Frequently Asked Questions

We are balanced trainers. Our training is based on a unique method developed by our founding member, called Leadership Reassignment. Learn more about our methods and why we train the way we do here.

Dog training has no age limit! However we recommend that your puppy is 4-6 months old, with a rabies vaccine and any other vaccinations your vet suggests before coming for training. We train our dogs from the day they arrive (newborn puppies get gentle belly rubs and daily stimulation of the senses for proper development) to the day they leave us. Old dogs can absolutely learn new tricks, and our "retirees" insist on getting to play too.

We work with all breeds! From Chihuahuas to Mastiffs, we'll work with them all. The largest dog we've worked with so far weighed 264 pounds! Bully breeds and other breeds with negative stereotypes are always welcome. We know first hand that "dangerous dogs" aren't dependent on breed.

Yes! We are insured through Pet Care Insurance.

Most of our training is rewarded with physical and verbal praise, rather than food. When training conformation, or certain tricks, we will use food reward, but obedience and safety skills are taught in a way to encourage the focus to be on you, not your cookies. Check out our methods to learn more .

All we need is the food your dog is used to, along with any supplements or medications they may take. Nervous dogs may appreciate having an old blanket or item of clothing that smells like home. If you choose to send treats along, please be aware they will likely be shared with your pups doggy friends.

We will provide leashes, collars, toys, crates, bedding, bowls, etc. If you would like to send something else along, please keep in mind we can't guarantee it won't be lost/damaged while it's here.

If you're just going to observe for a day, some snacks and water are all you really need. Be sure to wear comfortable, close toed shoes. (Take it from us, stepping in dog mess is much less unpleasant if you're not wearing sandals.) If you and your dog are going to compete, check out our packing list for ideas on what to bring!

Our goal is to get you and your pup working together. If your dog does a board and train, you'll receive 3 free private lessons to make sure you're set up for success. The most important part is consistency on your end. Keep up the training we show you, reach out when you have questions, and schedule follow up training when you're having trouble.

While this varies a bit dependent on weather, the short answer is "playtime" and exercise are a large portion of a dogs day here. We want our training to feel like play so dogs stay engaged, meaning even while working, they're still having fun. We also believe that a well exercised dog is both better behaved, and more receptive to lessons.

In the morning dogs go out to play for a few minutes while breakfast is made. They come in to eat, and have a post-meal nap- we rest our dogs for an hour after each meal to decrease the risk of bloat. If the weather is nice*, dogs go out to play for the morning, come in around noon for a short nap, and go out again to play for the afternoon. Supper is usually fed around dark, and at this point most dogs are tired and ready to wind down with a chew toy. Last out is normally around ten or eleven. *On rainy days, we use our indoor areas to let them play.

Each time a dog goes in or out, they get a lesson. Every thirty minutes to an hour while they're outside, we join them and do a lesson, often with the other dogs loose around them as a distraction. In the evening, we may integrate them into the class we're holding, if relevant, or they may have a one-on-one lesson in the training room. Every dog has a unique training plan, but that's an average day at Burrell Handling.

Dogs stay in our home with us, so we can keep a close eye on them and ensure they're getting the most out of our services. We have a wide variety of ways to keep your pet safe and comfortable, and we let them choose what they'd prefer. You can learn more about our facilities here.

Short answer? No! Your pup loves you, and will absolutely remember you when you pick them up.

We recommend that if you've just brought home a new dog, you wait at least a week to send them for a board and train program. This gives them time to settle in and feel at home. We also try to limit their first stay with us to a week. That's long enough to make some good training progress, without them thinking they've moved in.

When you pick up your dog, the ideal reaction is for them to run to greet you, tail wagging wildly, and then turn around to introduce you to the new friends they made (us).

First, we totally get it. It is so hard to trust someone else to take care of a furry piece of your heart. If a board and train isn't for you, we offer drop-in classes, six week courses, private lessons, and seminars on various topics. You can learn more about them here.

That being said, we do recommend that you send your pup to stay with someone (it doesn't need to be us, a trusted friend is a great choice) for a week at some point. It's important for the mental and social development of a dog to realize they can be safe and happy away from home. We tend to do this before a dog turns two, or in the first 6-12 months of owning an older dog. 

The unfortunate reality is, as much as we hate to send our pets away, chances are that they'll eventually need to stay with a vet at some point, often overnight. It is much easier on them if they've learned to be away from us before that happens, instead of when they don't feel well.