Just the FAQs
You've got questions?
We've got answers!
Do you offer a guarantee?
Yes! Our Two- and Three-Week Board & Train programs come with a lifetime guarantee of refresher training to ensure your dog’s success for years to come.
We understand that dogs, like people, may need occasional reminders or tune-ups as they grow and experience new situations. That’s why we offer free refresher sessions for life—no matter where you are! If you ever feel like your dog needs a little extra reinforcement, you can take advantage of our in-person, phone, or video support at any of our 180+ locations nationwide.
Our lifetime guarantee includes: One-on-One Refresher Sessions – Meet with a trainer in person to fine-tune any commands or behaviors.
Phone & Video Support – Need guidance? Connect with a trainer remotely for personalized advice.
Nationwide Access – Moving to a new city? No problem! Your lifetime guarantee applies at any of our Off Leash K9 Training locations across the country.
Behavior Tune-Ups – Whether it’s reinforcing obedience, addressing distractions, or refreshing leash manners, we’re here to help.
Your dog’s training is an ongoing journey, and we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way! Whether it's months or years down the road, we’ll be here whenever you need us
Will my dog benefit from this training?
Your dog is going to love this training—and so will you! Many common behavior problems like biting, chewing, and jumping aren’t just bad habits; they stem from a lack of exercise, structure, and mental stimulation. That’s where our training comes in!
With our top-quality obedience program, your dog will learn off-leash reliability, proper manners, and self-control—all while having a blast! Instead of being bored and finding trouble on their own, your pup will be learning, thinking, and getting plenty of exercise through structured training and play. The best part? You’ll have the confidence to give your dog the freedom to run, explore, and enjoy life—completely off-leash!
And here’s something to keep in mind: If you don’t give your dog a job through training, they’ll become self-employed—and trust us, that job usually involves chewing up your furniture, digging in your yard, or stealing your socks!Training isn’t just an investment in your dog’s success—it’s an investment in your peace of mind!
What is an e-collar and how does it work?
An e-collar is a modern training tool designed to improve communication between you and your dog. Think of it like E-Stim therapy used by chiropractors—it delivers a gentle, adjustable stimulation to get your dog’s attention, not to punish them. The collar is controlled by a handheld remote, allowing you to guide and communicate with your pup from up to 400 yards away. This means your dog gets to enjoy more freedom, while you get peace of mind knowing they’ll stay safe and responsive—even off-leash!
At Off Leash K9 Training, we use the ET-300 Mini Educator, which is the most gentle and effective e-collar on the market. Unlike outdated “shock collars” that relied on fear-based corrections, this e-collar provides a light tap or vibration, similar to a phone buzzing in your pocket or someone gently tapping you on the shoulder. It’s simply a way to get your dog’s attention and keep them focused—not to scare or harm them. Our training method teaches dogs to associate the e-collar with clear, positive communication, making learning easier and more enjoyable.
E-collar training is trusted by top professionals, including law enforcement, military, search and rescue, and detection teams because it creates reliable, confident, and highly obedient dogs. When used correctly, an e-collar is an incredible tool that helps dogs experience more freedom, fun, and off-leash adventures, all while staying safe and under control.
Will the e-collar hurt my dog?
No, the e-collar will not hurt your dog. In fact, during our first meeting, we’ll place the e-collar on your arm so you can feel for yourself just how gentle and mild the stimulation is. We’ll even use it on ourselves to demonstrate that it’s nothing like a shock or a taser—those are common myths that simply aren’t true.
Another misconception is that e-collars burn a dog’s skin—this is completely false. The stimulation is a gentle, adjustable sensation, similar to a light muscle stimulator used in physical therapy. It’s designed to get your dog’s attention, not cause pain.
We are dog trainers because we love dogs, and we would never use a tool that harms them in any way. In fact, we have a golden rule—we would never ask a dog to experience something we wouldn’t willingly try on ourselves. Your dog’s safety, comfort, and success are our top priorities!
Will my dog always have to wear the e-collar?
No, your dog won’t need to wear the e-collar all the time. In fact, as they progress in training, you’ll notice they listen without it, especially inside your home. However, when your dog is off-leash outdoors, we strongly recommend they continue wearing the e-collar. Even the most well-trained dog can get distracted by something unexpected, like a squirrel, another dog, or a loud noise. The e-collar acts as an invisible leash, giving you the ability to maintain control no matter what happens.
Some owners choose to gradually phase out the e-collar as their dog becomes more reliable and the trust between them grows. Others prefer to always use the e-collar as a safety net, ensuring they have full off-leash control at all times. The decision depends on you, your dog, and your comfort level.
Think of it like a child wearing a seatbelt—not because you expect an accident, but because it only takes one unpredictable moment for it to be needed. Whether you use the e-collar indefinitely or transition away from it over time, it’s simply a tool for communication and safety, designed to help you and your dog enjoy more freedom together.
Will my dog hate wearing the e-collar?
No! In fact, most owners are shocked to see the exact opposite reaction from their dogs. The moment an e-collar is turned on, it emits a small beep—and before long, dogs learn to associate that beep with something exciting!
Almost every dog, upon hearing the beep, will come running over, sit down, and wait eagerly for their collar to be put on. Why? Because to them, the e-collar means freedom, fun, and adventure—it signals that they’re about to go outside, run, play ball, explore, and train! They love it because training isn’t just about learning commands—it’s about stimulation, bonding, and purpose.
Think about how you feel on a slow day at work—bored, sluggish, just waiting for the day to end. Now compare that to a busy, engaging day, where time flies and you feel energized. That’s how your dog feels! They don’t have social media, TV, or the internet to entertain them—their training, exercise, and time spent with you is their greatest source of fulfillment. A bored dog is often a destructive dog, but a trained, exercised, and engaged dog is a happy dog!
Where do we conduct the lessons?
Contact your local OLK9 Certified Trainer for the location of their training.
We typically avoid training dogs inside the home—and for good reason! Dogs find it much easier to listen in a familiar, controlled environment like their own house. There are fewer distractions, and they already feel comfortable.
However, real-life obedience isn’t about listening only at home—it’s about responding to commands anywhere, anytime, even in the face of distractions. That’s why we focus on training in new environments, where your dog learns to stay engaged and obedient no matter what’s happening around them. If your dog can listen in a busy, unfamiliar setting, they’ll be reliable wherever you take them!
How much time per day do I need to train my dog?
One of the best things about this training is that you don’t need to carve out a huge block of time each day to work with your dog! Instead, we teach you how to seamlessly incorporate training into your daily routine, making it easy and effective.
We recommend dedicating at least one hour of training per day, but this doesn’t have to be all at once! Breaking it up into 10-15 minute sessions throughout the day keeps your dog engaged and prevents frustration.
That being said, it’s important to remember that dogs are constantly learning from us, even outside of structured training sessions. Everyday interactions—like opening a door, putting on a leash, or sitting down for dinner—can all be powerful learning moments. With the right mindset, every part of your day becomes an opportunity to reinforce good behavior and build a well-mannered dog!
How long will this training take?
The timeline for training depends on which program you choose and your dog’s individual progress. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
Our private lesson programs are designed to give you hands-on experience while working directly with a trainer. These programs typically run over a period of 4 to 8 weeks, with one lesson per week. However, the actual time it takes for your dog to master commands depends on how consistently you practice at home between sessions. Training is a process, and daily reinforcement will help your dog progress more quickly!
For those looking for faster, immersive training, our Two- and Three-Week Board & Train Programs provide incredible transformations in a short period. Your dog will stay with one of our professional trainers and receive intensive, daily training in real-world environments. By the end of the program, your dog will have learned off-leash obedience, impulse control, and proper manners, even around distractions.
While the Board & Train program lays the foundation for long-term success, your dog’s training doesn’t stop when they come home! We provide detailed guidance and lifetime support to help you maintain and reinforce their skills for life.
Every dog is different, and training is a lifelong journey. Whether you choose private lessons or a Board & Train, the more time and consistency you put in, the better the results!
At what age can we start e-collar training?
We typically wait until a dog is at least 5 months old before introducing e-collar training. At this age, puppies have had enough time to develop basic learning skills, attention span, and understanding of simple commands, making them more receptive to structured training.
Starting too early can be overwhelming for a young puppy who hasn’t yet learned foundational communication skills. By waiting until they’re mentally and physically ready, we ensure that training is a positive, effective, and confidence-building experience. Every dog learns at their own pace, and our goal is to set them up for long-term success!
What if I have a puppy that is not 5 months old?
If your pup isn’t quite ready for e-collar training, we can still set them up for success using our Clicker Training Lesson Program. This positive reinforcement method, using clickers and treats, helps build a strong foundation for basic obedience, making future training even easier as they grow.
In addition to obedience, we can also guide you through house training, teaching your pup how to communicate when they need to go outside—helping to prevent accidents in the house. With consistency, patience, and the right training techniques, your puppy will be well on their way to becoming a well-mannered companion!
Please note: Our Clicker Training Program is only available for private lessons—puppies under 5 months old are not eligible for our Board & Train program.
What is clicker training?
A clicker is a small handheld device that makes a distinct "click" sound, used to mark and reinforce desired behaviors. The moment your dog performs the correct action, you press the clicker, immediately followed by a treat. This clear, instant feedback helps your dog quickly understand which behaviors earn rewards, making learning faster and more effective.
Over time, your dog learns that they haven’t quite done what you’re asking until they hear the click, creating a clear and consistent way to communicate. This method helps build a strong foundation for obedience while making training a fun and positive experience!
What if I have a small dog?
E-Collar training is effective for dogs of any size, breed, or shape—as long as they are at least 5 months old.Whether you have a tiny Chihuahua, a strong-willed Husky, or a giant Great Dane, e-collar training can be tailored to suit their unique personality and needs.
The adjustable levels of stimulation ensure that every dog receives gentle, customized communication based on their temperament. This allows for a clear and reliable training experience, no matter their energy level, stubbornness, or past training history.
As long as your dog meets the minimum age requirement of 5 months, they are ready to start learning with an e-collar! Training is about building trust, improving communication, and giving your dog more freedom—while keeping them safe and under control.
what if my dog needs to be potty trained?
We can absolutely provide guidance on potty training, but it is important to understand that we cannot guarantee results within our training programs. Successful potty training depends on consistency, routine, and reinforcement at home, which requires ongoing effort from the owner.
Here is how we can assist:
- In our Lesson Programs, our trainers can provide expert advice, tips, and strategies to help you establish a structured potty training routine at home. We will cover timing, crate training, positive reinforcement, and recognizing your dog’s signals when they need to go.
- In our Board & Train Programs, our trainers will keep your pup on a consistent schedule to reinforce good potty habits during their stay. However, because potty training success depends on continued reinforcement, it is essential that owners remain consistent when their dog returns home.
Potty training requires repetition, structure, and consistency long after training sessions end. Even if a dog does well during training, they may regress if their routine changes or is not maintained. To support long-term success, owners should:
- Follow a regular potty break schedule
- Use positive reinforcement when their dog goes outside
- Avoid punishment for accidents, as dogs learn best through consistency, not fear
- Keep crate training structured and predictable
With dedication and patience, potty training can be successful, but it requires ongoing reinforcement at home to build lasting habits. Our trainers are here to support you with the right strategies to make the process easier.
how does your payment plan work?
We offer flexible payment options to make training more accessible while helping you take the next step toward a well-behaved pup!
For Lesson Programs: We require the full balance up front. However, if you're interested in Advanced Obedience Lessons, Aggression-Focused Lessons, or Therapy Preparation Lessons, you're welcome to begin with Basic Obedience Lessons (the first four lessons of any 8-lesson package). You can then decide to continue with the final four lessons and pay the remaining balance at that time.
For Board & Train Programs:
We offer two payment options:
50% Deposit Option:
Pay 50% upfront to reserve your dates with a trainer, and the remaining balance is due on the first day of training.Payment Plan Option:
Split the cost into 3, 4, 5, or 6 smaller payments, giving you peace of mind while securing your pup’s training.
Here’s how our payment plan works:
1. Your first payment acts as your deposit, locking in your spot and scheduled dates.
2. You choose a schedule that fits your budget—biweekly, monthly, or anything in between. Just note that the full balance must be paid by the first day of training (e.g., if training starts July 1st, the final payment is due on or by July 1st).
3. We accept debit/credit cards, Venmo, cash, or check.
4. For smooth processing, we do require a card on file, regardless of which payment method you choose.
Still have questions? Reach out—we’re happy to walk you through it!
How do I choose the right dog training program in Boston?
The right dog training program depends on your dog’s age, current obedience, behavior concerns, previous training experience, and the goals you want to achieve. Some dogs may benefit from private obedience lessons, while others may be better suited for a more immersive Board & Train program or a behavioral modification program for concerns such as reactivity, aggression, or intense anxiety.
A free phone consultation allows you to discuss your dog’s behavior, training goals, and the programs currently available through Off Leash K9 Training Boston before deciding which option is the best fit.
What should I ask a dog trainer before booking training?
Before booking, ask what training programs are available, what skills or behavior concerns each program addresses, how long the program lasts, and what role you will have during and after training. You can also ask what training tools are used, what vaccinations or age requirements apply, and what support or owner instruction is included.
These questions can help you compare your options and choose a program that fits your dog’s needs and your training goals.
Is professional dog training only for dogs with behavior problems?
No. Professional dog training can also help dogs learn basic obedience, improve leash manners, build more reliable recall, and practice commands around distractions. Off Leash K9 Training Boston offers programs for general obedience as well as separate training options for more serious concerns such as reactivity, aggression, and intense anxiety.
The best program depends on what your dog already knows, the skills you want to build, and whether you are addressing everyday obedience or a more specific behavior concern.
Can dog training help with leash pulling and difficult walks?
Yes. Leash walking is included in several Off Leash K9 Training Boston programs, with training focused on skills such as heel and loose-leash walking. This can help owners build clearer communication and more consistent walking habits with their dogs.
The right training option depends on your dog’s current behavior, previous training, and the level of support needed. You can review the available training options to see which programs include leash-manner work.
Can dog training help with aggression or reactive behavior?
Yes. Off Leash K9 Training Boston offers a Three-Week Behavioral Modification Board & Train for dogs exhibiting reactivity, aggression, or intense anxiety. The program includes basic obedience training along with behavior-focused work based on the dog’s needs.
Because aggression and reactivity can vary from dog to dog, a free phone consultation can help you discuss your dog’s behavior and determine whether this program is an appropriate option.
What are the benefits of private dog training?
Private dog training gives you one-on-one instruction with a trainer while working directly on your dog’s obedience skills and your handling techniques. Off Leash K9 Training Boston offers private lesson programs for basic and advanced obedience, allowing owners to participate throughout the training process.
Private lessons can be a good option for owners who want hands-on guidance and regular practice between sessions. You can review the available private training programs to compare the current lesson options.
What happens during the first dog training session?
What happens first depends on the training program you choose. Off Leash K9 Training Boston offers a free phone consultation before training, giving you an opportunity to discuss your dog, your training goals, and the available program options.
For private lesson programs, training is provided through one-on-one sessions with a trainer. You can review the current training programs or schedule a free phone consultation to learn what to expect before getting started.
How do I prepare my dog for professional training?
Before training begins, make sure you understand the requirements of the program you choose. Some Off Leash K9 Training Boston programs have age and vaccination requirements, while Board & Train programs require dogs to be current on listed vaccinations before training starts.
It is also helpful to be clear about the obedience skills or behavior concerns you want to address so you can discuss them with the trainer. You can review the current training programs and use the free phone consultation to ask about any requirements before your first appointment.
Why does my dog struggle to follow commands around distractions?
Dogs can have a harder time focusing when there are competing distractions such as people, other animals, noises, or unfamiliar surroundings. The Boston site recommends building obedience in lower-distraction settings first, then gradually practicing around more challenging distractions as the dog becomes more reliable.
Off Leash K9 Training Boston also includes distraction work in applicable programs, including the One Week Freedom Board & Train and Two Week Board & Train, which focus on recall and maintaining commands around distractions.
How can I improve my dog’s everyday manners?
Everyday manners improve through consistent training and regular practice of skills such as sit, place, heel, recall, and appropriate behavior around people and distractions. Off Leash K9 Training Boston includes these types of obedience and manners skills in several of its private lesson and Board & Train programs.
The right approach depends on the behaviors you want to improve and the level of training your dog already has. You can review the available training programs to see which options include the skills that match your goals.
Can older dogs learn new behaviors?
Yes. Older dogs can still learn new commands, routines, and behaviors with consistent training and practice. Off Leash K9 Training Boston specifically notes that age does not prevent a dog from learning, although older dogs may have different physical abilities, energy levels, or training histories than younger dogs.
The appropriate training program depends on the individual dog and the skills or behaviors you want to work on. You can review the available training programs to compare current options.
When should I start training my puppy?
Puppy training can begin as early as 8 weeks with Off Leash K9 Training Boston’s Clicker Training Lessons. This four-session, reward-based program is listed as best for puppies 8 weeks to 5 months old and covers foundational skills including come, sit, down, place, heel, and break.
For dogs 5 months or older, the site also offers obedience lessons and Board & Train programs with different training goals and formats. Reviewing the available training programs can help you compare the options for your puppy’s age.
Can dog training help my dog behave better around guests?
Yes. Off Leash K9 Training Boston includes skills such as place, heel, recall, and greeting manners in applicable obedience and Board & Train programs. These skills can give owners clearer ways to manage their dog when visitors arrive and during everyday interactions at home or in public.
The best program depends on the behaviors you want to address and your dog’s current level of training. You can review the available training programs to see which options include the skills that match your goals.
How involved should owners be after dog training?
Owners should continue practicing the commands and handling techniques introduced during training so the dog receives consistent guidance at home and in everyday situations. Off Leash K9 Training Boston’s Board & Train programs include owner instruction after training, and private lessons involve the owner directly throughout the program.
Regular practice helps reinforce the skills your dog has learned and keeps expectations consistent. You can review the training programs to see how owner participation is built into each option.
How do I get started with dog training in Boston?
Start by reviewing the training programs offered by Off Leash K9 Training Boston and identifying the skills or behavior concerns you want to address. The site offers private obedience lessons, Board & Train programs, behavioral modification training, Clicker Training, and Therapy Preparation.
You can then schedule a free phone consultation to discuss your dog’s age, behavior, training goals, and the available options before choosing a program.
