Frequently Asked Questions 

What if I don’t get the results I’m hoping for? Is there a guarantee?

Because every dog is different, and because real change depends on consistency, follow-through, and owner involvement, we don’t offer a 100% guarantee. It wouldn’t be ethical to promise perfect results when so many factors are outside of our control.

That said, we only work with committed owners who are ready to be part of the process. In our experience, when that dedication is in place, we see incredible transformations time and time again.

We’ve never met a dog we couldn’t help. Whether it’s obedience, reactivity, or developing better emotional regulation, we approach each case with a personalized plan and long-term support.

Training with us is a team effort. That collaboration starts before your dog ever arrives, continues throughout the program, and extends far beyond the go-home day. When you join Monument City Dog, you’re not just hiring a trainer. You’re becoming part of a support system that is invested in your dog’s success for the long haul.

What tools do you use in training?

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to dog training. Every dog is different, and part of being a responsible trainer is having a wide range of tools and techniques available to meet each dog where they are.

Some of the tools we may use include prong collars, slip leads, remote collars (e-collars), long lines, treats, toys, food rewards, bark collars, the Pet Convincer (compressed air for interrupting behavior), and even our own personal dogs for modeling calm behavior.

Tools are never used in isolation or without purpose. They're part of a broader strategy that focuses on communication, clarity, and helping dogs reach a calmer, more confident state of mind.

The ultimate goal is to create a well-rounded dog who is relaxed, responsive, and able to handle the world around them. We’ll work together to find the right combination of tools and techniques that best supports your dog’s growth.

Why do you use prong collars?

Prong collars are one of many tools we may use in training, and they are always introduced thoughtfully and on a case-by-case basis. Not every dog is a candidate for a prong collar, and we only use them when we believe it will genuinely support the dog’s progress and communication.

When used correctly, prong collars can be a highly effective way to create a calm, connected relationship between dog and handler. They allow for clear, consistent communication with minimal physical effort, which helps reduce stress for both the dog and the owner.

Although their appearance can seem harsh at first glance, prong collars, when properly fitted and fairly used, are among the most humane and low-pressure tools available. They are designed to evenly distribute pressure around the dog’s neck, which can actually reduce the risk of injury compared to flat collars or harnesses that encourage pulling.

Why do you use Ecollars?

We specialize in modern e-collar training because it offers one of the most effective, reliable, and humane ways to communicate with dogs. Every dog in our board and train program is introduced to the e-collar as part of their training process.

We use top-of-the-line Educator collars that offer over 100 adjustable levels. This allows us to customize the sensation for each individual dog. Our goal is always to use the lowest level possible to create clear and consistent communication. Most dogs work on levels so low that the average human cannot even feel them. The sensation is similar to the gentle pulse of a TENS unit used in physical therapy.

We treat the e-collar like an invisible leash. It is a tool that helps guide dogs toward better choices and builds reliable behavior, even around distractions.

When used thoughtfully and fairly, the e-collar becomes a powerful way to strengthen trust, improve focus, and create lasting results both on and off leash.