FAQs

WHAT I BELIEVE: HOW I WILL TREAT YOUR DOG

I am a FORCE-FREE, POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT trainer.

I will never use shock/electronic, prong, pinch or choke collars on your dog. I will never yell at or be mean to your dog. I will never cause your dog to be afraid. I will never use fear, pain, verbal, or physical abuse to teach your dog or change his behavior.

I will love your dog and provide an environment for him to feel safe at all times. I use food/treats, praise, toys, affection, and other things that make your dog happy to modify his behavior simply because he’s motivated to do so. Being kind to your pet is one of my highest priorities.

Understanding your pup’s fears, needs, wants, emotional and physical state, stress level and happiness matters to me.

I won’t punish your dog for doing something undesirable, as that only communicates to your dog to be afraid of me (or stop the behavior) in fear of punishment. It doesn’t correct a “bad” behavior, nor encourage, mold or create a desirable behavior.

No matter what your dog’s background has been, he has the ability to learn. He wants to learn to live in your world, but doesn’t know how – it’s a human world that is completely strange and, most likely, confusing. I will help you bridge the gap from your words and actions to the “language” your sweet dog understands.

Your dog is a perfectly imperfect, living, sentient, individual being with justifiable fears, feelings and desires, and will be treated as such.

I will help your dog be the best version of “him” he can be. That will, thankfully, never mean perfection. “Doggy-ness” is a blessing, and your dogs’ quirks will be celebrated.

I will help you through this process, as long as you are willing to do the work and take the journey with me. Patience and a positive attitude will be keys to your combined success.

Training your dog is a daily, life-long process, and one that I am happy to help you through for the duration.

Janie Vogel, ABCDT

Certified Dog Trainer & Owner, Polite Canine Dog Training and Pet Sitting

I started caring for dogs around 20 years ago when friends and neighbors knew of my love for dogs and all animals. They started asking me to take care of their personal pets when they were gone. I was good at what I did, was trustworthy, and received the great honor of them allowing me to care for their pets. They knew they could leave their home and pets in my care, and their pets would be cared for to my highest standards and would always be safe and happy. I had other jobs but always loved my time with the various pets in my care.

In 2007, a soul-changing dog came into my life named TILLY. She wasn’t mine, but she will always be my “heart dog.” I was privileged to take care of her for 14½ years until she passed in 2022. I was there when they brought her home at 8 weeks, and took care of her for ALL of her days! She was (and still is) my great love! Tilly is one of the biggest reasons why I formed Polite Canine Dog Training and Pet Sitting, and I think of her and honor her every day when I go to work caring for other pets. I will never forget Tilly, and made her forever a part of my heart and business: She is the dog represented in my PCDT logo.

After many years of pet care, and an increasing clientele, I wanted to be able to help the many pet parents who kept asking me for behavioral help for their dogs. I knew a lot about dogs and why they did what they did, and always tried to help my clients when I was able.

So I committed to make this not only my passion, but my profession.

The Dog Training industry is unregulated (i.e. anyone can call themselves a “dog trainer” – there is no oversight). Because of that, I decided to make sure my friends, neighbors and clients knew that I was going to provide them the best, science-backed information available. I would never “guess” with the information I provided them about their dogs. So I enrolled in the Animal Behavior College and graduated as a professionally certified Dog Trainer (ABCDT).

I have continued to add to that knowledge base via continuing education, including seminars, classes, podcasts, and other opportunities to make sure I am giving my clients the most up-to-date and most current information and knowledge possible. I will continue to learn on behalf of your pets.

- Janie Vogel, Polite Canine Dog Training LLC

“Qualified Dog Trainers don’t have “magic wands” to immediately fix a dog’s behavior. It takes TIME, consistency, practice and patience to modify how a dog feels about any given situation. We need to create situations to allow your dog to feel safe enough to make good decisions. Positive-reinforcement trainers have paid for school and continuing education, certifications and knowledge, and have years of experience to help you achieve these goals in the best ways possible. Trust them, and the process.”

- Janie Vogel, Polite Canine Dog Training LLC

SOME PROGRAM OPTIONS TO CONSIDER

(All individual programs are custom designed based on your needs)

• Pre-Puppy / Introducing a New Puppy To Your Home / First Few Months

• 8-Week Transformation / From Puppy Through Adolescence

• Polite Canine 101 / Basic Manners, Cues, and Behaviors

• Lifetime / Pre-Puppy Through Old Age

• Adventuring With Your Dog / Camping/RVing, Hiking, Kayaking, SUP, Running, Swimming, and More

• Keeping Kids and Family Safe Around Your Dog / Introducing A Dog To Your Baby or Another Dog

• Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog Test Preparation

• “Aggressive” Dog Assessment and Possible Behavior Modification

• Dog Tricks

• One-Day, All-Day, All-Inclusive Training Program (group setting)

• Day Training (limited availability)

• Pack Walks / Group Classes

• Online Classes – coming in 2024

• Before any Dog Training Program with PCDT can be considered, an in-person FREE Consultation and Evaluation with the family and dog(s) MUST TAKE PLACE in the environment where the dog lives (or will live) or is having issues. After that Evaluation, a price for the services requested will be given, along with all details of the Program (which may be adjusted).

• All Programs are custom quoted because all dogs, families and situations are unique.

• No quotes will be given over the phone, via text or e-mail before PCDT can assess your dog(s) and their environment in person.

• If you do not live in PCDT’s service area of Northeast Ohio, please reach out to us, as there may be a way for PCDT to help you remotely.

All pets using Polite Canine Dog Training, Pet Sitting or Dog Walking are communicated with using ONLY Positive-Reinforcement methods.

• PCDT understands why dog owners may think using other training or handling methods are effective. We will have a meaningful conversation about WHY those methods are not necessary or productive, and may actually be causing the behavior you wish to stop. No judgement. Just education. If you wish to continue using adversive methods, PCDT is not a good fit for you.

• Under PCDT’s care or training, we do not allow any adversive methods or equipment to be used on your animals at any time. This means PCDT will NOT use: Electronic/shock collars (or “vibration/beep” devices, which use electronic shock to scare/punish your dog), prong collars, choke chains, martingales for a collar, slip leads (unless in an emergency), shake cans, “Correctors,” or any other method that uses pain or that will make your dog uncomfortable to contain or modify your pet’s behavior, even if you currently use this in your environment.

• During active training while your family is not directly being guided by PCDT in person (i.e. in between lessons), you must not use any adversive methods or equipment. If you continue to use adversive methods or equipment with your pets while you are training with PCDT, your Contract will be immediately terminated without a refund.

• “Positive Reinforcement” with pets reinforces desired behaviors by using rewards, which may include: Treats, Praise, Toys, Play, Touch, Affection, or anything the dog – not you - finds rewarding, to reinforce the behaviors you want. When an animal (dog, cat) gets rewarded for doing something right, positive, or what you want, they will do it MORE, thus decreasing the unwanted behaviors.

• The entire basis by which PCDT trains involves cueing a dog to do what we want him to do INSTEAD of an undesirable behavior, then rewarding the dog for understanding and performing a more desirable behavior.

• Here’s the KEY to unlocking WHY Positive Reinforcement works: Using a high-value Reward (determined by the dog) makes dogs more likely to repeat the behavior. Positive Reinforcement is one of the most powerful tools to quickly shape or change your dog's behavior or reinforce the good behavior your pet is already exhibiting.

These methods are the ONLY way PCDT will use to train or care for your pet(s). We use kindness to train or care for your dog, not punishment.

PCDT only trains and/or cares for pets in (or out of) your home. Training or walking may take place in your home, outside of your home, yard, local parks, a shopping area, a community center, or other location.

• “Board and Train” is not an option with PCDT.

• “Board and Train” means your dog might stay with PCDT for an extended time to train, then we bring him back to the pet’s family with all of his behaviors corrected, then train you how to train your dog.

• PCDT does NOT offer “Board and Train” Programs, as we feel dog parents are ultimately responsible for their pup’s behavior, thus they MUST be involved with the training process from the beginning, in the dog’s environment.

• PCDT doesn’t train dogs - we train pet parents to communicate in a really meaningful way with the dogs they committed to care for when they brought their pup into their home. Together, we’ll find the best way to create positive experiences for your doggo to live in your human world.

• Each dog is unique and each dog has a different background story. This means that the work that both you and PCDT do together, along with the dog’s temperament, will dictate the timeframe it takes to develop harmonious behavior.

• If you stick with PCDT’s coaching, are consistent with everyone in the dog’s life, practice, do the homework, manage the dog’s environment, are patient with your pup, and reach out when you run into a question or issue, PCDT’s PROGRAMS WORK very well!!

• PCDT will never guarantee our training (nor will any other reputable Dog Trainer), as we cannot guarantee the human end of the partnership. PCDT wants you to succeed and will do everything we can to help you reach your goals. If you do the work and follow our recommendations, we WILL reach your goals with PCDT’s programs, no matter how long that takes beyond the contracted time period.

• Once a Client signs a Dog Training Contract with PCDT after the initial Consultation, information will start to be exchanged prior to the mandatory verbal Orientation and the first in-person Lesson. The Client will have access to PCDT for preliminary Training information, as well as access to the Client-Only Resource section on this website.

• As soon as information is exchanged, the Client’s Training Program has started. Once Training has started, there will be no refunds, in part or in whole.

• PCDT needs 100% commitment from our Clients throughout the entire length of the program in order for our Training to work, and this process ensures that commitment…and SUCCESS!

Abandonment:

• If a Client signs a Contract for a Dog Training Program with PCDT, they are expected to complete the Program outlined in the original Consultation within the amount of weeks expressed in that Contract.

• PCDT realizes that situations come up that might create the need for a slight break in training (health of the Client or dog, vacation, emergency, etc.), so PCDT has allowed a two-week grace period where the Client can skip two weeks, and still continue with the Program as planned (i.e. A six-week program must be completed in eight weeks).

• If a Client is continually rescheduling or cancelling scheduled lessons, or just simply does not reach out to schedule lessons (the responsibility of the Client), the Client will be deemed to have ABANDONED the program, and all subsequent Lessons and Benefits will be forfeited with no refund.

• Exceptions: PCDT may have a situation where we need to skip a lesson for personal or business reasons, and that would not be counted against the Client. There may also be circumstances that, due to the health and welfare of the dog, PCDT may take a break in Training so the dog can re-enter Training in a better position. Any PCDT-determined break will not count against the Client.

• Any prospective Dog Training, Pet Sitting or Dog Walking client should CONTACT PCDT HERE first, with a general idea of your concerns, your location, and dates/times being requested.

• If PCDT does not answer (as we are caring for or training dogs), we should reach out to you within 24 business hours for an initial, brief conversation, and then we’ll send out an extensive Intake Form for you to fill out (mandatory).

• Once the Intake Form is received, PCDT will call you to clarify some additional information and schedule a FREE in-person Consultation to determine if PCDT is a good fit for both parties.

• This is an involved intake process. To become a Client of PCDT as a Dog Training, Pet Sitting or Dog Walking Client, PCDT needs to know the Client, their dog(s), and their unique situation. Not everyone who inquires is accepted as a PCDT Client.

• If PCDT feels that the Client and PCDT are a good fit and the Client fully understands the commitment to the program and PCDT, a Contract will be signed. Payment will be required IN FULL and BEFORE any Dog Training, Pet Sitting or Dog Walking starts.

• If a Client falsifies or omits any critical information during the in-depth intake process that substantially affects the safety or ability of PCDT to carry out Dog Training, Pet Sitting or Dog Walking for the Client, every effort will be made to find a way to continue to train or care for the pet(s). If PCDT feels that the situation cannot be rectified, PCDT will notify the Client and will turn over care to the family or Client’s Emergency Contact without full or partial refund.

• PCDT is 100% committed to helping our Clients with every problem that they present to us, as well as any issues that come up in the future. We will do whatever we can to complete the Service you are expecting from PCDT.

• PCDT does drop-ins or potty breaks outside of your home or in your yard for vacation, time away or work breaks.

• PCDT does Pet Sitting where we visit your home multiple times a day, including walks and social/happy time inside, walks, enrichment and adventures outside of your home (weather and other factors considered).

• PCDT does not offer the opportunity for us to stay in your home over night and take care of your pets and home at this time (but may at some point).

• For multi-day Pet Sitting jobs, pet parents can expect at least one text update with pictures of your pets’ adventures per day!

• PET SITTING: $55.00 per day for ONE dog, and may be adjusted based on distance, circumstances, and other pets. Multiple dogs in the same household will be quoted separately.

• There may be a daily “Extra Care Fee” applied for certain circumstances and pets. This may apply to puppies, incontinent pets, elderly pets, pets with medical, mobility or behavioral issues, or pets where medicine/prescriptions may need to be administered, or other circumstances. This Extra Care Fee is not always applicable for those situations – it's all dependent on the pet and situation. You will be notified at the time of booking if this is applicable. If a pet parent does not notify PCDT ahead of time of any issues that may fall into the category above, and the issues are extensive, the Extra Care Fee will automatically be charged to their card on file.

RESERVATION FEE

THERE IS A ONE-NIGHT-PER-WEEK NON-REFUNDABLE, NON-TRANSFERRABLE RESERVATION FEE REQUIRED TO CONFIRM PET SITTING DATES WITH PCDT.

• Please CONTACT PCDT HERE with tentative dates you may want to request in the future so we can check availability and give you an accurate quote.

All Payment and Reservation Fee protocols are the Industry Standard for Certified Pet Professionals.

Starting in 2023, there will be an additional charge for certain Pet Sitting and Dog Walking dates over Holiday periods.

The 2023 Holiday Dates will include:

January 1-2 (New Year’s Day)

April 6-10 (Easter)

May 26-30 (Memorial Day)

June 30 – July 5 (Independence Day)

August 31 – September 5 (Labor Day)

November 22-27 (Thanksgiving)

December 21 – January 2, 2024 (Christmas / New Year’s Holidays)

All Pet Sitting and Dog Walking dates requested during these times will be quoted separately.

All Payment and Reservation Fee protocols are the Industry Standard for Certified Pet Professionals during these dates.

• All Pet Sitting Clients will be required to sign a Contract for EACH Pet Sitting request prior to the Pet Sitting date. That Contract will state exactly what the client owes, when it is due, and all PCDT policies.

• Clients will be sent an Invoice with full Cancellation Policies, and a Receipt (once payment is received).

• All Pet Sitting Clients must keep a current credit or debit card on file with PCDT, but may pay in advance with any of the methods listed at the bottom of this FAQ.

• Pet Sitting Clients can pay in full in advance of the Pet Sitting dates upon confirmation in order to hold those dates, or pay a non-refundable, non-transferrable Reservation Fee equal to one day per week of the Pet Sitting time needed in advance of the first day of Pet Sitting in order to confirm and hold the dates. If PCDT does not receive the Reservation Fee for the dates Client requested, then the dates are not confirmed and may be released to another Client.

• All Pet Sitting fees MUST be paid in full in advance of the first day of Pet Sitting. If the Pet Sitting fees for the entire sitting are not paid by the time PCDT is supposed to start taking care of your pet, your pet may be taken to your local and available Emergency Pet Contact for care, unless other arrangements have been agreed upon by PCDT in advance.

• If a Client CANCELS prior to (14) days before the start of the Pet Sitting job, there will be no refund of the Reservation Fee paid for that time period.

• If a Client CANCELS between (7) and (14) days before the start of the Pet Sitting job, 50% of the total amount of the Pet Sitting job will be charged to the Client’s credit card on file (minus the Reservation Fee).

• If a Client CANCELS within (7) days but prior to 24 hours of the date of the Pet Sitting job, 75% of the total amount of the Pet Sitting job will be charged to the Client’s credit card on file (minus the Reservation Fee).

• If a Client CANCELS within 24 hours of the start of the day the Pet Sitting job is scheduled to start, 100% of the entire cost of the length of the Client’s Pet Sitting job with PCDT will be charged to the Client’s credit card on file (minus the Reservation Fee). This means 24 hours before the DATE of the start of the Pet Sitting job, not 24 hours before the exact time Client has hired PCDT to sit for their pet.

• Starting in 2023, ALL regular, non-Holiday, Pet Sitting dates (*see Holiday dates above) requested will be required to submit a Reservation Fee equal to one day of payment PER EACH WEEK of the Reservation, in order to be reserved on PCDT’s schedule. This fee will be applicable to the total fee if the Reservation if not cancelled. (i.e. If you will be gone for 7 days or less, you pay one day’s fee to reserve your spot for that week; If you are gone 9 days, you must pay two day’s fee to reserve your spot for those 9 days).

• The “Reservation Fee” is NOT REFUNDABLE AND NOT TRANSFERRABLE, which means that once you reserve your dates with PCDT, if you cancel, the fee will not be refunded, nor can it be transferred to hold other dates. PCDT’s availability fills up fast.

• All Pet Sitting fees must be 100% paid within 24 hours in advance of the date of departure no matter the length of time away. Please contact PCDT is you have a special circumstance that may alter this arrangement (must be approved by PCDT first). If not paid in advance, you may be contacted to make alternative arrangements for the care of your pet, which may include transferring your pet to your designated Emergency Contact.

• For Holiday Reservation Dates, a 50% non-refundable, non-transferrable Reservation Fee will apply to hold any of the dates below, with the remaining payment due in full for your entire time away SEVEN (7) days prior to your departure date.

The 2023 Holiday dates will include:

January 1-2 (New Year’s Day)

April 6-11 (Easter)

May 25-30 (Memorial Day)

June 30 – July 5 (Independence Day)

August 31 – September 5 (Labor Day)

November 22-27 (Thanksgiving)

December 21 – January 2, 2024 (Christmas / New Year’s holidays)

All Pet Sitting and Dog Walking dates requested during these times will be quoted separately.

All Payment and Reservation Fee protocols, including increased prices for Holiday care, are the Industry Standard for Certified Pet Professionals.

• CONTACT PCDT HERE with the specific dates and times you are requesting.

• PCDT will communicate with you as to whether your requested dates/time(s) for your dog(s) to be walked are available.

• PCDT does NOT guarantee a specific time, as PCDT has many other pets to be cared for each day, and there may be unexpected issues to be resolved throughout the day with other living creatures, as well as efficiency in travel routes to consider.

• PCDT will strive to walk your dog within a 2-hour window of your requested time. Please request your ideal time, and we can usually get close to it most days.

• If PCDT has availability, you will receive a Contract. Once the Contract and any Reservation Fees are received, PCDT will confirm the date(s) to walk your dog(s).

• Dog walks are typically 30-45 minutes, depending on weather, and may take place in your neighborhood, or at a remote location such as a park.

• PCDT will leave a written “log” for you recording the time we arrived, the time we left, and any notes you might need to know (where we went – any great adventures; poop/pee results, reactiveness, anything unusual).

• PCDT will always have the right to NOT walk your dog, based on the safety of your dog or PCDT. This may include taking into consideration any weather conditions or advisories, the health of your dog or PCDT, and any other relevant factors (including household issues, excessive pulling, reactiveness/aggressiveness or out-of-control behavior).

• PCDT will not risk our health or safety, or the safety of your dog, to walk your dog. All issues during any given walk will be documented in writing and will also be communicated/discussed with you.

• Should PCDT determine that a walk is not possible (rarely), we will always take that time to mentally and physically enrich your pup, if possible, within the framework of what is available in your home or yard. PCDT loves walking/hiking,and will always choose a physical activity for your doggo first if it’s safe for everyone! We love to walk!!!

• For Pet Sitting or Dog Walking, if you expect PCDT to use aversive methods with your pet in or outside of your home then we are not a good fit.

• All Dog Walking Clients will sign a Contract for EACH Walking request.

• All regular Dog Walking Clients must keep a current credit or debit card on file with PCDT (although you can pay via any of the methods listed below).

• All Dog Walking fees MUST be paid in advance of the first day of Dog Walking for multiple walks each week, or 24 hours prior to the walk taking place if only one walk.

• If a Client CANCELS prior to SEVEN (7) days before the start of the Dog Walking job (for multiple walks), the Client will be charged a one-day fee.

• If a Client CANCELS within SEVEN (7) days of the start of the Dog Walking job/date the Client will owe HALF of the total amount of the Dog Walking job/days, or the equivalent of one day’s fee (whichever is more).

• If a Client CANCELS within 24 hours of the start of the Dog Walking job/date, the Client will owe 100% of the total amount of the Dog Walking job for all of the days committed to PCDT, with no refund.

• If PCDT arrives at your home to walk your dog(s), and they refuse to walk, are reactive/dangerous at your door, the equipment to walk your dog cannot be found, or they cannot be found, you will owe 100% of the fee for that day, and subsequent walking dates may be cancelled.

All Payment, Cancellation and Reservation Fee protocols are the Industry Standard for Certified Pet Professionals.

Dog Walking

COST: $25 per 30-45 minutes (may be adjusted due to driving distance and other factors). Multiple dogs will be quoted separately. Please CONTACT PCDT HERE for specific policies and procedures regarding walking your dog(s).

Dog Potty Breaks

COST: $15 per 15 minutes (may be adjusted due to driving distance, weather and other factors). Multiple dogs will be quoted separately. Please CONTACT PCDT HERE for specific policies and procedures regarding giving Potty Breaks for your dog(s).

Cat Sitting Visits and Vacation Care

COST: $15/visit for one cat (may be adjusted based on driving distance and other factors). Multiple cats will be quoted separately. Please CONTACT PCDT HERE for specific policies and procedures regarding caring for your cats.

Other Animal Care (with specific education)

COST: TBD based on type of animal and care required. Please CONTACT PCDT HERE for specific policies and procedures and a quote regarding caring for your pets.

House Sitting / House Maintenance Tasks While You Are Away

COST: TBD based on your needs and your expectations of PCDT. Please CONTACT PCDT HERE for specific policies, procedures and a quote regarding house sitting or tasks involving taking care of your home while you are away (i.e. security check-ins, bringing in mail or packages, taking in/out garbage cans, cleaning up dog waste in your yard, etc.).

All Payment and Reservation Fee protocols are the Industry Standard for Certified Pet Professionals.

• PCDT follows the most current Vaccine Guidelines established by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP).

• If your dog or cat has been sick within two weeks prior to PCDT’s care or training, PCDT may have other requirements needed to be provided in order for PCDT to service your animal.

Required for Dogs:

Heartworm, Flea and Tick preventative

Bordetella

DHPP (distemper, parvovirus, parainfluenza, 2 types of hepatitis)

Rabies

Recommended for Dogs:

Leptospirosis

Lyme’s Disease

Canine Influenza

Required for Cats:

Panleukopenia

Herpesvirus

Calicivirus

Rabies

Recommended for Cats if exposed to the outdoors at any time, or to other outdoor cats:

Feline Leukemia

Please have a discussion with PCDT if you have questions about any of our Vaccine Requirements. Titer tests will be considered.

All Vaccine protocols are the Industry Standard for Certified Pet Professionals.

Cash, Check, Venmo, Credit/Debit Card through Square (with a 3.5% upcharge). All Services will need to be paid upfront before the Service commences.

All Payment and Reservation Fee protocols are the Industry Standard for Certified Pet Professionals.