Dog training questions, answered

Yes. Laura combines positive reinforcement with low-level e-collar stimulation for clear communication and rock-solid obedience. Rewards come first and are phased out as your dog learns. Board & Train clients buy an e-collar from E-Collar Technologies before drop-off, and you're taught exactly how to use it.

Absolutely. Training doesn't change your dog's personality; it gives them clear expectations. As one client put it, Theo is "the same sweet and goofy dog, but now he listens."

The 2-Week Puppy Board & Train accepts puppies 15 weeks and up. For younger puppies, ask about private lessons.

The first two or three lessons are at Refined K9. After that, lessons can move to your home, where your dog is most comfortable and where most behavior problems show up. Most owners book one lesson every two to three weeks.

That's what the Refined Refresher is for. Your dog stays for a week to run the basics again, and we'll look at what changed at home so you're set up for success.

Austin, Texas and the surrounding areas. Send a message through the contact form and we'll confirm your location.

21 days. Your dog stays with us for three weeks of daily training, proofing and real-world outings, with one handler lesson mid-session and one when your dog goes home.

Refined Board & Train is $2,500 for the full three weeks. That includes daily training, real-world exposure, two intensive handler lessons, learning materials, videos and updates.

Yes. You must purchase an e-collar from E-Collar Technologies before drop-off. Your dog is fully e-collar trained during the program and you're taught how to use it in your lessons. Our recommended model is linked on the resources page.

Yes, and that's what makes it last. You get two intensive lessons, one halfway through and one at pickup, so your dog listens to you and not just to Laura.

Absolutely. Training doesn't change your dog's personality; it gives them clear expectations. As one client put it, Theo is "the same sweet and goofy dog, but now he listens."

That's what the Refined Refresher is for. Your dog comes back for a one-week stay to run the basics again, and we look at what changed at home.

The 2-Week Puppy Board & Train accepts puppies 15 weeks and up. For younger puppies, ask about private lessons.

The 2-Week Puppy Board & Train is $1,800 for the full 14 days.

Crate training, potty training, basic obedience and stopping bad behaviors, plus confidence building and exposure to new environments so your puppy grows up calm and adaptable.

We focus on positive reinforcement to make learning engaging and fun, which speeds up how quickly puppies pick up new skills. We adjust as your puppy develops.

Yes. You'll get personalized advice on keeping training consistent at home, which is crucial for ongoing success.

Dogs who went through our Board & Train program and have started to regress, forget key commands or pick up new habits.

Seven nights for $700.

Usually because something at home changed: routine, rules, people or pets. We talk through your home environment before the stay so you're set up for success afterward.

Possibly. The focus is reinforcing the fundamentals, but where your dog is ready we introduce techniques that build on their previous training.

A pack of four lessons is $400. Each lesson is 1.5 hours long.

The first two or three lessons are at Refined K9. After that, lessons can move to your home, where your dog is most comfortable and where most behavior problems show up.

It depends on your goals and your dog's progress. Typically one lesson every two to three weeks, with daily practice in between.

Yes. Beyond the core commands, we can address specific behavior issues such as aggression, anxiety or excessive barking during your sessions.

Yes. The puppy board and train starts at 15 weeks, so private lessons are the way to start younger puppies.