What services do you offer?

Scott Dunmore: "I do private training sessions for dogs. I work with people and their pets."

Patty Sontag: "We offer everything from puppy kindergarten to competition, obedience and agility classes. We also host AKC trials."

Dan Cavalletto: "The main service I offer is personalized dog training. I meet with clients on a one-on-one basis and help them resolve problems."

Why should people hire an animal trainer?

Scott Dunmore: "It makes for a much healthier and balanced relationship with your dog."

Patty Sontag: "People need direction to teach their dog basic obedience skills."

Dan Cavalletto: "Training is more difficult than most people think."

What methods of training do you use?

Scott Dunmore: "I try to select training methods that are appropriate for the dog's and the owner's temperament."

Patty Sontag: "Positive training. We teach people how to use clickers to mark the desired procedures. We also use food and treats."

Dan Cavalletto: "I'm a rather eclectic, open-minded trainer. I figure out what approach is best for each dog's temperament."

How do you charge, and what is the cost?

Scott Dunmore: "It varies. Usually I recommend people get a block of four sessions for $420."

Patty Sontag: "Usually our obedience classes run for seven weeks, which is $145 for evening classes."

Dan Cavalletto: "The range depends on the overall expectations. It's from several hundred to several thousand dollars."

Do you do individual or group training?

Scott Dunmore: "I do small group classes, but they're less frequent. It's more for people I've worked with individually."

Patty Sontag: "Primarily group training. We also do individual private instruction that can take place here or at the owner's home."

Dan Cavalletto: "I bring the group to the client. I have four dogs, and I generally have two with me. It gives me the opportunity to demonstrate the commands."

What's a common misconception about training?

Scott Dunmore: "You don't need to be physically dominant. You need to be very clear with them."

Patty Sontag: "People say their dog doesn't want to or can't learn."

Dan Cavalletto: "It's not all on the dogs. The biggest thing is our ability to communicate and be consistent."

What's one helpful training tip you can offer?

Scott Dunmore: "When teaching the dog something new, always follow through with what you're asking them."

Patty Sontag: "Keep training short and upbeat, and if things don't progress, take a break and play ball."

Dan Cavalletto; "Put more energy into clarifying what you want rather than emphasizing what you don't want."