FAQ & General Information

Q: Will my dog feel abandoned and forget me?
A: We completely understand this worry — the thought of leaving your dog elsewhere can feel awful. But rest assured: dogs don’t think about “abandonment” the way humans do. Research shows that dogs don’t reason in that way — they only know you’re not present at the moment, not that you’ve left them for good. In fact, inboard programs are widely used and trusted overseas — it’s just newer in South Africa. Most dogs adjust quickly to routine and care, especially with trained professionals guiding them. And for those who do need extra comfort, we sometimes even welcome them into our homes for extra cuddles and reassurance during the first few days. 👉 Your dog will miss you, yes, but they won’t forget you — and they’ll come home with new skills and confidence that strengthen your bond.

Q: Will I be able to visit my dog during their stay at Pawsitive?
A: Yes! Visits can be scheduled with your trainer. If visiting in person isn’t possible, we offer video calls. We also provide daily updates and weekly videos on your dog’s progress, this makes our owners feel part of the journey.

Q: Will my dog listen to me when he/she is taught commands by someone else?
A: Yes — absolutely. It’s normal for there to be a short adjustment period, but with the right handover and consistency, your dog will take commands from you too. Here’s why it works, backed by science and experience: Dogs learn behavior based on associations and reinforcement, not loyalty to one person. A command becomes meaningful when correctly cued and rewarded, regardless of who gives it. That said, dogs often anchor a new behavior to its initial teacher. Research shows that dogs may respond best initially to the person who taught them. PMC The key step is generalization — teaching the same cue across different people, places, and situations. Trainers emphasize that commands must be “proofed” (reinforced in varied contexts) so the dog responds to you, not just your trainer. Whole Dog Journal +1 We don’t stop at training. We give you tools, homework, and step-by-step guidance so you become the next “trainer” in your dog’s mind. That smooth handover helps your dog transfer obedience to your voice. Our clients consistently report that after following our methods, their dogs listen to them at home just as well as during training sessions. Check out our testimonials — most owners mention this transition working beautifully. 👉 In short: we lay the foundation with expert structure and learning mechanics; you build on it with consistency. With our support and your involvement, your dog will obey you too — reliably.

Q: Will my dog be hurt (hit, shocked, etc.) while they are with you?
A: Absolutely not. Your dog’s safety, comfort, and trust are non-negotiable. Dogs learn best when they feel relaxed, loved, and protected — and science confirms that harsh methods such as hitting, shocking, or intimidation actually increase stress, fear, and unwanted behaviors instead of teaching the right ones. At our school, we use balanced, humane training: ✅ Positive reinforcement — we reward good behavior the moment it happens, capturing success and making it enjoyable for your dog to repeat. ✅ Shaping & setting dogs up to win — we create the best scenarios for your dog to succeed, so training feels natural and encouraging. ✅ Humane consequences — when needed, we may use short 5-second time-outs, or temporarily remove a toy/treat. These are calm, non-harmful ways to teach boundaries. What we never do: hit, shock, or treat dogs badly — ever. This is why our clients consistently praise us in their hundreds of 5-star Google reviews, testifying not just to results, but also to how happy, safe, and loved their dogs feel with us. 👉 With us, your dog learns through kindness, consistency, and science-based methods — never fear.

Q: How do I know which training program is right for my dog?
A: It is best to have a casual chat to Chantelle/Charlene about your furkid/s, together we can make the best decision in this regard, it is always about the dog and what is best for them!

Q: Can my dog’s behavioral issues be fully resolved through inboard training?
A: Inboard training is one of the most effective ways to create lasting change. Research and international practice show that structured facility-based training programs accelerate results because dogs are immersed in a consistent environment free from daily household distractions. With multiple training sessions each day, guided by professionals, dogs learn faster and more reliably than in ad-hoc home sessions. That said, not every behavior is best solved at a facility. A small number of issues — such as territory guarding, excessive barking at the front gate, or household resource guarding — may only show up in your home environment. In those cases, our trainers may recommend a follow-up session at your house, so we can address the problem exactly where it occurs. ✅ The good news: the vast majority of behavioral challenges — from aggression and anxiety to leash pulling, recall, and toilet training — can be successfully addressed in facility-based programs. The foundation we build here is strong, but your consistency at home is the final step that cements success long-term. 👉 In summary: Inboard training offers the fastest, most structured foundation for behavior change, with only a handful of home-specific issues requiring additional support.

Q: Do you provide training for aggressive dogs?
A: Yes, but an initial assessment is required before enrollment. Not all cases are the same. Fees may vary depending on the severity and requirements.

Q: My dog has separation anxiety. Can you help?
A: Yes — absolutely. Separation anxiety is one of the most common canine behavior disorders worldwide, affecting up to 17–20% of dogs according to published studies (Overall, 2013; Tiira et al., 2016). Dogs with separation anxiety experience panic when left alone, which can lead to destructive behavior, excessive barking, or attempts to escape. How inboard training helps: In a structured environment, dogs benefit from routine, predictability, and constant supervision, which reduces stress triggers. We focus on confidence-building, emotional regulation, and independence skills through carefully staged exercises. Dogs are exposed to short, controlled periods of separation that are gradually increased, helping them learn to cope calmly instead of panicking. Facility-based training removes environmental triggers (like specific windows, doors, or household routines) and allows us to create positive new associations. Medical support when needed: In more severe cases, we work closely with our attending veterinarian, who can prescribe medication or nutraceutical support (such as SSRIs, fluoxetine, or clomipramine, which research shows can significantly reduce anxiety when combined with training). Medication is never a first step, but it can be a valuable tool in helping dogs learn without being overwhelmed by fear. 👉 With the combination of science-based training, structured routines, and veterinary support if needed, most dogs with separation anxiety can achieve dramatic improvements — and many of our success stories highlight exactly that.

Q: Do you offer follow-up lessons after inboard training?
A: Yes. Clients receive free limited 1-hour follow-up sessions at our premises within 3 months of graduation. At-home sessions are available for an additional fee.

Q: Do you offer training at my home?
A: Yes, Home-based training is ideal for environment-specific behaviors. Best is to contact us for advice in the best options we can offer that is right for your dog!