Gorgi, Murphy, Pickle, Petey
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about the services I offer. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, please contact me so I can answer you directly!
General
How long have you been training?
Sharon Mear is a Certified Canine and Feline Trainer and Behavior Counselor who has worked professionally with cats and dogs since 2001.
What should I expect in the first consultation?
- As a crucial part of our first consultation, I will ask you to share any history of your Dog or Cat. Your input is not just valuable, it’s essential. Even if you have rescued your animal and don’t have any information, your observations and experiences are key to understanding what your animal needs. We will observe together and move forward from there.
- I will ask you to demonstrate some of your dog’s skills, if any.
- If your animal favors particular treats, please have them available. I will also bring some. Let me know if your animal(s) have any allergies.
What if I have questions between sessions?
I am available for emails or phone calls during the training period.
What should I do if I need to cancel my appointment?
Sometimes, things arise, and you can’t keep your appointment. In this case, I require 48 hours’ notice before canceling or rescheduling an appointment. Without this notice, you will be charged 50% of your fee. Cancellations on the same day will be charged 100% of the fee. We can talk about exceptions to this rule.
Dog Training Services
What type of training do you use on dogs?
It depends on what motivates your dog. My approach is gentle, compassionate and friendly. I teach behaviors that build confidence and motivation in your dogs to set them up for success. Creating an enthusiastic environment is the easiest and fastest route to helping your dog achieve success as a respectable, and well-mannered member of the family.
I focus on using rewards that motivate your dog. Rewards can be praise, petting, toys, food, treats, playing games, walking, etc. It’s important to ignore unwanted behaviors and demands for attention. By reinforcing desired behaviors these behaviors become more likely to reoccur.
What should I do to prepare for our first consultation?
- Unless you have an aggressive dog, please don’t change anything before my arrival. Seeing what you and your dog(s) do when a stranger arrives is helpful.
- If your dog is aggressive, please rest assured that I am experienced in handling such situations. I will ask you to either have him on a leash or in another room until I come in and sit down, ensuring everyone’s safety and comfort.
When should I start training my new puppy or rescued dog?
I recommend starting within the first few days of your dog’s arrival. Starting with a clean slate before negative behaviors begin will help create good habits and boundaries and prevent bad behaviors from becoming habits.
What do you think about sending puppies away for board and training?
I don’t recommend sending puppies away for training, for the following reasons:
- Part of raising a puppy is knowing what they are like from day one. This is when the pups will bond with you and feel secure.
- When pups are sent away for 4-6 weeks, you never really know what kind of training they received because you are not there. You will have to start over, trying to learn how the pup was taught so you can follow through and help your pup understand that you are their guardian, and this is their permanent home.
- In my opinion, training should be participatory, meaning the family needs to work with the trainer. I want the dog to respect all family members.
- Most train-away facilities are outside the city, in the suburbs or countryside. If you live in a city like NYC, your dog needs to understand the random environment it will encounter daily: crowded streets with lots of dogs, motorized vehicles and bicycles on the sidewalk, runners, loud sirens, etc., not the quiet streets of the suburbs.
Cat Training Services
What should I expect in the first consultation?
As a crucial part of our first consultation, I will ask you to share any history of your cat. Your input is not just valuable, it’s essential. Even if you have rescued your cat and don’t have any information, your observations and experiences are key to understanding what your animal needs. We will observe together and move forward from there.
Can cats have behavioral issues? I feel embarrassed just asking.
Yes, cats, just like dogs, can have behavioral issues. It is always best to ask for help. I will never judge you, and there are no stupid questions.
Behavior consultations can help resolve more serious issues you are having difficulty with, like aggressive behavior or why your cat is not using the litter box. I can help you determine the source and then work toward resolving these situations.
If my cat stops using the litter box, starts excessively vocalizing, or acts aggressively, should I call my vet or a behaviorist?
If your cat suddenly changes behavior patterns, please make an appointment with your veterinarian to rule out any medical issues. Once given a clean health bill, you should contact me to discuss your cat’s behavioral Issues.
Do you come to my home, or is the consultation virtual?
If you live in an area I travel to, I will offer either in-home or Virtual.
A virtual consultation can be as effective as an in-person one. In certain situations, cats are disturbed by the presence of new people, so working virtually won’t impact their space. This is especially useful for timid or aggressive cats.
Payment
What method of payment do you accept?
I accept Venmo and Zelle at least 48 hours before our appointment. Once the date and time are confirmed, I require a deposit to hold your time slot.
How much do you charge?
All pricing — including discounts and packages — can be found on the Dog Training Services, Puppy & Pre-Puppy Training Services, and Cat Training Services pages, respectively. If you need additional information, please contact me.
What is your refund policy?
Once you have completed your first session, there is no refund policy unless there is some unusual circumstance. We can talk about this.