FRequently asked Questions

About Tilly

 

What are your qualifications?​

 

Not only do I have an extensive education in the field of learning and behavior from my BA in Psychology, I am also a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA). I update my information and methods frequently by taking additional courses and attending the latest training conferences, so you can trust that the methods I use are the most modern and effective.

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What is your training philosophy? Will you punish, hurt, or scare my dog during training?

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I train with positive methods only, and I will never use punishment, pain, or fear to train your dog. If your dog is misbehaving or acting aggressively towards people or other dogs, they aren't just being bad, they are trying to communicate their needs in the only way they know how. Positive training is extremely effective because we focus on teaching new, appropriate behaviors your dog can use to communicate their needs, and help your dog to feel confident, safe, and secure.

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Payment

 

​Are payment plans available for training packages?

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Yes, payment plans are available for virtual training packages through Affirm. You will be able to select this option at checkout! If you have any concerns about payment, please schedule a free call. I'd be happy to go over all the details with you.

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Do you offer refunds?​

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Within a training package, you may reschedule your included in-person or virtual sessions with 24 hours notice at no additional charge, but if less than 24 hours notice is given, the missed session will count towards your total amount and no refund will be given for that individual session.

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No refunds are given for training packages.

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​​​​​​​​​​Scheduling

 

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I've booked training with you. What can I do to get ready for my training package to begin?

 

​Get a full checkup with your vet, making sure to explore any possible sources of pain or discomfort. Medical conditions can impact behavior and even cause or increase aggressive behaviors, so this step is crucial if we want to truly help your dog.

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I've already had a consultation with you - I wasn't ready to start training then, but I am now. What do I do?

 

Send me an email at tillythetrainer@gmail.com! If it's been 3 months or longer, we'll need to meet again to go over any crucial information that has changed since your original consultation, to make sure that the training plan is still going to address your main priorities.

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​Training

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What do you teach in your training packages?

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After fully assessing your individual dog and situation, you will receive a custom training plan tailored to your needs and goals. No two plans are exactly the same, and each one is flexible to accommodate you and your dog!

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Are you going to train my dog for me?

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I'm actually mostly going to train YOU (the human)! Since you are the one who will be maintaining your lifestyle with your dog for years to come, it's important that you build your own training skills and that your dog learns from you. You won't believe how much of a bond and a secret language you develop when you do the training yourself (don't worry - I break everything down into easy, bite-sized steps).

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How does in-person training work?

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I am now offering in person training through Peach on a Leash here in Atlanta! I am very excited to join their team of excellent and highly educated trainers. You can book with me through their website, and the packages will begin in your home. We may work in your neighborhood or local parks for some sessions depending on your goals with your dog. You'll have a consultation call to get started, and then you'll get to start scheduling appointments!

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How does virtual dog training work? What if I'm not tech savvy?

 

​Virtual dog training is just as effective as in person training! It consists of weekly Zoom calls to set goals and discuss progress, as well as daily access to me in our private chat. You will be able to send me your questions, updates, and videos of your training for feedback. I will send you video tutorials, answer your questions, provide feedback on your video submissions, give you pep talks, etc.

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All virtual training services are in one simple, easy to use app - all you need is a smart phone and access to the internet. A tripod is also recommended to easily film your own training sessions.

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My office hours are from 10am-6pm Monday-Friday. You can expect to hear back from me within those hours. You're free to send me messages outside of office hours too, you'll just have to wait until they resume to get my response.

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