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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - GENERAL

WHAT ARE YOUR FEES?

Our fees for group training are displayed when you select 'book' above.

 

Our fees for private consults vary depending on your location and the kind of support required. To enquire regarding fees, please contact us on the "Contact" page.

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However, we note that we strive to remain as affordable as possible. You will notice that we charge less for private consults than many other professional dog trainers - not because we are less qualified (we are usually much more qualified!), but because we want people experiencing aggression and reactivity to be able to receive the support they need.

WHAT ARE YOUR QUALIFICATIONS?

Thanks for asking! The dog training industry is unregulated, but you can be assured that we are highly qualified.

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Visit each of our team members'"About" page to see a list of their current qualifications, experience, and continuing education.

WHAT METHODS DO YOU USE?

We use only the most up-to-date, force free training methods. Force free training, also known as positive reinforcement training, is a humane and science-based approach to dog training which focuses on encouraging desired behaviours without resort to force, fear, or punishment.

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Your dog's mental health and wellbeing are always front of mind. This means that we will never recommend or use the following strategies:

  • yelling or growling at your dog to frighten them into compliance, including use of 'no' or 'uh uh' to 'correct' undesirable behaviour;

  • yanking your dog by the lead or physically moving them into position;

  • using harsh tools such as slip leads, check chains, prong collars or e-collars; or

  • forcing your dog into a situation that makes them uncomfortable or from which they cannot escape.

WHAT AREAS DO YOU SERVICE?

Thrive Canine services the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Generally, we service 'the Lilyale line', from Richmond to Lilydale and surrounding suburbs.

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If you do not live in our service area, please contact us anyway and we can recommend one of our trusted local colleagues to assist you.

HOW SOON CAN I BOOK A PRIVATE CONSULT?

Our services are in demand, and from time to time we are required to close our books to prioritise our current clients.

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When our books are open, wait times can range from 4 to 8 weeks in length. However, if you are experiencing an emergency (i.e. intrahousehold aggression, owner-directed aggression, or aggression towards a child) please contact us and we will do our best to fit you in urgently.

WHAT EQUIPMENT SHOULD I BRING TO TRAINING?

The following equipment is permitted:

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  • Y-shaped harness (such as Blue-9, Ruffwear, Perfect Fit, and Dog Copenhagen)

  • Material or biothane lead (including long leads)

  • Treat pouch filled with treats that are high value to your dog

  • Tug toy (please no balls or squeaky toys)

  • Clicker or happy voice

  • Muzzle

 

Flat collars are permitted in puppy school while your dog is still growing, or if your dog finds harnesses aversive. Harnesses are by far our equipment of choice as when the dog pulls, they place pressure on the dog's torso and not the dog's neck.

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Please note that force free training, when properly executed, does not rely on any equipment at all.  Equipment such as leads and muzzles are a seat belt, not a steering wheel (i.e. they're used for safety, not as a means to cause behaviour to occur or not occur).

WHAT EQUIPMENT AND TECHNIQUES ARE NOT PERMITTED?

WHAT ONGOING SUPPORT WILL I RECEIVE?

WHAT IS YOUR REFUND POLICY?

I HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION!

The following are prohibited:

  • Slip leads

  • Check chains, half-checks and obedience collars

  • Prong collars

  • E-collars, including vibration collars, electric collars, and invisible fence collars

  • Citronella collars

  • Head halters / "haltis"

  • Chain leads

  • Yelling at, growling at, or otherwise using verbal corrections on your dog

  • Yanking at or hitting your dog

  • Any tool which causes your dog discomfort, pain, or fear. This may include equipment listed in the "permitted" section above, if your dog has had a negative experience with that equipment in the past.

During our sessions, you will have our full attention.

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In between our sessions (including group classes), all clients receive ongoing support for simple queries at no extra cost. Not sure about something? Send us a message or, better yet, film what you're doing or seeing and send it through.

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However, if your query requires material consideration or practical assistance, we will ask you to book in for another session.

We provide refunds only in accordance with the Australian Consumer Law. That means there are no refunds if you change your mind after you enrol in a class or book an appointment with us, and no refunds if you are unable to attend part or all of the course due to illness or a scheduling clash. Please carefully consider whether we are the right fit for you before enrolling or making an appointment.

Please contact us as we would be happy to assist you.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - PUPPY CLASSES

DO YOU OFFER PLAYTIME IN YOUR PUPPY CLASSES?

We may facilitate playtime in our puppy classes, if the puppies who attend the class are of a suitable temperament and have matching play styles. All play is one-on-one: we do not allow 'five puppy pile-on'.

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Playtime can have the opposite of the intended effect if a puppy is made to feal fearful or overwhelmed. Puppies are very impressionable, and negative social experiences at the puppy school age can result in reactivity or aggression later in life. 'Socialisation' is a misunderstood concept and does not mean puppies need to directly interact with other dogs and humans - exposing your dog to other puppies in class at a distance where they feel safe is great socialisation.

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Please see this video for an explanation and example of our puppy playtime.

WILL I RECEIVE WRITTEN MATERIALS?

Yes. After enrolment, you will receive a digital welcome pack which includes some written materials and an online lesson. After each class, you will also receive an email with written resources which summarise new content covered during that lesson. Materials are provided even if you are unable to attend class due to illness or a scheduling clash.

I HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION!

Please contact us as we would be happy to assist you.

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