Faq’s

A Modern & Humane Approach to Dog Training. Get involved in your dog’s training and invest in behavioral solutions that last.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do the private lessons work?

It largely depends on the goals of the client. By and large, the one-hour lessons will be divided into two thirty-minute halves. During the first half, the trainer will work with the dog directly. During the second half, the owner will be trained on the communication system. It is also possible to devote the full lesson to showing the owner how to train from scratch. While this is a significantly longer process, some clients prefer it. Onsite training occurs first in a low distraction environment, and is then moved to more disruptive environments.

What are your training methods?

We use a modern cognitive behavioral approach with roots in operant and classical conditioning that is respectful of the emotional and mental wellbeing of the dog. Clear and consistent communication, as well as motivating the dog with things it wants is key to effective training. That said, we do not shy away from tools such as e-collars and prong collars. However, we use these tools tactfully and ethically. Taking the nature of the animal into account is also key. Most problems and their solutions do not occur in a vacuum. Proper solutions often require more holistic approaches.

What are the benefits of working with a trainer?

Training advice and practices given by real dog experts are invaluable for anyone attempting to live successfully with their dog. This is absolutely essential if the dog is already having issues. The goal of the owner is to learn how dogs learn, determine how to change and guide their future behavior, as well as control problematic behavior.

Can you accommodate dogs with special needs?

Yes. Considerations can be made based on age and disability (blindness, deafness, etc.) We have experience teaching deaf and blind dogs.

How long does it take to train a dog?

It is difficult to answer this question with an exact timeframe, as several factors influence the training speed of a dog, including motivation, intelligence, and your specific training goals. However, after 7-10 lessons, the vast majority of dogs are capable of learning basic obedience behaviors (come, sit, down, stay, place) as well as the language and expectations of a trainer or handler to a high degree. Owners taking charge of the training process between lessons yields surprising results. While there are occasionally clients that have unrealistic expectations for their canine friends, the vast majority of clients will be incredibly surprised by the true learning capabilities of their canine companion.

What is the best age to train a dog? Can a dog of any age be trained?

The best age to train a dog is now. Any dog can be trained at any age. Starting young while their brains are developing and learning methods to head off problematic behaviors before they become bad habits will often result in better outcomes. The old adage that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is very true here. Training older dogs is very possible and happens all the time.

     Excellent  
     Based on 27 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Ken B 
 2023-09-21
 
 
  What a great company! We could not be happier with what Gene and Jen did with our dog Clyde. We were at our wits end with Clyde with several behavior issues and just a general lack of discipline. We opted for the 3 weeks of in house training with several training sessions with Gene after.

During the 3 weeks, we received updates on Clyde’s progress in addition to cool pics of Clyde enjoying his environment. They don’t just train your dog, they build a trusting relationship with them as well.

Gene and Jen did several training sessions with us out in the local parks allowing us to work on stuff with Clyde in a real world environment after the in-house training.

We dropped off Clyde an undisciplined hardcore puller and just a typical puppy. He came came back a well disciplined dog. Fully trained on an e-collar (that is rarely needed) with all the basic commands. He comes on command, heels, sits, stays, and we now have a dog that we can comfortably walk off leash for several mile walks each day.

We couldn’t thank Gene and Jen enough. Well worth the time and money spent.
  
 
       
   Lianne Shinton 
 2023-09-20
 
 
  Cranks Custom Canines possesses remarkable dog training expertise that greatly enhanced my skills in preparation for my upcoming competition as part of the US team. If you're in search of top-tier dog training, I wholeheartedly recommend their services. 🐕🏆
  
 
       
   Aaron Assadoghli 
 2023-07-31
 
 
  Gene and Jen did an absolute fantastic job with our dog! Not only did they train my dog but educated my wife and I so much to an extent that they helped make my home a safer environment for our family. Cannot thank them enough! High recommend!
  
 
       
   Griselda Avila 
 2023-07-24
 
 
  Gene did a incredible job with our dogs! We first took our at the time 5 month Doberman/Rottweiler mix because she would bark at people and other dogs on walks and we were concerned it would turn into aggression! After her first class we notice a difference we did the 10 class and he really taught us how to work with her and she completely changed her behavior! She is now so well behaved that people will even compliment us on how well behave she is and she’s now confident and super sweet with strangers and other dogs! We recently got a 4 month husky puppy and we right away decided to take her to Gene and again he did so great with her he really was patient with her since she sometimes has attitude and she’s such a great puppy! I definitely recommend going to Gene!
  
 
       
   Jami Logan 
 2023-05-25
 
 
  Working with Gene was awesome! He is great with dogs,  he just gets them! He has a natural understanding of them and their behaviors and can figure out their needs very quickly. He helped us so much with our 2 dogs and our dogs loved him! I highly recommend trusting him with your training needs. He is also super flexible with his scheduling it was an overall great experience.
  
 
       
   angela 
 2023-05-08
 
 
  So far, our dog is obeying. Couldn't ask for more !
  
 
       
   Rachel Camp 
 2023-02-16
 
 
  If I could, I would leave more stars! It was obvious from the beginning they are extremely knowledgeable in dog training and behavior. I had two under-trained and very excitable German Shepard brothers who were not fun to play with or take for walks, I decided we needed a trainer but was apprehensive about taking them to a group setting or a kid from a pet store. I called around to a few different options but could tell from our first conversation this was the trainer I needed for my dogs. I can not be happier that we went to Cranks Custom Canines! From our first training session we received clear and patient directions. We began to see results (although small) after the first session, with each visit they became better and easier to work with. We finished a few months ago and my boys are completely different dogs. We walk on and off leash and they can finally come inside without wrecking everything in the house. Of course training relies on consistency in class and at home but I received the tools and mentality I needed to be able to work with my dogs. I can not recommend Crank’s Custom Canines enough.
  
 
       
   Sergio Moran 
 2022-12-26
 
 
  I couldn’t have been more grateful to have found Gene from Cranks Custom Canines. I love the knowledge, confidence, and passion Gene posses. He & his team are truly a gift for dogs and families in search of quality dog training. My Rottie (Peaches) was an ultra reactive pup living in fear. I felt awful for her but, also scared of what these fearful reactions would lead to. The stress and anxiety between myself & poor Peaches were at a all time high.  After meeting Gene, he not only explained the psychological aspects of training but also displayed the ability to work with my dog effectively. I can’t stress how many times I spoke to someone claiming they could train my dog & during consultation they could not manage the dog. Gene is experienced & through his teaching (myself ) my 5 & 6 year old can give Peaches commands and she responds accordingly to their request. He COMPLETELY changed my Peaches overall quality of life which means less stress for me and our family. We have a HAPPY, well trained Rottweiler no longer living in fear of sounds, things  or people. We can now ENJOY her as a family. Thank you Gene & Jen from the bottom of our hearts.
  
 
       
   Diane Creamer 
 2022-12-14
 
 
  Gene is an incredibly talented and intuitive trainer. He worked magic with our 3 year Whoodle who was fearful of people and other dogs, barking and lunging at them. Bringing people into the house and taking him for a walk were quite challenging. We wanted Doolie to be more confident and relaxed and able to enjoy life and with Gene’s expertise that has happened. He also worked with our 1 year old Westie, Izzy, who was so excited to see people and other dogs on her walks that she barked incessantly at them. She is now able to calmly walk by people and dogs. Gene patiently provided me with the skills to continue training both dogs. We are extremely grateful to Gene for helping our dogs to become calm, confident and happy. This