Quick Answer
A consultation is an audition — for both of you. Walk in prepared and you'll know within 20 minutes whether this trainer is worth your time and money.
Walk In Prepared — Not Hopeful
A consultation is an audition — for both of you. You’re evaluating the trainer at the same time they’re evaluating your dog. Most people walk in hoping to make a good impression. The better move is to walk in with questions that force the trainer to be specific.
1. “What’s your training methodology, and can you walk me through the specific sequence for a dog like mine?”
You’re looking for a specific, explainable process — not a philosophy statement. “We use positive methods” is not a methodology. “We use the e-collar as a communication cue from day one, build check-in behavior, then move to distraction work in controlled environments” — that’s a methodology.
What the answer tells you: Whether the trainer thinks systematically, or improvises and calls it custom training.
2. “What experience do you have with my dog’s specific issue?”
Basic obedience and aggression are different disciplines. Ask for specific examples. A trainer with only group class experience should not be your first call for a dog with a bite history.
What the answer tells you: Whether this trainer has actually solved the problem you have.
3. “What happens after the program ends?”
Look for what’s on the other side: structured group classes, ongoing access to the training team, a plan for maintaining the skills the dog has built. “Call us if you need anything” is not ongoing support.
What the answer tells you: Whether the trainer is invested in your long-term outcome or just the initial program sale.
4. “Who else in my household needs to be involved in training?”
The right answer is: everyone who handles the dog. Programs that only train one person produce dogs that only listen to one person.
5. “Do you evaluate my dog before accepting them into the program?”
A trainer who accepts every dog without screening is not giving you a professional opinion. You want to know the program is right for your dog — and if it isn’t, that the trainer will tell you so.
6. “What results can I realistically expect, and in what timeframe?”
Ask for specific ranges, not generalities. “Every dog is different” is true but useless. “For a dog with this level of leash reactivity, we typically see meaningful improvement in 8–12 weeks” — that’s information you can use.
7. “Can I meet the person who will actually be working with my dog?”
Some facilities have a lead trainer who does consultations but junior staff who do the daily work. Know who will be handling your dog day-to-day — their credentials and experience.
8. “What equipment is involved, and will I receive instruction in using it?”
Any tool used in your dog’s training should be explained before you agree to the program. You should know what it is, how it works, why it’s being used, and whether you’ll receive hands-on instruction. Equipment handed to you with a quick tutorial is equipment that won’t be used correctly.
9. “What does the program cost, and what is — and isn’t — included?”
Get the full picture upfront. Does the price include equipment? Group classes? Owner coaching sessions? Follow-up support? Surprises in pricing after you’ve started are a red flag.
10. “Is there anything about my dog’s situation that makes you hesitant to take them on?”
This is the question most people don’t ask. A trainer who has reservations but doesn’t voice them is not serving you. The answer to this question tells you more about the trainer’s integrity than almost anything else.
Bring This List to Our Consultation
We welcome every one of these questions. If our answers don’t satisfy you, we’ll tell you that too. The goal isn’t to close every consultation — it’s to take on the dogs we can genuinely help.
Book your free evaluation or call (914) 687-5532 | sitmeanssitctny.com
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should I ask at a dog training consultation?
Ask about the specific methodology for your dog's issue, experience with your exact problem, what happens after the program ends, whether training includes your whole household, whether they evaluate your dog before accepting them, realistic timeline expectations, who will actually work with your dog, what equipment is involved, full pricing, and whether anything about your situation gives them pause.
How long should a dog training consultation take?
Industry standard is 15–20 minutes. Our consultations are 45 minutes — because we actually want to understand what we're working with before we commit to a program. If a consultation feels rushed, that's a data point.
Should I bring my dog to the training consultation?
Yes, when possible. Seeing the dog in person allows a professional trainer to give you a much more specific assessment than a phone conversation. It also lets you observe how the trainer interacts with your dog — which tells you a lot.