Frequently Asked Questions

 General FAQ

  • It’s important to choose a trainer that is knowledgeable + experienced in your specific goals (ie. sports, behavior modification, service work, or reactivity). Trainers that rely on harsh corrections use fear & intimidation to control dogs. They often do so because they lack the in-depth knowledge of canine behavior and psychology. A good trainer will be knowledgeable in force-free methods and seek to eliminate aversion. Look for someone that is LIMA, force-free, or R+ based and has sufficient experience working with dogs of all ages and breeds.

  • Helping Howls is LIMA-based (least intrusive, minimally aversive). Our training uses positive, reward-based methods. We believe in fun and enjoyable training for our dogs. Our approach is designed to create a change in both behavior and mindset. This way, dogs can be fulfilled both mentally and physically. We help our dogs love training and working alongside their owners. Not only are our methods effective but they carry no risk of harming a dog mentally or physically. Ethics in training are a huge priority and we will never knowingly cause pain, discomfort or harm to dogs to accomplish our goals.

  • Yes! Helping Howls utilizes a variety of techniques to help dogs succeed. Additionally, our training utilizes classic and operant conditioning principles. This science-backed approach has been shown to be effective on all dogs, regardless of age and breed. We recognize that breed often plays a role in dog’s learning style and are prepared to adapt to your dog’s unique needs. Helping Howls takes pride in our ability to train dogs but also recognize that some cases are beyond our scope. When appropriate, we may refer you to a behaviorist or another trainer that specializes in your specific area of need.

    Helping Howls does not work with severe behavioral or aggression cases. Contact us for a referral to a qualified behaviorist in your area.

Service Dog FAQ

  • Any person with a disability qualifies for a service dog! If you have a mental or physical condition that impairs one or more major life functions, your right to be accompanied by a task trained service dog in public spaces is protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act. “Disability” is loosely defined by the ADA and it is ultimately up to an individual and their medical team to decide whether a service dog is the best option.

  • A service dog is any dog that has been trained to perform tasks to mitigate their handler’s disability. For example, guiding a blind person or alerting a hearing impaired person to a fire alarm. Service dogs can be trained to help individuals with all kinds of disabilities, from mobility to psychiatric. A properly trained and paired service dog can not only provide help during medical events and emergencies, but also make daily tasks easier, more enjoyable and more accessible.

  • Maybe! Service work requires a specific temperament and drive to work. A good service dog candidate will be confident, tolerant, and eager to please. A dog also needs to be healthy and free of any disabling conditions. We also recommend beginning training as a puppy or young adult due to the lengthy process. If your dog sounds like a good fit, enquire about an evaluation so we can discuss your dog and your specific needs.

  • Helping Howls currently offers scent training, psychiatric tasks, mobility tasks, and medical alert + response tasks. We do not offer full guide dogs or bracing tasks.

  • No. ESAs are pets used as part of a mental illness treatment plan. Unlike service dogs, they do not require task training, are not permitted in public spaces unless those spaces are designated as pet friendly, and must abide by all pet fees and regulations on airplanes. ESA status is solely intended to allow these special pets to live in non-pet friendly housing with their people who need them. If you’re looking for ESA training, we can help with all levels of pet training, as well as provide support in training home manners.

  • Service dog training is an involved and comprehensive process that begins with socializing a puppy to varied environments. This helps them to work with confidence and focus as adults.

    Obedience training is the foundation of solid public access work and Helping Howls strongly believes in age appropriate learning. The public access phase begins when a dog is ready to begin learning and working in varied environments. Throughout training, task work may or may not be introduced, depending on the tasks needed and the dog’s age. For example, scent work training can be introduced to puppies while mobility task work is for physically sound, adult dogs only. There is no set time period or requirement for service training but the entire process, from puppy to finish, often takes about two years. During our evaluation, we can a give a more personalized estimate that takes into account your dog’s age and experience, as well as your individual goals.