FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Wild Mae Dog Training is located in Southampton, MA, and we travel to pick up dogs from throughout New England.

We are a home-based business, and our family lives on the premises. For safety and privacy reasons, we do not publicly display our business address on our website. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and sincerely appreciate your understanding as we prioritize the safety of our family and the dogs in our care.

I train the dog in front of me. My goal is to provide clear communication while limiting frustration for both the dog and owner. My methods are considered balanced, meaning I believe there is a time and place for both “yes” and “no.” Every dog is different, so training tools and methods are chosen based on what will help that individual dog succeed in the fairest and clearest way possible.

If you don’t believe in saying no (fairly) to your dog, I’m probably not the trainer for you, and that’s okay.

Depending on the specific training goals and skills we are working on, we may incorporate the Mini Educator e-collar.

When used correctly, training tools are an amazing way to improve communication between you and your dog and help take their training to the next level. The Mini Educator e-collar is used as a communication tool to reinforce commands and build reliability, especially as dogs progress into more advanced and off-leash training.

When used properly, the e-collar is a means of communication, not a crutch. If your ultimate goal is to completely fade away the tool, you may find your dog picking and choosing when they listen because you’re picking and choosing when you use the e-collar.

Instead, when the e-collar is consistently used as a tool to communicate clearly and reliably with your dog, you’ll often find yourself naturally using it less and less as your dog becomes more reliable. The goal is not for your dog to depend on the e-collar, but to build clear communication, consistency, and reliability that carries over into everyday life.

Please pack enough food for your dog’s entire stay, their regular leash and collar, and any medications or supplements they need. You’re also welcome to send a favorite toy or a shirt/blanket that smells like home! We provide bowls, beds, crates, and all necessary training equipment.

All dogs must be up to date on their required vaccinations, including Rabies and Distemper. Bordetella and Canine Influenza are optional but highly recommended. You can upload your dog’s vaccination records directly through our client portal when booking.

Yes! We offer payment plan options through Afterpay, allowing you to split your program cost into more manageable payments.

You’re welcome to reschedule your session with at least 72 hours’ notice at no additional charge. Cancellations and all deposits are non-refundable.

Board & Train is a big investment, and I completely understand why! You’re not just paying for your dog to stay somewhere. Your dog is with me every day, receiving consistent training, structure, exercise, care, and one-on-one attention throughout their entire stay. I’m putting a lot of time and work into getting to know your dog, working through their individual challenges, and teaching them skills that you can continue at home. You’re also investing in my experience, time, facility, and the work that goes into making your dog’s training successful.

A Board & Train is a great fit if you want your dog to have focused training and you’re ready to continue the work at home. Your dog will learn a lot while they’re with me, but training doesn’t end when they come home. You’ll need to be willing to practice, be consistent, and follow through with what we teach you. If you’re looking for a quick fix without putting in any work yourself, a Board & Train probably isn’t the right fit, and that’s okay!

Your dog will stay with me at my home, in our custom-built training facility, The Dog House. It was designed specifically for training and boarding dogs and is fully insulated and set up like a small home, giving the dogs a comfortable, clean, and secure space to stay.

The facility is private and not open to public visits. For privacy and safety, all drop-offs and graduations take place at a public location. This allows me to provide a calm, controlled environment for the dogs in my care.

Coming home is a big part of the training process! Your dog may be excited, tired, or a little out of routine at first. At graduation, we’ll go over everything your dog has learned and show you how to continue the training at home. I’ll also give you guidance on what to expect during the transition back to everyday life.

Every dog is different, so I can’t guarantee a specific result. What I can guarantee is that I’ll put the time, structure, and individualized attention into your dog that they need during their program. Your follow-through at home also plays a huge role in how successful the training will be long-term.

The goal is always to teach your dog skills that transfer to you, not just to me. Throughout the program, I build the foundation and communication your dog needs, and graduation includes a lesson where I teach you how to continue that work at home. Your consistency after the program is a big part of making the training last.

You will still need to put in some work! A Board & Train gives you a strong foundation, but your dog needs consistency from you to maintain it. I’ll show you exactly what to practice and how to incorporate training into your everyday routine. It doesn’t have to take hours a day, consistency is what matters most.

It’s never too late to teach a dog new skills! Older dogs may have more established habits, so training can sometimes take a little more time and consistency, but age alone doesn’t mean a dog can’t learn. I train the dog in front of me and adjust the program based on their age, experience, and individual needs.