FAQs – Ridgeside K9 Nashville

Programs

Which program fits, how long it runs, and who it is for.

Which program is right for my dog?

That is exactly what the free consultation is for. We meet you and your dog, assess the behavior you are dealing with, and recommend the program that fits — basic obedience, puppy training, aggression and behavior modification, CGC evaluation prep, or deaf dog training. No guessing, and no pressure to book the longest option.

How long is the training program?

Program length depends on your dog's needs. Most obedience dogs run 2 or 3 weeks, most reactive dogs need our 4 Week program, and the most extreme cases run 5-6 weeks. We give you a clear timeline during your free consultation.

What is the difference between the 2 Week and 3 Week Board and Train?

The 2 Week program builds the essentials: clear communication, loose leash walking, door manners, impulse control and reliable off-leash recall. The 3 Week program covers all of that and adds the extra time needed for neutrality around other dogs and people, and for concerns such as resource guarding.

How old does my dog need to be?

Our board-and-train programs are suitable for dogs aged five months and older. Younger than that, our puppy training program is built around what a puppy is actually ready to learn.

Do you work with all breeds and sizes?

Yes. The principles are the same for every dog; we tailor the plan and the pace to the dog in front of us.

Is my dog too aggressive for your program?

Almost certainly not. We routinely take dogs other programs have turned away. The consultation exists so we can tell you plainly whether we are the right fit before you commit to anything.

Boarding & Care

What day-to-day life looks like while your dog is with us.

Will my dog be in a kennel?

No. Your dog lives with their assigned trainer around the clock, so training happens in a real home environment rather than a run.

How can I check on my dog while they are in your care?

We send daily progress updates, photos, and short videos throughout the board-and-train program so you always know how things are going.

Will my dog be safe during training?

Safety drives every decision. Your dog works with one assigned trainer, introductions to other dogs and people are controlled and gradual, and nothing is rushed for the sake of the timeline.

What do I need to send with my dog?

Their food, any medication with dosing instructions, and their vaccination records. Leave the toys and beds at home — your trainer provides everything else your dog needs for the stay.

What happens on the day my dog comes home?

We do not just hand you a leash. The handoff is a working session where we teach you the system your dog has learned — how to communicate, reinforce and maintain it — so nothing unravels in the first week back.

Training Method

How we train, what we use, and what happens afterwards.

Does dog training work for small dogs?

Absolutely. Large and small dogs usually learn by the same principles of attention with motivating learning methods. Our training programs are easily tailored to the specific dog in front of us. The trainer can fine-tune training progressions to suit the needs of the smallest dogs. Just like learning a language takes practice, immersion helps the dog become fluent. After undergoing training for weeks, you will have a better relationship with your dog and be able to enjoy them that much more.

Can an old dog learn new behaviors or tricks?

Yes — older dogs are often easier to train than puppies because they have longer attention spans and fewer competing behaviors to work around. The old saying is really just a myth.

Does my dog always have to wear the collar?

Only during active training and reinforcement. Once behaviors are reliable, the collar becomes a backup safety tool that most owners phase out of daily use.

Do you train the owner too?

Yes, and it is the part most programs skip. Most trainers work your dog and wish you luck. We spend dedicated time teaching you the language your dog just learned — that is why our results last.

Can aggression actually be fixed?

In most cases, yes — though "fixed" is the wrong word. We change how your dog feels about their triggers so reactions stop being their first answer, then teach you how to hold that. We are honest at the consultation about what is realistic for your dog.

What if my dog regresses after training?

That is what lifetime support is for. Refresher sessions, pack walks and direct trainer access are included for as long as you have your dog.

Pricing & Financing

What it costs and the ways you can pay for it.

How much does training cost?

Program pricing depends on your dog's needs and the type of training. We'll give you a clear, detailed estimate during your free consultation — no surprises.

Do you offer financing?

Yes. You can pay in full, use PayPal Credit, apply through our lending partner, or set up a custom plan with us directly. Whatever fits your situation — no judgment, no pressure.

Will applying for financing affect my credit score?

Checking your options with PayPal Credit or our lending partner is a soft pull, so it will not affect your score. Only a completed application results in a hard inquiry, and you will be told before that happens.

Can I combine financing with other payment methods?

Yes. Plenty of clients put a deposit down and finance the balance. Tell us what works during the consultation and we will set it up.

Is there a minimum amount required to use financing?

PayPal Credit's special financing starts at $99. Our lending partner has no practical minimum for a training program, and a custom plan has none at all.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule after paying?

Life happens. Get in touch as early as you can and we will move your dog's start date to the next available slot at no extra cost.