[yorkietalkjilly]

This sounds wonderful. Non-treat-based training usually requires excellent dog handling skills, goes a bit slower, takes more work and a dog that works for praise or another reward. Nervous dogs sometimes don't do as well with it. Some dogs don't work that well with praise so I have no problem at all with using a portion of the dog's daily ration of food for use in treat-based training. It works faster for me. But there are dogs who won't take treats or could care less so you find what it is they work for and use that as a reward. Some large working dogs will do anything you say in a training session if they know you will bounce their tennis ball in their direction at the end. Tibbe will often just stand there and look at the ball. Others want a tugowar session - no treats - just knowing they get that session after training. Others work hard to get that "Good boy" or the "yesss" or a click on the clicker - in fact, he jumps away from the clicker. Tibbe doesn't really care so much for "Good boy" or praise - could care less and it takes more skill to keep him interested - more enthusiasm and repetitions and I have to realize I'm competing with the surroundings to make me and the trick more interesting to him. I have certain little tricks I use to get and keep his attention but it is more work for me(ugh!). But throw in a crisp piece of kibble and he's quick to respond. So treat-based training is fine if you use a portion of their daily food allowance and they work faster and happier that way. Whatever works to get and keep your dog interested in you and doing what you are trying to get it to do and both of you stay happy in the process is the best method to use.

I love a genuine "lifetime guarantee" and hope they stay in business as long as you might need them. Be sure what the term "lifetime" refers to in the contract. That term definition should be specifically described in the contract and further clarified in writing that no additional monies are required for their return training lessons in the home at any time in the future.