Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best age to start puppy training?
Puppy training should ideally begin during critical learning windows, typically between 8 and 16 weeks of age. Starting early helps with housebreaking, crate training, socialization, and stopping nipping or jumping before habits form. At K9 Citizens Club, we emphasize gentle guidance and routine-building during these early stages to set puppies up for long-term success in New Braunfels, TX.How does basic obedience training work for dogs?
Basic obedience training teaches foundational skills like sit, stay, come, and leash manners through repetition, clear markers, and positive reinforcement. Training builds reliable communication between owner and dog, with real-world practice in distracting environments common around New Braunfels parks and neighborhoods. At K9 Citizens Club, we provide hands-on instruction and simple take-home guidance to build owner confidence.When should I consider behavior training for aggression?
Behavior training for aggression should be considered when your dog displays fear, reactivity, anxiety, or unpredictable responses to people, animals, or environments. Early intervention helps prevent escalation and builds confidence through calm, controlled methods. At K9 Citizens Club, we tailor plans to reflect the busy neighborhoods and quiet rural settings around New Braunfels, TX, using desensitization and structured exercises.What's the difference between private lessons and group training?
Private lessons offer one-on-one attention tailored to your dog's specific goals, temperament, and household needs, ideal for reactivity, multi-dog homes, or custom schedules. Group training provides socialization and distraction work but less individualized focus. At K9 Citizens Club, private lessons include home-life simulations and clear demonstrations to build owner confidence in New Braunfels, TX.How long does a board-and-train program typically last?
Board-and-train programs vary based on the dog's behavior and training goals, typically lasting one to several weeks with daily, structured sessions. Dogs learn faster in distraction-free environments with consistent routines. At K9 Citizens Club, we limit availability to about two dogs per month and include owner turnover sessions to ensure consistency after pickup in New Braunfels, TX.What should I do to prepare my home for puppy training?
Prepare your home by setting up a designated crate area, removing chewable hazards, and establishing consistent routines for feeding, potty breaks, and sleep. Consistency helps puppies learn boundaries quickly. At K9 Citizens Club, we provide families in New Braunfels, TX with tools and real-life practice to stop nipping, jumping, and chewing during critical early learning windows.Can aggressive dogs be successfully rehabilitated with training?
Yes, many aggressive dogs can be successfully rehabilitated through calm, controlled training that addresses triggers, builds confidence, and teaches impulse control. Progress depends on the dog's history, consistency, and owner commitment. At K9 Citizens Club, we use desensitization, body language reading, and redirection techniques tailored to environments around New Braunfels, TX, and encourage booking a private evaluation first.What are the benefits of socialization sessions for dogs?
Socialization sessions help dogs gain confidence around people, environments, and other dogs through controlled exposure and desensitization. They're especially helpful for shy, anxious, or overly excitable dogs. At K9 Citizens Club, we use real-life scenarios in outdoor spaces around Gruene and San Marcos, TX, to reinforce calm behavior and safe interactions that complement obedience training.Why is in-home training better for leash pulling?
In-home training addresses leash pulling where it actually happens—on familiar walks and in your neighborhood—allowing the trainer to evaluate real triggers and routines. This approach builds confident handling in everyday environments. At K9 Citizens Club, we use neighborhood walks around New Braunfels, Gruene, and San Marcos, TX, for realistic practice that translates immediately to daily life.What's included in a behavior assessment consultation?
A behavior assessment consultation includes a comprehensive evaluation of your dog's triggers, routines, body language, and environmental factors. The trainer provides clear guidance on next steps, program recommendations, and realistic expectations. At K9 Citizens Club, we consider lifestyle patterns around New Braunfels, TX, and create a structured roadmap before beginning formal behavior training for fear, aggression, or anxiety.How does advanced dog training differ from basic obedience?
Advanced dog training builds on foundational skills with higher-level commands, off-leash reliability, distraction work, and duration or distance challenges. It's ideal for active families needing strong recall and control in outdoor environments. At K9 Citizens Club, we provide advanced handling techniques and real-world scenario training around Canyon Lake and San Marcos, TX, often as a follow-up to basic obedience.What's the biggest mistake people make with puppy training?
The biggest mistake is waiting too long to start training, missing critical learning windows when puppies are most receptive to socialization and habit-building. Delaying training allows unwanted behaviors like nipping, jumping, and chewing to become ingrained. At K9 Citizens Club, we encourage scheduling early-life sessions in New Braunfels, TX, to jump-start progress and prepare puppies for advanced obedience later.