Frequently Asked Questions

YOU ASKED, WE ANSWERED

Have questions? You’re not alone.
This page covers the most common things new clients ask us from training methods and timelines to pricing and what to expect before, during, and after your dog’s stay.

Puppy Program FAQs

Yes. Our puppy board-and-train programs focus heavily on house training, crate training, manners, impulse control, and early socialization to build a strong foundation for life.

Training can begin as early as 8 weeks old. Early guidance helps prevent problem behaviors from forming and sets clear expectations from the start.

Yes. Puppy biting is common, and we address it through appropriate outlets, structure, boundaries, and teaching puppies how to self-regulate and engage appropriately.

General FAQs

The best time to start training is as early as possible, but it’s never too late. Dogs of any age can benefit from structured, thoughtful training.

Yes. We use positive reinforcement to build trust, encourage bonding, and motivate learning through clear communication and rewards.

We also use balanced training methods to ensure behaviors are reliable, understood, and truly learned. We never force a dog to learn, instead, we teach dogs how to succeed using a structured, thoughtful approach tailored to each dog’s individual needs.

Training length depends on the program and the individual dog. Most of our core training programs fall within a 1–3 week range, with the structure and focus determined during the evaluation process. Contact us for a free consultation to find the right fit.

On-leash and off-leash programs are designed to achieve meaningful results in a relatively short timeframe because each dog receives a high level of daily, one-on-one training.

Behavior Modification programs are more intensive and typically require additional time due to the nature of the behaviors being addressed.

Training takes place primarily in real homes and everyday environments so behaviors are practical, reliable, and transferable to your daily life.

We intentionally avoid sterile, facility-only training and instead work in settings that reflect how you actually live with your dog, helping skills carry over smoothly once training is complete.

We guarantee personalized training, professional support, and a clear path forward.

Our programs are designed to address the specific issues you want resolved while building a clear, reliable foundation your dog can always return to. That foundation gives you a reset point when challenges come up, because dogs naturally test boundaries over time.

Long-term success depends on follow-through, which is why owner education and ongoing support are a core part of our programs. We provide lifetime guidance on the behaviors we train, and when additional work is needed, we help you determine the right next step.

Yes. Dogs form strong bonds and do not forget their owners. Training often improves the relationship by creating clearer communication and trust.

Owner involvement is an essential part of long-term success. During training, you’ll receive daily updates through the Medina Dogs Training app so you can follow your dog’s progress without being overwhelmed.

Once a solid foundation is in place, we bring you in for your first owner training session so you can learn how to handle and reinforce the work that’s been done. Training concludes with a graduation session in your home, along with follow-up support based on your program and your dog’s needs.

We work with some of the best trainers in the area and intentionally limit the number of dogs we train so each dog receives a high level of daily, hands-on training and personalized attention.

Training does not happen in short, isolated sessions. It happens all day long. We train when dogs wake up, when they walk, when they eat, when they settle, when they play, and when they rest. Every interaction is structured and purposeful, teaching dogs how to move through the world with clarity and confidence.

We are deeply invested in both your dog and your success. Once the specific issues you want resolved are addressed and a strong foundation is in place, we provide extensive coaching and support to help you maintain those results at home and live well together long term.

Adolescent & Adult Dogs FAQs

Our adolescent and adult board-and-train programs are generally designed for dogs six months and older. Training is customized based on your goals, as well as your dog’s age, temperament, and specific behavioral needs.

Our on-leash and off-leash programs address most obedience-based and lifestyle behaviors, including leash pulling, jumping, demand barking, lack of focus, poor recall, boundary issues, and general manners.

If a dog is experiencing more serious behavioral challenges such as aggression, severe anxiety, or reactivity, we may recommend our Behavior Modification program, which is a separate, higher-support tier.

Absolutely. Dogs of all ages can learn new behaviors and improve existing ones. Training plans are adjusted to account for physical ability, learning pace, and overall wellbeing.

Behavior Modification FAQs

Yes. We evaluate dogs based on behavior, temperament, and needs, not breed. Acceptance into our programs is determined during the evaluation process to ensure the right fit for both the dog and the trainer.

Yes. We are deeply invested in your long-term success. Training doesn’t end when your dog goes home, it transitions.

We continue to support you through owner coaching, guidance, and additional training options when needed. You remain connected to us through the Medina Dogs Training app, so questions and support are always accessible. Our goal is to help you maintain results and confidently navigate challenges as they come up over time.

We can accommodate most dietary and medical needs, provided all details are disclosed in advance. Dogs must be stable, with clear care instructions and veterinary guidance when applicable.

Additional Services FAQs

Only past clients who have completed a full board-and-train program with us.

Refresh and Boarding includes daily training sessions to reinforce past skills boarding is care only, no training.

Availability is limited and prioritized for training alumni, Reach out early to reserve your spot.

Get in touch

Free Consult Sign-Up

Whether you’re starting fresh with a puppy or tackling behavior challenges, we’re here to help. Fill out the short form below to request your free consult, our team will follow up to learn more and guide you to the right program.. 

Ruthy Evora

Certified Dog Trainer – East Bay, CA

Ruthy Evora has extensive experience working with dogs of all ages, breeds, and temperaments. Her background includes canine behavior assessments, developing individualized care plans, creating safe playgroups, and working closely with pet owners to help every dog succeed. She is known for her calm, patient approach, thoughtful handling skills, and ability to build trust with both dogs and their families.

Ruthy believes successful training begins with clear communication, consistency, and helping owners understand how their dogs learn. She enjoys building strong foundations with puppies, improving everyday obedience, and helping families create lasting habits they can continue long after training is complete. Her goal is to help every owner develop a confident, well-mannered dog they can enjoy for years to come.

Shell Kaminsky

Certified Dog Trainer – East Bay, CA

Shell Kaminsky is a balanced dog trainer with nearly nine years of professional experience helping dogs and their owners build lasting success together. As the former Head Trainer and Operations Manager at a respected California board-and-train program, she has worked with hundreds of dogs ranging from family companions and puppies to advanced obedience, behavior modification, and service dogs.

Shell is a graduate of the ProTrain Institute Professional Dog Trainer program, an IACP member, and an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. She is also the Founder and Director of ProTrain Service Dogs, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals obtain service dogs by connecting them with funding opportunities, grants, and other community resources. Her passion for service dogs includes training hearing, mobility, psychiatric, diabetic alert, and public access dogs, giving her extensive experience developing customized training plans for both dogs and their handlers.

Shell believes successful training comes from teaching the owner just as much as the dog. Clients consistently praise her patience, professionalism, and ability to explain concepts in a way that builds confidence for the entire family. Whether she’s working with a young puppy learning life’s first lessons, helping a family overcome challenging behaviors, or preparing a dog for advanced obedience, Shell focuses on clear communication, consistency, and practical training that creates lasting results.