FAQ

SIGNING UP FOR DOG TRAINING

What areas does KeenDog Training serve?

We primarily serve the Charlotte, NC / Fort Mill, SC area. Surrounding communities we serve include Pineville, Matthews, Monroe, Huntersville, Concord, Indian Land, Tega Cay, Rock Hill and more.

If you are not local to the Carolinas, we still have options for you! We have trained dogs from as far as way as Canada and Europe. Check out our Out-of-State Dogs page for options that may be a good fit for you!

What training methods are used?

We take a modern, balanced approach to training. We do not use a one size fits all approach; we train the dog in front of us, utilizing all four quadrants of operant conditioning.

When is the best time to start training?

As soon as possible! It is a lot easier to form new habits than fix old ones. Many behavioral issues that we see in dogs are caused by boredom or lack of management, so the sooner you can start forming new habits, the closer you will be to living optimally with your dog. Puppies can start training as early as 8 weeks of age.

I want to sign up. What do I now?

Pick out the package you would like to sign up for here. Complete your purchase through our website or send us an email if you would prefer to set up a payment plan. Once your package has been purchased, we will reach out via email with additional information regarding booking lessons or scheduling your immersion program.

How much does training cost?

Quality dog training is an investment. Our packages range in price from $2,000 to $15,000.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes, some of our packages can be split into payment plans consisting of one, two or three payments. Payment plans can be found here: Payment Plans (keendogtraining.com).

What is your availability like for Charlotte-area lessons and for board-and-train programs?

For lessons, we typically have availability within one to three weeks of signing up, though this varies if you're looking for a particular time of day / day of the week, and if you want to book with a specific trainer.

Immersive board and train programs like Puppy Pre-K and Keen Camp tend to book out 1 to 2 months in advance, though our schedule is constantly in flux.

If you are looking for immediate availability, its always worth reaching out. Occasionally we have cancellations or last-minute openings available.

Do you offer one-off, in-person lessons?

We do not. We believe in completing training, not just starting it and there’s only so much that can be accomplished in one, two, or three lessons. We do offer virtual lessons that are conducted via zoom and can be booked a la carte. These are a good option for out-of-state folks.

BOOKING CHARLOTTE-AREA LESSONS

How do I book lessons?

Lessons can be booked through our booking site/app. If you’re just starting training, make sure to select “In-Home Lesson” or “Lesson at 124 Winners Circle.”. As you progress through training, your trainer will advise you as to when you should start booking outdoor lessons at mutually agreed upon locations.

If you are having trouble booking with a specific trainer, here is a pro-tip – select a date several weeks in the future, THEN select the trainer you would like to work with. Once the trainer is selected, backtrack to the current date. A button will appear on screen allowing you to skip to that trainer’s next available time slot.

How often should I book lessons?

We recommend spacing out your lessons by 7-10 days. With young puppies, you may find it beneficial to space them out a bit farther (2-3 weeks) after your first two lessons. We don’t recommend booking your lessons any closer together than once per week or any farther apart than once every 3 weeks.

We recommend booking 4-6 lessons to start with, especially if you are looking for evening/weekend availability or if you want to work with a specific trainer. You can always reschedule or cancel a lesson if your schedule changes, though we do ask that you please give us 24 hours notice. Repeat cancellations may incur a fee.

We recommend completing all lessons within 6 months of signing up unless otherwise discussed with your trainer.

How long are the lessons?

In-home lessons, outdoor lessons, and immersion go-home/follow up lessons for individual dogs are 40 minutes to an hour, depending on the dog and owner. The length of the lesson is dictated by the stamina of the dog, how quickly new concepts are learned, how many questions are asked, etc. For multi-dog households in which more than one dog is registered for training, lessons may take longer, though this is handled on a case-by-case basis.

What do I need for lessons?

The top things we would recommend having on hand for a lesson are your dog’s food (ideally in a treat pouch), a clicker, and a tug toy.

Nice-to-have items would include a raised bed, squeaky ball, and long line.

Check out this video featuring products we recommend. Additional tools and toys we recommend can be found here.

This is our absolute favorite toy from K9 Tactical Gear. You can buy the fleece by itself and attach a cheap leash for distance in your play.

Try not to feed your dogs on lesson days (even if your lesson is later in the day), you will be using a lot of their food and want to ensure they are motivated to work for it.

How much time per day do I need to dedicate to training?

We recommend aiming for 2 to 3 short (10 to 15 minute) sessions per day. Do not feel limited to training during structured sessions, though! As you interact with your dog throughout the day, feel free to reinforce desirable behaviors. And of course, make sure to get in some unstructured walking time and play sessions.

BOARDING

Do you offer Charlotte-area boarding?

Yes! We offer boarding services exclusively to clients who are in the process of completing a training package or have already completed a training package.

How much does boarding cost?

Boarding is $100 per night per dog.

Pick up after 2pm is considered late pick up. We charge an extra half day ($50) for late pick up.

Pick up and drop off at your home (versus at the trainer's home) can be added onto your boarding stay for $25 per direction.

Cancellations made less than two days prior to the start date of the boarding stay may incur a $50 fee. Additionally, extending your dog's stay once their stay has begun may also incur a $50 fee.

How do I schedule a boarding stay?

Send us an email with the dates that you will be traveling. When requesting boarding, keep in mind that we typically book weeks to months in advance, especially for weekends and holidays.

How do drop offs and pick ups work?

Once your boarding stay has been scheduled and a trainer has been assigned, drop off and pick up will be coordinated directly with the trainer. Typically drop off and pick up are done at the trainer's home and our trainers are located throughout the Great Charlotte / Fort Mill area. Occasionally our trainers may agree to meet at a mutually agreed upon location other than their home such as a park or shopping center if it is convenient with their schedule. Pick up and drop off at your home can be added onto your boarding stay for $25 per direction.

Each of our trainers keep different working hours and their schedules vary by day. That being said, drop offs and pick ups can generally be accommodated between 8am and 6pm. Pick ups after 2pm are considered late pick up and we charge an additional half day ($50) for late pick up. We are closed for drop offs and pick ups on Sundays (though training, outings, and enrichment continue as per usual).

Occasionally trainers will make exceptions regarding drop off and pick up policies for certain situations. These exceptions are entirely up to the trainers and should by no means be expected.

What does boarding entail?

Boarding is an extension of our training services and an opportunity for your dog to be immersed in a structured environment (while still having lots of fun!). We try to find a balance of furthering your dog’s training, encouraging socialization with trusted dogs, and shaping calm behaviors in the home.

Every day is different, but a typical day may include a few short training sessions, a dedicated play session or two, supervised social time, an outing or hike, a group class… the options are endless!

Where do dogs stay when they are boarded?

When dogs board with KeenDog, they stay in home with our trainers and we treat them like members of the household. They are crated for safety at night, for rest breaks throughout the day, and for transport in our vehicles.

What do I need to send with my dog for boarding?

All we need for boarding is your dog’s food (ideally split into daily portions), any medications your dog will need during their stay, and any training tools sized specifically for your dog or provided by your trainer (i.e. harness, prong/slip collar, e collar and remote, etc.). If your dog has a sensitive stomach, we recommend sending probiotics such as ProViable or ProPlan. All of our trainers are equipped with leashes, crates, bowls, toys, place cots, etc.

GROUP CLASSES

What is the goal / purpose of group classes?

Our group classes are meant to push your training one step further! They don't replace one-on-one lessons or board-and-train programs as this is where all the foundational learning happens, but they do provide an opportunity to practice in the real world and get assistance as needed. Our group classes are the perfect place to build community with like-minded dog owners, learn new skills / tricks, and challenge your dog with novel distractions.

How much does it cost to participate in KeenDog group classes?

Group classes are complimentary for all clients who purchase a KeenDog training program!

My dog is currently in training with KeenDog but has not yet completed their package. When can I start participating in group classes?

It is up to your trainer to determine when your dog is ready to participate in group classes. If you are still working towards completing your training, but think that group classes may be of benefit to you, please consult with your trainer.

My dog is not currently in training nor have they ever completed a training package with KeenDog. Can we participate in group classes?

If you have completed training with another company or have self-trained your dog and think they would be a good fit for KeenDog group classes, we would be happy to schedule a one hour, in-person assessment for $180. Please email [email protected] to schedule your assessment.

I am currently enrolled in or have completed a KeenDog online course. Can / should I participate in group classes?

If you are local to the Charlotte / Fort Mill area and would like to participate in group classes, please see the question above. We would be happy to complete an in-person assessment to clear you to participate in group classes.

Where can I find the group class schedule?

Each month, the group class schedule is shared in our KeenDog Social Community Facebook group and in our newsletter.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

What vaccinations are required?

To participate in any KeenDog training, boarding, group classes, and/or events, all dogs must…

Be current on Rabies vaccine (required by 4 months of age, one year after initial dose, and then every 3 years, as required by law)
Be current on Bordetella vaccine (required at 6-8 weeks old, again 4 weeks later, then yearly afterward, recommended every 6 months)
Be current on DHPP / DAPP vaccine (required at 6-8 weeks old and again every 3 to 4 weeks until dog has reached 16 weeks, one year after final booster, then every 3 years afterward)
Be current on Leptospirosis vaccine (recommended, not required)
Be current on Canine Influenza vaccine (recommended, not required)
Be current on flea and tick prevention medication
Have a negative heartworm exam within past 12 months
Have a negative fecal exam within past 6 months

All dogs must be up to date on their vaccines, and it is the owner’s responsibility to make sure that proof of current vaccination, testing, and heartworm/flea/tick prevention is on file at the time of admission. If proof of vaccination is not available upon admission, the vaccines, testing, de-worming and/or heartworm/flea/tick prevention will be brought current upon admission. The client will be charged accordingly. Dogs are required to be current through the departure date of boarding on Rabies, Bordetella, Distemper (DAPP combo), Heartworm Test, Fecal and/or deworming (within 6 months), as well as flea and tick preventative. Dogs are checked upon admission for fleas and ticks. If fleas are discovered, the dog is required to have a flea bath and Capstar or Comfortis, and Advantix will be applied at an additional cost to the owner. If ticks are discovered, a tick bath and Advantix are required at an additional cost to the owner.

Does my dog need to be spayed or neutered to participate in training?

Nope! We support delayed spaying / neutering and we are well versed in managing intact dogs. If your female dog will be in heat while boarding with us, we ask that you please let us know ahead of time and provide disposable or reusable diapers.

Should I tip my trainer?

Our trainers occasionally receive tips, but it's by no means necessary or expected. Our pricing reflects the premium services we provide and trainers are compensated accordingly. If you feel like the services provided were exceptional, tips are always welcome and appreciated!

Do you guarantee your services?

No, we do not. We cannot guarantee human behavior and follow through.

Does KeenDog have preferred partners?

Yes, we do! We work closely with a variety of breeders, veterinary care providers, and rescues in the greater Charlotte / Fort Mill area. Some of these partners have chosen to take things to the next level and become officially affiliated with KeenDog. Click here for a growing list of our preferred partners.

Still have questions? If you read through this list and still have a question, please send us an email or book out a virtual consultation (free of charge) via our booking site/app.

FAQ