Just the FAQs
We've got answers!
Do you offer any guarantees?
With lessons we guarantee that if you are not happy after your initial lesson, we will refund you 100%, no questions asked. We do not however guarantee results with our lesson programs. It is impossible to guarantee something we have no control over. Our lessons are structured to give you the tools and know how, to go home and train your dog on your own, we cannot guarantee customers go home and follow through etc.
With our board and train program, we guarantee that by the end of your dog’s stay, they will be reliable and obedient in all commands we advertise on your website. On top of that guarantee, we offer FREE training refreshers for LIFE! This means that at any time, if you feel “Fido” is not following commands as well has he/she did upon completion of training, contact us and we will do a training refresher with you for FREE.
Will my dog benefit from this training?
Your dog will benefit tremendously! Most behavior problems (biting, chewing, jumping, etc) are based off of a lack of exercise, discipline, and out of boredom! With this training, your dog is receiving top-quality obedience training, which in turn, allows you to give your dog freedom to run around OFF-LEASH and play! So by doing this training your dog is not bored because it is learning and being stimulated, it is running freely off-leash so it is getting exercise, and it is getting obedience/discipline! Not only does all of this greatly benefit your dog, but it also benefits you and your family!
Remember, if you do not employ your dog and give it a job to do (training), it will become self-employed. A self-employed dog will cost YOU money!
What is an e-collar and how does it work?
An “e-collar” is basically a collar with a stimulation mechanism. It is similar to receiving E-Stim therapy at your local chiropractor. The collar is controlled by a remote that the handler holds. The remote allows you to maintain full control of your dog for up to 400 yards! Therefore, it gives your dog a lot of freedom and it saves you from worrying about your dog running off! It is not used as a punishment or a “shock” as many people assume, it is simply used as a training device for communicating with your dog. It produces a subtle electrical pulse between two contact points located on the collar. Similar to a “tickle.” In the old days this type of collar was used as “shock collar” and many inexperienced dog owners tried to use this device to scare their dog into submission. In the proven training method we teach, your dog is never “shocked into submission” or abused. Unlike a shocking device, the e-collar is used to get the dog’s attention and keep it focused on listening to the handler. It is the equivalents of someone tapping your shoulder to get your attention, or setting your phone on vibrate so it will get your attention when someone is calling you. We teach the dog to listen to those “taps” and that the “taps” mean, “I am trying to get your attention.”
There is a reason that the top law enforcement agencies, military, and top federal agencies: patrol, detection, and search and rescue dogs are trained using e-collars!
Will the e-collar hurt my dog?
No. During our first meeting we will put the e-collar on your arm and you will feel how mild the stimulation is. We will also stimulate ourselves with the e-collar to show you that it will not hurt your dog. One common misconception is the e-collar will burn their skin. This is false. Other people think that it is like being shocked with a taser, this is also false. We are dog trainers because we LOVE dogs and we would never do anything to harm them in any way! Furthermore, we would never do anything to a dog, that we will not do ourselves.
Will my dog always have to wear the e-collar?
Training a dog is similar to how we humans develop habits: it requires consistent repetition over time. During your dog’s training with OLK9, we emphasize the importance of regularly practicing our training methods and properly using the training tools. With time and consistency, your dog will start to follow commands out of habit, making the behavior automatic.
The ultimate goal is to gradually reduce your dog’s dependence on the collar at home and in familiar environments with routine distractions. However, we always recommend using the remote collar when you take your dog into new or unpredictable situations outside of its regular routine and home environment. Think of the remote collar as an insurance policy: it’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it. By combining the collar with our specialized training, you ensure that your dog remains safe and responsive, no matter where you are.
Will my dog hate wearing the e-collar?
No! Almost everyone is VERY surprised that they receive quite the OPPOSITE reaction from their dog. When you turn an e-collar on, it beeps. In a very short time, your dog will recognize this “beep” as their collar being turned on. Almost every dog upon hearing this beep, will coming running and sit down in front of you and wait for you to put it on them. Why? Because the dog knows the e-collar means that they are going outside (to run, play ball, be free, etc) AND they know they are going to do training! A bored dog is a destructive dog; a trained/exercised dog is a HAPPY dog. They look forward to their training sessions because it stimulates them and gives them something to do. Imagine being at work on a slow day, the day drags and you feel sluggish. When you are busy, it goes by fast and you are energized! Now imagine a dog with no friends, no Facebook, no television, and no internet. Their only REAL stimulation is the training you give them and their time outside to run, play, and bond with you!
Where do we conduct these private sessions?
Contact your local OLK9 Certified Trainer for the location of their training.
Generally, we do not like to train dogs inside the house! Why? It is easy for dogs to listen when they are in their own home. It is a familiar environment. If your pet trains in an unfamiliar environment, with countless distractions, they will listen to your commands anywhere.
How much time per day do I need to train my dog?
The great thing about this training is that you don’t have to set a specific amount of time aside per day in order to train your dog! We will teach you how to incorporate this training into your daily routine.
How long will this training take?
Our private lessons are 60 minutes long and are carefully structured to consist of one lesson per week for 4 or 8 weeks – depending on the package purchased.
Our board and train programs are 7 and 14 days long.
At what age can we start e-collar training?
Generally, we do not start e-collar training on a dog until it is at least 5 months old.
What if I have a puppy that is not 5 months old?
Not a problem! We can still train your pup using the clicker/treat method! This will give your new pup a good foundation for basic obedience! Additionally, We can teach you how to house train your puppy. He/she will learn how to let you know they need to go. So they don’t continue having accidents in the house. Please keep in mind that our popular Board and Train programs are booked 2-3 month in advance, all year around. So calling to book while your pup is under 5 months is a good idea. This ensures you get a drop off date as soon as your pup is old enough.
What if I have a small dog?
That is fine! E-Collar training works on a dog of ANY SIZE, ANY SHAPE, and ANY AGE (above 5 months).
We even have a YouTube playlist dedicated to small breed transformations. Check it out!
How much do you pay for a dog trainer?
It really comes down to the format that fits your dog and your schedule. On our site, you’ll see options like private lessons, in home training, positive reinforcement lessons, and several board and train programs, including plans built for reactivity and more intensive behavior cases. If you tell us what you’re dealing with and what “success” looks like in your home, we can point you to the right starting point during a free phone consult.
Who is the famous dog trainer in California?
There isn’t one single “famous” trainer that everyone agrees on. What you can do is focus on results and a clear system. Off Leash K9 Training of Murrieta’s team highlights board and train with “some of the best dog trainers in Southern California,” and they also have a “Celebrity Clientele” page.
If you want to see if it’s a fit for your dog, the easiest next step is a free consultation call.
What is the 3 second rule for dogs?
Most people mean this: dogs learn fastest when feedback is immediate. That lines up with clicker and reward based training, where you mark the correct behavior right away. Basic Marker Mastery on the pricing page is built around reward based training and includes a clicker and training tools.
Are dog trainers worth the money?
They can be, especially if you want reliable obedience and less daily stress. This program set has a clear guarantee policy: lessons offer a 100% refund if you are not happy after the initial lesson, and board and train guarantees reliability in the commands advertised plus free training refreshers for life.
What is the best age to start training a dog?
As a general rule, earlier is better for building good habits. E-collar training generally starts at 5 months old, and for younger puppies they can still train using a clicker and treat method to build a foundation. Our pricing also positions puppy training as a foundation that sets your puppy up for success when you enroll in obedience programs at 5 months.
Which dog breed is hardest to train?
We don’t list any breed as “hardest.” Our messaging is “ALL DOGS, ALL AGES, ALL ISSUES,” so the focus is on the dog in front of you and matching the right program for their behavior, lifestyle, and goals. If you’re not sure what your dog needs, call us for a free consultation and we’ll help you choose the best starting point.
Are dogs happier if they are trained?
Yes, we believe so, and we say it directly. A lot of behavior problems come from lack of exercise, discipline, and boredom, and training helps because it gives your dog structure, clearer boundaries, and a “job” to do. When your dog understands what is expected, everyday life feels less chaotic, and you usually see more calm behavior, better focus, and a stronger bond at home. If you want a plan that fits your dog and your routine, call us for a free consultation and we will point you to the right program.
What is the hardest part of training a dog?
For most families, the hardest part is not teaching the command. It is being consistent at home once real life kicks in. That is why our lesson programs explain that owners should be prepared to practice what is taught for at least 45 minutes daily between sessions, because repetition is what turns a new skill into a habit. If you choose a board and train option, you still get guidance on the human side too. For example, our Community K9 program includes a 2 hour one on one session after completion so you know exactly how to handle your dog and keep the training working at home.
If you want help choosing the best route for your schedule and your dog, call us for a free consultation and we will point you to the right program.
What is the 7 second rule for dogs?
It’s a similar idea to the 3 second rule: the closer the feedback is to the behavior, the clearer it is for your dog. If you are doing reward based work, the clicker and quick reward help make that timing clean and consistent.
What is the coolest trick to teach your dog?
The most impressive “tricks” are usually the practical ones you can actually use in real life. On our site, the goals we focus on include being able to walk in public with your dog heeling, having your dog hold a calm down when you need them to settle, and building off leash reliability depending on the program. Those skills might not sound flashy, but they are the ones that make people say “wow” because they show real control, real focus, and a dog that can handle distractions.
What breed of dog is easiest to train?
We don’t publish “easiest breed” recommendations, because results are not just about the breed. What matters more is the dog’s temperament, consistency at home, and choosing the right training format. That’s why we focus on training across all dogs and matching you to the right program style, whether that’s lessons where you train alongside your dog, a board and train option for a bigger jump start, or a reward based training approach for building a strong foundation.
What is the best dog for lazy owners?
We don’t recommend breeds for that, because even the “easiest” dog still needs structure, basic exercise, and clear rules to be a good house dog. If time is the issue, the most realistic move is choosing a training setup that fits your schedule, like weekly lessons where you learn how to handle your dog step by step, or a board and train option if you want a bigger jump start. The goal is not perfection, it is a routine you can actually stick with so your dog stays consistent long term.
What are common dog training mistakes?
The biggest mistakes are inconsistency and unclear rules. If one person allows jumping and another corrects it, or if expectations change day to day, your dog is not being stubborn, they are getting mixed signals. That is when progress stalls and the same problems keep showing up. The fix is simple but important: keep the rules consistent, practice regularly, and reinforce the behaviors you want so obedience becomes a habit, not something that only happens when treats are in your hand.
What commands should I teach first?
Start with the commands that make everyday life easier and safer. Our Basic Obedience focuses on the core skills most families need right away: come, sit, down, place, loose leash heel, and “off.” These are the commands that directly help with common struggles like pulling on walks, jumping on people, and ignoring you once distractions show up. Our 14 day Community K9 board and train also includes six guaranteed commands, including those same foundation behaviors, so no matter which route you choose, your dog is learning the essentials that carry over into real life.
How do I bond with my dog?
Bonding comes from clear communication and shared routines. Training helps because it gives your dog a “job” and healthy stimulation, which often makes them feel more balanced, confident, and connected to you. You also do not need to set aside one big block of time every day. The goal is to weave simple training moments into your normal routine, like on walks, at the door, before meals, and around distractions, so your dog learns to look to you for direction in real life.
How to correct bad dog behavior?
Correcting behavior works best when you replace the bad habit with a clear alternative and practice it consistently. Instead of only saying “no,” you show your dog what to do instead, then reward that choice until it becomes their default response. For example, if your dog jumps, you teach “off” and reinforce calm greetings. If your dog chews, you redirect to the right item and build impulse control. Common issues like biting, chewing, and jumping usually improve fastest when you combine structured obedience training with proper stimulation, so your dog is not bored, overstimulated, or guessing what the rules are.
What does it mean when a dog mirrors you?
Usually it means your dog is reading your energy, habits, and routines closely. Dogs pick up on patterns fast, including when rules are consistent and when they are not. The practical fix is predictable handling and clear expectations, so your dog knows what to do even when you are distracted or stressed. Our programs emphasize repetition and building habits over time so obedience becomes reliable.
What are red flag behaviors in puppies?
Puppies are naturally mouthy and excitable, but you still want to address nipping, jumping, and impulse control early so those behaviors do not become habits. Our puppy training focuses on foundation skills and specifically includes curbing nipping and jumping, building leash manners, and teaching place, which helps puppies learn how to settle and make better choices.
What are the early warning signs of dog aggression?
Early signs can include growling, lunging, snapping, hard staring, or intense reactivity around triggers. If your dog is reacting strongly to other dogs, people, or animals, our 3 Week Reactive Dog Program is designed to target the fight or flight response and build impulse control and calm around triggers through structured training.