Frequently Asked Questions

3760 Sycamore Dairy Rd. Fayetteville NC 28303

 Your dog must be current on;

DHPP (DHPP, DHLPP, DA2PP-L, DA2PP-C)

Rabies (dogs over 5mo old)

Bordetella 

* Your dog must be flea/tick free and on a treatment to enter our facility as well as participate in any of our training programs.

 At Praeceptor K9, we understand that clear communication is key — not just for people, but for dogs too. That’s why we offer training services in English, Spanish, French, Dutch, German, and select other languages upon request.

If you would like your dog trained using commands in a specific language, please let us know in advance. This allows us to prepare appropriately for your consultation and tailor your training lessons to meet your needs.

We’re proud to offer customized, accessible training for dogs and their families — no matter the language.

 While many trainers offer “free consultations” as a way to upsell you into a program, we use this time to assess your dog, your goals, and your situation with honesty and expertise. You’re not getting a script — you’re getting our experience, our time, and our full attention.

• A hands-on, behavioral assessment of your dog
   
• A clear breakdown of what’s working, what’s not, and why
   
• A professional recommendation tailored to your goals — not a one-size-fits-all pitch
   
• The start of a real plan, not a generic sales funnel
   
• Our time and commitment — even if you choose not to train with us
   

We take what we do seriously — and that starts with valuing our time and yours.
 

Plus, if you move forward with training, the consultation fee is often applied toward your program.

We do not label ourselves as positive, balanced, or any other commercialized name that trainers often identify as. To us this is a marketing scheme and not an accurate representation of how we operate. Our method fundamentally starts with observing the dog in front of us, because each dog and their needs are unique. What might work for one dog may not work for another and there is no cookie cutter approach to dog training.

Just because we have slip collars, prong collars, and e-collars in our toolbox does NOT mean that we will use them on your dog. Our goal is to use whatever training tool helps us effectively communicate with your dog whether that be food/toys or slip/prong collar, you dog will show us what they need we do not decide for them. 

 🐾 Our Commitment to Safety

At Praeceptor K9, we believe that safety is not negotiable—it is the foundation of ethical, effective, and humane dog training. These protocols guide every session, interaction, and decision we make to ensure a safe environment for both dogs and humans.

🔒 1. Intake & Behavior Assessment

• All new clients complete a detailed behavior intake form, including medical history, bite incidents, reactivity, and fear triggers.
• Initial evaluation is conducted in a controlled, low-stimulation environment by a trainer.
• Dogs exhibiting aggression, high arousal, or fear behaviors are entered into custom behavior plans with management protocols in place.

🧰 2. Training Tools & Handling

• We use only humane, consent-based, and evidence-informed tools.
• All handlers are trained in low-stress handling and canine body language recognition.
• Muzzle training is implemented with positive reinforcement for dogs with bite risk.

🏠 3. Facility Safety

• All training areas have double-gated entry/exit points to prevent escapes.
• Clean, non-slip flooring and sanitized equipment are maintained daily.
• All dogs are required to be up to date on vaccinations and parasite prevention.

🧑‍⚕️ 4. Health & Emergency Preparedness

• Staff is certified in canine first aid and CPR (ProPetHero or equivalent).
• First aid kits are stocked, checked weekly, and easily accessible in every training space and vehicle.
• Emergency contacts for each dog (vet, owner, secondary contact) are kept on file.
• In the event of illness, injury, or significant behavior change, owners are notified immediately and action is documented.

🧠 5. Behavioral Monitoring

• Dogs are never pushed beyond threshold; we train at the dog’s pace.
• Escalating behaviors (growling, freezing, lunging) are logged and reviewed by the head trainer within 24 hours.
• Progress and behavior are tracked in each dog's file, and all trainers involved in the case are updated weekly.
• Sessions involving high-risk dogs include at least two handlers for safety.

👥 6. Client Communication & Consent

• Informed consent is obtained before any behavioral modification involving stress, triggers, or risk.
• Clients can observe training sessions or request recordings.
• We maintain open, judgment-free communication regarding owner concerns, setbacks, or confusion.

🛑 7. Dog Interactions & Socialization

• Dogs are not allowed to freely interact with each other unless part of a controlled socialization plan.
• All social sessions are pre-screened and supervised 100% of the time by trained staff.
• No dog is forced into play or interaction; stress

  We are familiar with compulsion training, but its not one of our methods. Training is far more advanced than using those outdated techniques. They are simply not effective when working with pets and unnecessary.

Some of our Behavioral Techniques 

• Desensitization
• Cooperative Care for Vet visits and groomer handling
• Counter Conditioning 
• Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT)
• Constructional Aggression Treatment
• LAT (Look at That) Protocol
• Relaxation Protocol - by Dr. Karen Overall
• TBTE Protcols - Marc and Stephanie McCabe
• Confidence Boosting through agility activites and body mechanic exercises
• Habituation with the Reticular Activating System (Mediation of Behavior)
• Coping Mechanisms and Stress Management to reduce Amygdala Hijacks (fight/flight response)

   We welcome and appreciate when parents send their teenagers to participate in a consultation — they often provide valuable insight into the dog's behavior and help us better understand your training goals.

However, please note that any individual under the age of 18 cannot legally sign a service contract or make payment arrangements. A parent or legal guardian must be present to review and sign the contract and to complete the payment process.

To ensure a smooth experience, we kindly ask that an adult plan to attend the consultation if booking services may be discussed.

Thank you for your understanding and support in helping us deliver professional and compliant service.

    At Praeceptor K9, we don’t limit who we work with. Big or small, purebred or rescue, power breed or pocket pup — we train dogs, not labels.

Our team is experienced and equipped to handle reactivity, aggression, fear, and high-drive behavior across all breeds and sizes. If your dog has an issue, we have a plan.

No excuses. No stereotypes. Just real training that gets results.