FAQ’s

Dog Training FAQ’S

Q. What is the difference between live virtual online training and online dog training?

A.  Live virtual online training is where you get personal instruction live from your trainer in real time. You get the feedback you need step-by-step from your trainer in real life situations. Online training where you get a pre-recorded course that you go through at your own pace with little to no personal instruction.

Q. What are your Dog Trainers credentials?

A. CPDT-KA and ABCDT.

Q. What do the letters CPDT-KA mean?

A. Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed. This certification is given by the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers and is recognized world wide. This means our trainer has completed many hours as an instructor, volunteered training dogs and passed a rigorous dog training exam. In order to keep this designation our trainer must attend continuing education courses taught by leaders in the field.  Our trainer has chosen to pursue the CPTD-KA designation because of it’s code of ethics, scientifically proven dog training techniques and level of professionalism that comes with continuing my education, keeping her skills cutting edge. 

Q. What does it mean to be certified by CCPDT

A. This certification is given by the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers which is the leading independent certifying organization for the dog training profession. The CCPDT has developed a rigorous exam to demonstrate mastery of humane, science-based dog training practices. Thousands of dog training professionals around the world maintain the CCPDT’s certifications as a mark of high professional distinction. CAPPDT members must adhere to a specific code of ethics.

Please visit https://www.ccpdt.org for more information

Q. Does your Dog Trainer have any additional training?

A. Yes, she has completed the Dog Trainer Apprenticeship Program at Dogspaw

Please visit https://www.ccpdt.org for more information.

Q. What do the letters ABCDT mean?

Animal Behaviour College Dog Trainer.

Q. What is Animal Behaviour College (ABC)?

A. Animal Behavior College is a school that teaches people how to become dog trainers. Our dog trainer is certified through ABC and learned how to strengthen the human-animal bond through positive-based, dog training techniques.

Q. Is FLOPPS a Alberta Force Free Alliance Member?

A. Yes. Visit click here to see FLOPPS listing on the AFFA site.

Q. What does it mean to be a member of the Alberta Force Free Alliance?

A. FLOPPS and staff will have completed a science-based course/testing from CPDT-KA and ABCDT.Dogma Academy, CPDT-KA, CBCCKA, Karen Pryor Academy, Jean Donaldson Academy, Companion Animal Science Institute , International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), International School of Canine Psycology or other equivalent programs are approved by the AFFA. In some cases, trainers who are unknown to the AFFA may be required to complete the AFFA’s 1/2 seminar “Why Force Free?” prior to final approval.

We do not force the dog into learning by pushing, scruffing, flooding, yanking or anything that causes the dog to learn by being uncomfortable. 


We do not sell or recommend or use aversive devices such as air correctors, vibration, prong or shock collars, shock mats or any devices which emit citronella or ultrasonic or high pitched sounds or shock to deter or teach behaviours. 

Devices such as the Halti (collars) are fitted and taught to be used properly and humanely to create a positive relationship with the equipment. 

Q. Do you train fearful dogs?

A. Yes. We help with fearful dog training in Edmonton and surrounding areas.

Q: Do you train dogs that have separation anxiety?

A. Yes. We do separation anxiety dog training in Edmonton and surrounding areas.

 Q: Do you train deaf dog’s

A. Yes. We help with deaf dog training in Edmonton and surrounding areas.

Q: Does FLOPPS train reactive dogs?

A. Yes. We specialize in reactive dog training. You can learn more about our specific reactive dog training here.

Q: What is Therapy dog training?

Therapy dog training is a process in which dogs are trained to provide comfort, support, and companionship to individuals in various settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and disaster areas. Therapy dogs are not to be confused with Service dogs, which are trained to perform specific tasks to assist individuals with disabilities.  Instead, therapy dogs are trained to offer emotional support and calming presence to people in need.

Q: Does For the Love of Paws Pet Service (FLOPPS) do the Therapy dog tests?

Yes. For the Love of Paws Pet Service (FLOPPS) does the testing for the Companion Paws Dogs. For more information about the Companion Paws Therapy Dog testing, please see https://companionpaws.ca/.

Q: What is a Service dog? 

A service dog is a dog specifically trained to perform specific tasks to help a person who has a disability. There are many different types of service dogs, the most common service dogs are guide dogs for an owner who is visually impaired, other examples include dogs for epilepsy, PTSD, diabetes, and mobility limitations.  

Q: What is Force-Free/positive training? 

FLOPPS dog training is a Force-Free dog trainer which uses positive reinforcement to train your dog. Positive reinforcement training is scientifically proven, fast, effective for lasting results and people of all ages can do it. Force-Free Training is a method of dog training which does not use force, intimidation or violence in any way as part of the training methods.  For the Love of Paws Pet Service (FLOPPS) believe that using violence in any form such as, threats, intimidation, inflicting pain (shock collars), coercion and force is counter productive. Positive reinforcement training is not permissive of misbehaviour. If a dog is misbehaving, we teach that dog what we want them to do (behave politely) instead of doing unwanted behavior (misbehaving).

Q: What is a “Reactive dog”?

A reactive dog is a term used to describe a dog that overreacts or tends to show strong and often aggressive behaviors in response to certain stimuli. Reactivity in dogs is a common behavior problem and can manifest in various situations. Reactive response can include barking, growling, lunging, and/or even aggressive behaviors such as snapping or biting. For the Love of Paws Pet Service (FLOPPS) wants to remind you that a reactive dog can turn aggressive very quickly, so no matter what level you are at dog handling, you should always approach an unknown dog with caution.

Q: Can a fearful dog become a “Reactive dog”?

The short answer is yes, a fearful dog may become reactive. This is on a case by case basis and would require an assessment by our certified professional trainer to get a definitive answer on this.

Q: What is a Fearful Dog?

A fearful dog is one that experiences excessive apprehension or anxiety in response to various stimuli, such as people, other animals, objects, or specific situations. Fearful behavior in dogs can manifest through trembling, cowering, hiding, barking, growling, or even aggressive reactions if left unchecked. It’s essential to address fear in dogs through appropriate training and positive reinforcement to help them build confidence and reduce anxiety. Understanding the specific triggers and employing patience and gentle techniques can contribute to the overall well-being of a fearful dog.

Q: Do you train Service Dogs?

For the Love of Paws Pet Service (FLOPPS) does not train service dogs. For approved service dog orginizations go to https://www.alberta.ca/approved-service-dog-organizations. For more information.

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