FAQ

Questions? Meet Answers:

Where are you located?

UTK9 is located in Stirling-rawdon Ontario. Servicing all surrounding areas, including Durham region. With our Board & Train programs we can provide training all over Canada!

What are your hours of operation?

Mon: 9am - 8pm 
Tue: Closed
Wed: 9am - 8pm
Thu: 9am -8pm
Fri: 9am - 8pm
Sat: 9am - 6pm
Sun: 9am - 6pm

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

All services are subject to the following cancellation and refund terms:​

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0-24h notice = 0% refund

24-48h notice = 50% refund

48h+ notice = 100% refund

Is an assessment required before I can book any training?

Yes. All new clients must complete a virtual evaluation before scheduling training. Evaluations are free of charge, are done over Zoom and help our Trainers establish a history of your dog, discuss your training goals, and accurately recommend or curate training programs to help you achieve your desired results.

What breeds do you accept?

All breeds, all sizes, at all times.

What forms of payment do you accept?

E-transfer, Cash, Debit, or Credit.

How long are training sessions?

On average, about 1 hour per session or class.

Where do private lessons take place?

Depending on the service chosen our sessions are available for In Home & at the UTK9 Farm. As you progress through training, the location may change depending on training plans and goals.

How should I prepare for a training session?

It is ideal to not feed your dog right before a session, as we will be using their food or treats as rewards throughout. A full dog is generally less interested in the work.

How much time should I spend training my dog?

The amount of time you dedicate towards training your dog will vary depending on your short and long term goals. We recommend at least 15 minutes a day, broken up into multiple shorter sessions. Less is more in the early stages of learning, 15 minutes a day keeps the Trainer away!

Do you offer group classes?

We currently offer two group classes: Follow the Leader and Little Movers. More information on these classes can be found on the Services page of our website.

Is my dog too young/old for training?

Every dog comes with their own set of problems, concerns, and training goals. We have worked with and trained dogs of all ages - all are welcome. The saying "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" couldn't be further from the truth, and it's never too early for you and your dog to start your training journey with us.

What is socialization?

Socialization is the practice of training your dog to be neutral in social and environmental situations. We want our dogs to be able to coexist with the human landscape they live in without putting stress on them as a result. Positively introducing your dog or puppy to new sites, smells, sounds, textures, and other competing motivators that may otherwise trigger them is important to encourage their development into a confident and neutral pet.

What kinds of training do you offer, and how will I know if it's right for me?

A complete list of services offered can be found on our website, and our free virtual evaluations are the perfect opportunity to discuss our training options and decide whether UTK9 is a good fit for you and your dog.

What kind of training methods do you use?

UTK9 practices balanced training. We teach before we expect and utilize our education and the training sciences available to us to train fairly, efficiently, and humanely. We prioritize owner/handler education and proper technique, and work with our clients to ensure they understand the why's behind everything before we deploy these methods with their dog.

Do you have a training guarantee?

Unfortunately, there is no way to guarantee our training. Each dog is different, and there are unique factors at play including genetics and natural disposition that can affect their progress. We, as the trainer, are training YOU to train your dog. We do our best to set you up for success by providing the education and material needed for you to be successful in training upkeep after our sessions end, but at the end of the day your consistency plays a big part in long-term success.