Just the FAQs

Yes! We are so confident in our training that if you are not completely amazed and 100% satisfied after your very first private lesson, that lesson is free. To receive a refund, you must let your trainer know at the end of your first lesson before leaving the facility with the equipment issued to you.

Our Board & Train programs may also include a lifetime free refresher class warranty. These refresher lessons are for the guaranteed commands taught during your Board & Train program and are subject to the specific terms and limitations of that program.

Be sure to review the details of your selected training package for the refund, warranty, and refresher benefits that apply.

Every dog is different, so the right training program depends on your dog’s age, current obedience, behavior, and your training goals. We offer several training options designed for different needs, from puppy and basic obedience training to advanced obedience, Board & Train, and specialized training for aggression and reactivity.

If your dog has aggression or reactivity issues, it is important to choose a program designed specifically to address those concerns. Our standard 2 Week Board & Train is not designed for dogs with aggression or reactivity, but we offer separate training options for dogs with these behavioral issues.

Not sure which program is right for your dog? Contact us and we can help you determine the training option that best fits your dog’s needs and your goals.

An e-collar is one of the training tools we use in many of our obedience programs. During training, we teach you how to use the e-collar along with clear commands and positive reinforcement to communicate with your dog and reinforce the behaviors you want.

Several of our programs include an e-collar and training leash, and our trainers will show you how to properly use the equipment as part of your training.

If you prefer a training option without an e-collar, we also offer our Basic Marker Mastery™ program, which uses positive reinforcement, markers, and clicker training.

Our trainers will teach you how to properly use the e-collar as a training and communication tool with your dog. The goal is to pair clear communication with obedience training and positive reinforcement while teaching you how to properly handle and work with your dog.

If you would rather train without an e-collar, our Basic Marker Mastery™ program uses positive reinforcement, markers, and clicker training instead. This program does not use e-collars or prong collars.

Where your lessons take place depends on the training program you choose.

Many of our private obedience lessons are conducted at our training facility. We also offer select in-home training programs where our trainers come to you. In-home training is based on your location and may not be available in every area.

Some advanced and aggression/reactivity programs may also include lessons at public locations near our training facility, such as parks, bike trails, or stores. Off-site lessons are based on scheduling availability and the specific training program.

Training doesn’t end when your lesson is over. Owner participation and consistency are important parts of maintaining the obedience your dog learns during training.

Our trainers will teach you how to properly work with your dog and use the commands and training tools covered in your program. Continuing to reinforce those skills as part of your regular routine will help you and your dog stay consistent between lessons and after training is complete.

Training length depends on the program you choose and your dog’s training needs.

Our Basic Obedience program includes 4 private lessons, Intermediate Obedience includes 6 private lessons, and Advanced Obedience includes 8 private lessons. Our Aggressive/Reactive Dog Training is an 8-lesson program.

We also offer immersive Board & Train options with different program lengths, including 1-week and 2-week programs.

Not sure which option is right for your dog? Contact us and we’ll help you determine which available training program best fits your goals.

Generally, our e-collar training programs are for dogs 5 months of age and older.

If your puppy is younger than 5 months, that’s okay! We offer puppy training options designed to help you start building a foundation for obedience and good habits before your puppy is ready for our e-collar training programs.

No problem! We offer a Puppy Consultation designed to help you get your puppy started on the right track before they are ready for our e-collar training programs.

Our Puppy Consultation covers an introduction to obedience training, housebreaking, crate training, socialization, and pack structure. We can also help answer questions about your new puppy and give you guidance for continuing their training at home.

Starting early gives you an opportunity to begin building good habits and a foundation for future obedience training.

Clicker training uses a clicker as a marker to help identify the behavior that earns your dog a reward. The marker helps create clear communication by letting your dog know when they have performed the desired behavior.

We use marker and clicker training in our Basic Marker Mastery™ program. This four-week program uses positive reinforcement to work on foundational skills such as Come, Sit, Place, and loose-leash walking without the use of e-collars or prong collars.

Professional dog training can help improve communication between you and your dog while building obedience skills and better everyday habits. The right training option depends on your dog’s age, behavior, and goals. 

Reviewing available training programs can help you determine which option best fits your needs.

We offer several training options for different needs, including private obedience lessons, in-home training, Board & Train, puppy training, aggression/reactivity training, and Therapy Dog Preparation.

The right program will depend on your dog and your training goals. If you’re not sure where to start, contact us for a free phone consultation and tell us about your dog. We’ll help you determine which available training option best fits your needs.

Private lessons allow owners to participate directly in the training process with their dogs. Board & Train provides a structured training option where dogs stay with a trainer for a set period. The best choice depends on your goals, schedule, and the type of training support you are looking for.

Cincinnati Dog Trainers offers an Aggressive Dog Package for dogs with aggression or reactivity concerns. Training needs can vary depending on the dog’s behavior, history, and individual situation.

A consultation can help determine the appropriate training approach.

Yes! Our training isn’t limited to puppies or young dogs. We work with dogs of different ages, breeds, and sizes and offer several training options based on different obedience and behavior needs.

If you’re unsure which program is appropriate for your older dog, contact us for a free phone consultation to discuss your dog and your training goals.

Puppy training can begin early to introduce foundational obedience skills and appropriate behaviors. Cincinnati Dog Trainers offers puppy training programs designed for young dogs. Starting training early can help owners establish consistent communication and routines.

Continuing to work with your dog is an important part of maintaining the skills learned during training. We’ll teach you how to properly handle your dog and continue reinforcing their commands at home.

Our Board & Train programs include one-on-one owner instruction after training so you understand your dog’s commands and how to properly handle them. Select Board & Train programs also include lifetime free refresher classes for the commands covered by the program.

Be sure to review your specific training package for the owner instruction and refresher benefits included.

Yes! We offer training options that include working around distractions and in different environments.

Our Advanced Obedience program includes final lessons at public locations such as parks, bike trails, and shopping centers, based on scheduling availability. Our 2 Week Board & Train also includes working around multiple distractions in multiple environments.

The amount and type of distraction training included will depend on the program you choose.

Yes! Several of our training programs address minor unwanted behaviors as part of obedience training.

Depending on the program, training may address behaviors such as jumping, counter surfing, or having inappropriate items in the mouth. Our Basic Obedience program also teaches the “Off” command for jumping and counter surfing.

For aggression, reactivity, or major behavioral concerns, we offer separate training options designed for those needs.

Yes! Loose-leash walking and heeling are included in several of our training programs.

Our Basic Obedience program includes Loose Leash Walking, where your dog learns to heel. Additional obedience and Board & Train programs also include leash or heeling skills depending on the program.

Request a free consultation to discuss the available programs and see which commands and skills are included.

The commands your dog learns depend on the training program you choose.

Our Basic Obedience program includes Come, Sit, Extended Sit, Down, Extended Down, Place, Extended Place, Loose Leash Walking/Heel, and Off for unwanted behaviors such as jumping and counter surfing.

Intermediate and Advanced programs build on the Basic Obedience curriculum and add advanced lessons, skills, and distraction training. Check your selected program for its complete list of commands.

Marker Mastery™ is a training program focused on using marker-based communication to teach obedience skills. The program includes clicker training and focuses on building foundational commands. It is a separate training option from the e-collar-based obedience programs.

Yes. The eight-lesson Therapy Dog Preparation program is designed to help you and your dog prepare for therapy dog evaluation. The first four lessons cover the Basic Obedience curriculum, followed by lessons at the facility and in other locations. Cincinnati Dog Trainers provides preparation, while a separate organization handles therapy dog testing and certification. Completing the program does not guarantee that your dog will pass an evaluation.

A free consultation gives you a chance to share your dog’s challenges and ask about the available training paths.

Our obedience programs focus on teaching commands, manners, and obedience skills. Depending on the program, this may include Come, Sit, Down, Place, Heel, distraction training, and minor unwanted behaviors.

Aggression/reactivity training is designed specifically for dogs with aggressive and/or reactive behavior. We offer separate private lesson and Board & Train options for these concerns.

Our standard Board & Train programs are not designed for aggression or major behavioral issues, so it’s important to choose the program that matches your dog’s training needs.

Yes, Cincinnati Dog Trainers serves the Cincinnati area, including clients in Northern Kentucky. Training options are available for dogs with different obedience, puppy, and behavior training needs. 

A free phone consultation can help you determine which training option fits your location and goals.

Basic Obedience includes four private lessons covering foundational commands and leash walking. Intermediate includes those four lessons plus two advanced lessons. Advanced includes eight private lessons, with the final two advanced lessons held at public locations when scheduling allows. 

Review the program details to compare the skills included.

The 1 Week Manners Mastery program focuses on recall, Sit, Place, and everyday manners. The standard 2 Week Board & Train covers a broader obedience curriculum, including Down and walking skills, with training around distractions in multiple environments. Both include an owner instruction session after training. 

Compare the Board & Train packages to see which may fit your dog.

Yes. The published requirements for the 1 Week Manners Mastery and standard 2 Week Board & Train programs say dogs must be potty trained to go outside and crate trained before arrival.

A free consultation gives you a chance to share your dog’s challenges and ask about the available training paths.

Yes. The Plans & Pricing page lists an Online Puppy Training Course that opens on an affiliate website. Cincinnati Dog Trainers also lists private Puppy Course lessons at its facility and an in-home puppy option. 

Reach out for a free consultation to discuss which option may fit your puppy and training goals.

Yes. After completing the Basic Obedience Package, you may purchase individual Advanced Lessons. The listing includes options such as extended-distance obedience, Watch, Through, Stand, and Touch. 

Lessons are listed at the facility; if you prefer a lesson at home or another location, reach out to discuss the available options.