Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I contact you?

The best way to reach us is by filling out the form on our website under the Contact tab or calling the office at 913-269-7595. 

Please note: Mike is the owner, trainer, and the one answering phones and emails (along with managing case notes and client communication). We’ll respond as quickly as possible, but during busy times, replies may take 1–2 business days (excluding weekends/holidays). 

Important: We do not return missed calls without voicemail. Please leave a message with your name, number, and reason for calling. 

OFFICE HOURS:

2. Will I receive homework after each session?

YES!!! You’ll receive notes, videos, and blog links within 24 hours of your session. These are attached to your Outlook calendar event as a Word document. 

If you don’t see the attachment, check your spam/junk folder. Still missing? Call us and we’ll resend it. 

Homework is essential. If you don’t practice, you won’t get the full value of your sessions. 

3. Am I really responsible for sending updates and videos between sessions?

YES, absolutely! You are the key to your dog’s success. We’ll show you what to do and send video examples. If you’re having trouble, send us 30-second clips so we can help. 

We also recommend forwarding your notes and homework to your veterinarian. When owner, trainer, and vet work together, progress happens faster! 

4. How long does it take to train my dog?

Training your dog is really about training you. So, the real question is:
How frequent and consistent are you willing to be with the homework we give you? 

5. How long are the sessions?

Each session is 45 minutes, which we’ve found is ideal for both dogs and owners in terms of focus and attention.

6. Why do you train owners, not dogs?

Because your dog needs to listen to you, not us.
Our job is to teach you DASL—Dog as a Second Language.

7. Why do you require a $100 non-refundable deposit?

Answering questions, scheduling, and preparing for training take time and resources. The deposit covers that time if you cancel. 

• The $100 deposit is applied to your total. 
• The balance is due at your first session. 
• No refunds once training is booked. 

If you have questions, call us before scheduling: 913-269-7595. 

We require your electronic signature on the Fine Print & FAQs before scheduling. This ensures you understand our policies before training begins. 

8. Is the Behavior History Questionnaire really required for everything?

Yes! It’s required for all training sessions, consultations, and phone calls. It helps us prepare and is part of our legal and insurance protocols.

9. Why do you charge rescheduling and cancellation fees?

These fees cover the time it takes to manage the calendar and lost opportunities to book other clients. 

• Day-of cancellations: $60 
• Other rescheduling: $40 

Fees are due at the time of cancellation, not when you want to reschedule.
If you don’t pay, you forfeit that session. 

If we need to reschedule for personal reasons, we’ll add a free in-home session (valued at $101–$145) to make it up to you. Fair is fair! 

10. Why is training for aggressive dogs more expensive?

Aggression, fear, reactivity, and separation anxiety are considered complex cases. These require more time, planning, and risk management. 

🔗 Click here for details on complex cases 

If your dog has a bite history or falls into this category, you accept full responsibility, including legal and civil liability. 

11. Are you a certified dog trainer?

Yes! Mike Deathe is: 

• Certified through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA) 
• A Certified Fear-Free Professional 
• A Certified Evaluator for AKC Canine Good Citizen 
• A Charter Member of HEART (Heartland Positive Dog Training Alliance) 
• Former Trainer/Area Trainer for PetSmart 
• Has a BA in Psychology from the University of Kansas 
• If you would like to see Mike’s Continuing Education in Dog Science/Training, Click Here 

There are no legal requirements to become a dog trainer, but we believe in education, certification, and continuing education. 

12. Are you insured?

Yes. We carry full dog training insurance through The Hartford Group. This protects you, your dog, and our trainers. 

13. What’s the most important thing when choosing a dog trainer? 

You need to connect with your trainer, personally and philosophically.
We’re not the right fit for everyone, and that’s okay. 

🔗 Read Mike’s article on choosing the right trainer 

14. Do you ever “fire” clients?

es. If a client isn’t doing the work or if our personalities don’t mesh, we may end the relationship, for the dog’s benefit. 

We’re transparent about our expectations. Please read the Fine Print, FAQs, and watch our YouTube videos before signing up. 

15. Is technology required for training?

YES! You must: 

• Have an email address 
• Be comfortable with online forms 
• Watch and send videos 
• Read Outlook calendar invites (they contain your homework) 

If this sounds overwhelming, we may not be the right fit. 

Mike Deathe, CPDT-KA

(913)269-7595