The right trainer changes daily life with your dog. Whether you live in Raleigh, Angier or anywhere in the Triangle, these are the questions worth asking before you choose, and how we answer each one at Angier K9.
1. Will you meet my dog before recommending a plan?
Every dog is different, so a good plan starts with the dog. At Angier K9, every plan begins with a free, in-person consultation, about an hour long, usually at your home or a place you choose. We meet The Dog In Front Of Us: their needs, personality, history and what motivates them. We talk through your goals and recommend a suitable direction, so you leave knowing the next step. Here is how to prepare for your consultation.
2. Can I watch real training, not only highlights?
A highlight shows the best moment. A full session shows how a trainer teaches. We record the majority of each dog’s training sessions and publish training updates, so you can watch the work before you ever call us, and current families can find their dog’s videos on the Client Updates page. Why we film the work.
3. How will the training carry over to my home?
A dog who listens only for the trainer has not finished learning. Every Board & Train includes three full owner lessons, at around 2½ weeks, around 3–3½ weeks and on Go-Home day. In them we teach your dog’s commands, handling, equipment, expectations and daily maintenance, so the work comes home with you. See what owners learn in the lessons.
4. Where does the training happen?
Real life happens at the front door, on the sidewalk and in busy places. A large part of our training happens on walks: parks, busy downtown areas, dog-friendly stores and other everyday locations. We choose the setting and the level of distraction around your dog’s needs and readiness.
5. How do you motivate the dog?
Ask what a trainer uses to build motivation. Play is central to how we train. Chase & Catch, Possession Games, Flirt Pole, Personal Play and other games help us discover what your dog loves and bring that motivation into the lesson, alongside clear verbal markers your dog learns to understand.
6. What happens after the program ends?
Questions come up after Go-Home day, and that is normal. Every Board & Train includes recorded training to revisit and free ongoing support with no end date: call or text the main line, answered by a trainer. How training support works.
7. Have you helped dogs like mine?
Look for a trainer whose work you can see with dogs like yours. Our programs cover obedience, behavior modification, protection training and service dog training. Explore thirty-nine family stories on this site, in their own words and recordings, from young puppies to reactive dogs and two-dog homes. Start with Bandit, or browse every family story.
8. How is the cost decided?
Every Board & Train is planned around the dog in front of us, so the investment depends on your dog: their needs, your goals and the length of the program. At your free, in-person consultation we recommend a plan and walk you through the cost for your dog before anything is decided. Monthly payment options are available.
Ask us in person
These are good questions to ask any trainer, and we would love to answer them for your dog. Read what happens during Board & Train, meet the family behind Angier K9, then book a free consultation with Angier K9.