What to Know Before Training With Us


Frequently Asked Questions

Where will my dog stay during training?

Your dog stays with me! Inside the comfort of my home, your dog is going to get training in a familiar setting of a warm and cozy home versus a facility with concrete walls. Your dog’s comfort and safety is my priority while they stay with me. When they are well behaved enough, they get to come on all the adventures with me and the canine caravan! 

How often will my dog get trained everyday?

I dedicate a minimum of 2 hours of training a day to your dog. It is broken up into 15-20 minute sessions throughout the day, multiple times a day. The amount of time spent training a dog is dependent on the dog themselves. Some can handle more training sessions than others!

What is your training style?

I use a balanced approach to give the dog a clear picture of what I’m asking for. I reward behaviors I like and I correct behaviors I don’t like. Think of it as being your dogs tour guide or life coach, giving guidance every step of the way to help them make better decisions in the future. I use e-collars, prong collars, martingales, slip leads, food, treats, crates, pet cots and treadmills in my training program.

Will I receive updates while my dog is with you?

Yes! I post daily or semi-daily to my Instagram (@nirvanak9) and send text message updates with pictures and videos. Your dog is a part of your family, I would be sad too if I didn’t get to see them at all for 3 whole weeks!

Will the prong collar or e-collar hurt my dog?

Absolutely not! The prong collar is actually one of the safest collar you can use on your dog, it takes pressure off of the dogs trachea and distributes it evenly around the dogs neck. I prefer to go slow with prong collars, teaching the dog leash pressure first before introducing this tool.
I teach the e-collar with low-level stim, similar to a TENS unit. This sensation feels more like a tingle than a hot sharp shock from a cheap collar. This type of low-level work is incredibly effective and gentle enough for any dog. 

Do you help dogs who have bitten before?

Yes, I have worked with plenty that have bitten dogs and humans before. I specialize in behavioral modification and rehabilitation to help families deal with their issues including reactivity, aggression, resource guarding, separation anxiety, and even human aggression. These established techniques prioritize educating you, the dog owners. I have a deep understanding of canine behavior, coupled with extensive experience. This enables me to adapt my approach as I work with each dog and their owner.

Why does training cost what it does?

Training isn’t just a few sessions — it’s a structured, hands-on process built around your dog’s specific needs, behavior, and long-term success.

For our board & train programs (starting at $3,500), your dog is living, training, and learning with us every day. This includes:

  • Multiple daily training sessions
  • Real-world exposure (not just controlled environments)
  • Behavior modification tailored to your dog
  • Structure, routine, and accountability
  • Daily care, cleaning, and husbandry
  • Transportation for training outings and field work
  • Ongoing communication and progress updates
  • Transition sessions so you know how to maintain results at home

Behind the scenes, there’s significant time invested in training, handling, cleaning, travel, and maintaining a consistent environment that sets your dog up for success.

For private lessons (starting at $800 for 3 sessions), you’re getting:

  • One-on-one coaching tailored to you and your dog
  • Clear, step-by-step guidance (no guesswork)
  • Real-time problem solving
  • Education so you can confidently handle your dog on your own

This also includes time spent preparing sessions, traveling, and ensuring each lesson is productive and specific to your goals. At the end of the day, you’re not just paying for a session or a stay — you’re investing in time, structure, experience, and a level of consistency that creates real, lasting change.