hours working with my
dog. How long will this training take?

Most of the techniques you will learn will become habit, and require only a change in how you interact with your dog. The actual training should not occupy any more time than you spend with your dog right now. Instead of just playing with your dog, trying to exhaust them at a dog park, or chasing your dog around because of misbehavior, you will be training him or her and he or she will be working. It is recommended that when you start working your dog, the sessions be kept brief (10-15 minutes), although you may train as many as six times a day. The key is consistency, not length.

Sometimes when I am working my dog according to the lessons, my dog starts
panting very heavily. Is this normal?

When you are training your dog, it can be strenuous, but in a good way. It's like getting your dream job but starting full time. Although you would be very happy, you would also be tired. You are training your dog to listen, interpret, and execute the commands you are giving. This can be tiring for a dog that has not had to work in the past. If you work the
dog to a point where his or her attention span is slipping due to fatigue, that is a good time to take a break (for both of you). Eventually, you will notice you can work your dog longer and longer before this fatigue sets in. Keep in mind the weather when you work your dog. Heat exhaustion can set in quickly in the summer months.