Policies & FAQs

Services
Payment
    • Payment plans are available upon request. (Discounts do not apply to payment plans.)
    • When requested, payment via check or cash is an option.
    • Returned checks are subject to a $35 bank fee. 
Illness Policy – BOTH humans and dogs
  • has had cold/flu symptoms in the 24 hours preceding our sessions;
  • were exposed to COVID-19 in the past 14 days
  • tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days
  • is experiencing symptoms

Please cancel and reschedule your session if your dog(s) or other pets:

  • has fleas or worms;
  • has been ill in the 24 hours preceding our sessions:
  • vomiting, diarrhea or not eating;
  • recovering from surgery such as spay/neuter;
  • diagnosed and/or taking medication for an illness such as ringworm, mange, Giardia, leptospirosis, kennel cough, Lyme disease, etc.; and/or
  • is under a bite quarantine.
  • For cold/flu: Reschedule sessions once everyone is fever-free and no longer experiencing symptoms.
  • For COVID-19: Please follow CDC guidelines and do not reschedule until after Day 11 post-exposure, you are fever-free and are no longer experiencing symptoms.
Vaccination Requirements
  • DHLP – Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis and Parvovirus
  • Rabies – required for all dogs 16 weeks or older
  • Bordatella – only required for in-person group sessions
  • Virtual-only clients are exempt from the DHLP requirements, but must still show proof of rabies vaccination.
Refund Policy
    • In the event that the trainer determines that a dog is not appropriate for in-person sessions, virtual sessions replace in-person sessions for the remainder of the purchased package.  
    • If and when the trainer terminates the service agreement, the client will receive a refund in an amount prorated for the unused portion of the package, program or course.
    • No refund if the client terminates the service agreement. Exceptions on a case by case basis.
    • No refund if the package, program or course expires with unused sessions remaining.
Cancellations

  • Please cancel your appointment at least 24 hours prior to your appointment. Use the scheduling program, text or email. Advanced notice of cancellation gives me the opportunity to fill the time slot with another learner.
  • If the client fails to give at least 24 hours cancellation notice or is not present at the time of a scheduled appointment, the session counts as one session and session fees are still due.
  • Cancellations due to inclement weather rescheduled without penalty.  
  • Crimson Hound reserves the right to cancel and reschedule any appointment when necessary.
Inclement Weather
Travel Fee
  • Within 30 miles of La Crosse: No Travel Fee (see red circle on map below)
  • 30 to 60 miles from La Crosse: $35 Travel Fee
  • More than 60 miles from La Crosse: Additional Travel Fees apply. Email training@crimsonhound.com for more information.

Travel Fee Policy Map
What does it mean to be CERTIFIED and why should I care?
  • Dog Trainers focus on basic manners, nuisance behaviors, dog sports and trick training.
  • Behavior Consultants specialize in addressing maladaptive behaviors such as fear, anxiety, and aggression, requiring several years of additional education.
  • Behaviorists hold a PhD in a behavior science field OR a Master’s degree and Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist certification through Animal Behavior Society.
  • Veterinary Behaviorists are veterinarians who have gone through at least two years of additional training in animal behavior and training.
Crimson Hound does NOT use “corrections” with aversive tools in response to so-called “bad” behaviors. Why not?
Does training method matter?
What training methods do you use?
Will rewards-based dog training work for my dog?
Are you insured?
Do you guarantee results?
What is the difference between Private In-Home Sessions and Safe At Home Day Training?
Private In-Home Sessions are expensive. Why shouldn’t I just take a group class instead?
How is Safe At Home Day Training different from Doggie Daycare, Dog School, Traditional Day Training and Board and Train?
Why doesn’t Crimson Hound offer single, pay-as-you-go sessions?
    • discuss your goals for your dog;
    • review his behavior history;
    • talk about why your dog is doing what he is doing;
    • develop a preliminary training plan; and
    • begin to work on the foundational skills that we will rely on as we continue to work with your dog.
Why choose private training sessions over group classes?

  • No travel required. All sessions take place in your home.  If you take group classes, remember to count your travel costs as part of your total cost.
  • Flexible scheduling. YOU select the days and times that will accommodate your busy lifestyle.
  • Completely customized. Your training plan is fully customized and paced to suit your specific needs and goals.
  • Your anxious, fearful dog remains in his safe space.  Virtual services have the added advantage of eliminating the stress of having a stranger enter your home.
  • Some behaviors only occur in the home. In these cases, group classes and board and train options are not effective. (e.g., guarding particular people, items or spaces, altercations between pets in the home, separation-related behaviors.)
  • Set your dog up for success. When I visit your home (in-person or virtually), I will help you set up a management system to keep your dog from practicing unwanted behaviors while working with you on a plan to modify those behaviors.
  • My time is yours. Your coaching session is all about you and your dog. You have my full and undivided attention for the entirety of your session.
  • Added bonuses. Every program comes with a custom homework plan after each session, relevant handouts and/or video tutorials and coaching support between sessions.
Do in-home consultations mean that you come to my house or do I go to you?
Can Crimson Hound help with Separation Anxiety?
How old should my dog be to start working with a trainer ?  
Is there an additonal fee to work with multiple dogs? 
Do you work with bite cases?
My dog is not food motivated and/or I don’t like using treats. Can we just use praise instead?
If I use food in training, won’t my dog only work for me if I have treats in my hand?
My dog is older OR My dog has been “peeing in the house / chewing / barking and lunging at people / etc. for a long time. Can she still be trained?
Why choose private training sessions over group classes?
  • No travel required. All sessions take place in your home.  If you take group classes, remember to count your travel costs as part of your total cost.
  • Flexible scheduling. YOU select the days and times that will accommodate your busy lifestyle.
  • Your anxious, fearful dog remains in his safe space.  Virtual services have the added advantage of eliminating the stress of having a stranger enter your home.
  • Some behaviors only occur in the home. When behavior issues only occur in your home, group classes and board and train options are not effective.
  • Set your dog up for success. When I visit your home (in-person or virtually), I will help you set up a management system to keep your dog from practicing unwanted behaviors while working with you on a plan to modify those behaviors.
  • Sessions are interactive. I will answer all of your questions. You will practice techniques with your dog and get instant feedback.
  • My time is yours. Your coaching session is all about you and your dog. You have my full and undivided attention for the entirety of your session.
What will my journey with Crimson Hound look like?

What happens during the Initial Assessment and Mediation Session?
I purchased a Private In-Home Training Package. Why is my initial assessment & mediation session virtual rather than in-person?
What equipment/supplies should I have for class?
  • Your dog(s)
  • Well-fitting harness or collar
  • 4-6 foot leash
  • High value treats such as cheese, hot dogs, chicken, etc.
  • Treat pouch (optional, but recommended)
  • Pen and notebook to take notes, keep track of questions and track progress
  • List of questions that you would like to ask
How can I get the most out of my training session?
  • Ask questions. If you have questions, write them down ahead of time so that you don’t forget to ask them during your session.
  • Take videos. If you have a specific behavior that you are going to be asking about, it is very helpful to capture it on video so I can observe the behavior.  You can email videos ahead of time or share them during class.
  • Followup. I will send you a follow up email that will include notes from our session, homework and may include relevant readings &/or video tutorials.
What happens between coaching sessions?
  • Homework.  Following your session, you will receive a training plan. Training plans include homework, as well as relevant readings &/or video tutorials.
  • Practice … Practice … Practice.  Behaviors do not just happen after one training session.  It takes LOTS of practice to train or modify a behavior.  Set aside time for several short training sessions each day.  Keep your sessions short (5-10 minutes) to keep your dog focused on and enjoying training.  
  • Set your dog up for success. End training sessions while your dog is still having fun so that she will want to come back for another training session.  If you or your dog is getting frustrated, take a short break and regroup.  
  • Remember …. baby steps.  In other words, take small steps when advancing behaviors.  If you take too big a step and your dog is unsuccessful, reel yourself back a bit.
  • Help your dog to generalize new behaviors. Regardless of how well he knows that ‘sit’ means to sit down in the living room, he may not understand that ‘sit’ means to sit down in the kitchen orin the yard.  Be patient and help your dog to transfer these behaviors to new locations.
  • Keep a training journal.  Even though, it feels like you are making little progress, you are moving forward. Keeping a daily training journal, let’s you look back and see just how far you have come. Additionally, you can write down questions that you want to ask during your next session.
Can I purchase additional sessions if needed?
Is virtual dog training effective?
What are the advantages of taking a virtual dog training class?
  • No travel necessary.  Too far away for in-home training? No training facility near you? No problem, I can still reach you via the internet.
  • Classes are interactive.  I will have my own dogs on hand to demonstrate cues and behaviors, then you get to practice those skills with your own dog.
  • Behaviors are often seen only in the home. If your dog is guarding his food bowl or suffering from separation-related behaviors, it is most beneficial to work with your dog in your home to modify these behaviors.
  • Your fearful/reactive dog feels safer at home. Fearful and reactive dogs often find meeting strange humans/dogs and entering new environments so stressful that they are unable to think and learn. Virtual training allows a trainer to work with you and your dog in his safe space.
What equipment do I need for a virtual class?
  • Internet Access.
  • Device with a Camera. You can access virtual dog training sessions from any computer, tablet or phone that has internet access and a camera.  
  • Tripod. In short, a tripod is very useful for stabilizing your phone or webcam. 
  • Zoom. Lastly, we will use Zoom for virtual training sessions.  Zoom is easy to use and is compatible with almost any device or operating system.  If you are unfamiliar with Zoom, please visit this page review the basics.
How do I prepare for class?
  • Training Space. Choose a quiet space with few distractions and little background noise/activity.  This will allow you and your dog to better concentrate on your training session.  
  • Choose a well-lit location.  Try to avoid having a window or bright lighting in the background as it makes it hard to see you.
  • Choose a location which provides enough floor space to allow you to practice with your dog during your session.
  • Camera Placement.  Position your camera so that both you and your dog are visible when you are working.
  • Make sure that you have a good internet signal.
  • Zoom uses up battery life quickly. Keep your device plugged in during your session.
  • Try out your equipment ahead of time to be sure that everything is functioning correctly for your training session.
How do I access the training session?
  • When you sign up for a virtual training session, you will receive an email that includes a link for joining your Zoom session.  
  • Click on the link a few minutes before your session is scheduled to start. Now your device should automatically download and open Zoom.  Depending on your device, you may need to click ‘Open’ or ‘Allow’ in order to proceed.  
  • You are placed in a virtual waiting room. And I will let you into the session as soon as class begins.  
What can I do to set my dog up for success?
  • Have treats and a leash nearby so that you don’t need to leave the session to go and get these items.
  • Be sure to take your dog out for a potty break before your session begins.
  • Have an enrichment activity to keep your dog entertained when you are not working with him (e.g., a snuffle mat, frozen kong or lickimat).  
  • It can also be helpful to have a crate or a way to tether your dog to allow you to take notes or watch demonstrations during your session.
  • If you have other animals that may distract your dog, keep them in a different area during your session.
  • Don’t feed your dog a full meal just prior to class.  If your dog is full, he won’t want treats.
  • Treats!  Make sure that you have LOTS of yummy treats handy.  Some dogs will work for their kibble in a low distraction environment.  Others need high value treats such as soft treats, cheese or hot dog.