Frequently Asked Questions

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3760 Sycamore Dairy Rd Fayetteville NC 28303

Your dog must be current on;

DHPP (DHPP, DHLPP, DA2PP-L, DA2PP-C)

Rabies (dogs over 5mo old)

Bordatella 

* Your dog must be flea free to enter our facility as well as participate in any of our training programs

Charging for consultations helps filter out those who are not genuinely interested or may not be a good fit for the services being offered, allowing the us to focus on clients who are more likely to benefit. When someone pays for a consultation, they are more likely to take it seriously and value the information provided and prevents no-shows which affects our ability to provide our services to our community. We do provide alternative ways for individuals with financial constraints to access our services.

We do not label ourselves as positive, balanced, or any other commercialized name that trainers often identify as. To us this is a marketing scheme and not an accurate representation of how we operate. Our method fundamentally starts with observing the dog in front of us, because each dog and their needs are unique. What might work for one dog may not work for another and there is no cookie cutter approach to dog training. Just because we have slip collars, prong collars, and e-collars in our toolbox does NOT mean that we will use them on your dog. Our goal is to use whatever training tool helps us effectively communicate with your dog whether that be food/toys or slip/prong collar, you dog will show us what they need we do not decide for them. 

At Patriot K-Nine, we believe that safety is not negotiable—it is the foundation of ethical, effective, and humane dog training. These protocols guide every session, interaction, and decision we make to ensure a safe environment for both dogs and humans.

• All new clients complete a detailed behavior intake form, including medical history, bite incidents, reactivity, and fear triggers.
• Initial evaluation is conducted in a controlled, low-stimulation environment by a trainer.
• Dogs exhibiting aggression, high arousal, or fear behaviors are entered into custom behavior plans with management protocols in place.

• We use only humane, consent-based, and evidence-informed tools.
• All handlers are trained in low-stress handling and canine body language recognition.
• Muzzle training is implemented with positive reinforcement for dogs with bite risk.

• All training areas have double-gated entry/exit points to prevent escapes.
• Clean, non-slip flooring and sanitized equipment are maintained daily.
• All dogs are required to be up to date on vaccinations and parasite prevention.

• Staff is certified in canine first aid and CPR (ProPetHero or equivalent).
• First aid kits are stocked, checked weekly, and easily accessible in every training space and vehicle.
• Emergency contacts for each dog (vet, owner, secondary contact) are kept on file.
• In the event of illness, injury, or significant behavior change, owners are notified immediately and action is documented.

• Dogs are never pushed beyond threshold; we train at the dog’s pace.
• Escalating behaviors (growling, freezing, lunging) are logged and reviewed by the head trainer within 24 hours.
• Progress and behavior are tracked in each dog's file, and all trainers involved in the case are updated weekly.
• Sessions involving high-risk dogs include at least two handlers for safety.

• Informed consent is obtained before any behavioral modification involving stress, triggers, or risk.
• Clients can observe training sessions or request recordings.
• We maintain open, judgment-free communication regarding owner concerns, setbacks, or confusion.

• Dogs are not allowed to freely interact with each other unless part of a controlled socialization plan.
• All social sessions are pre-screened and supervised 100% of the time by trained staff.
• No dog is forced into play or interaction; stress

We are familiar with compulsion training, but its not one of our methods. Training is far more advanced than using those outdated techniques. They are simply not effective when working with pets and unneccessary.

Some of our Behavioral Techniques 

• Desensitization
• Cooperative Care for Vet visits and groomer handling
• Counter Conditioning 
• Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT)
• Constructional Aggression Treatment
• LAT (Look at That) Protocol
• Relaxation Protocol - by Dr. Karen Overall
• TBTE Protcols - Marc and Stephanie McCabe
• Confidence Boosting through agility activites and body mechanic exercises
• Habituation with the Reticular Activating System (Mediation of Behavior)
• Coping Mechanisms and Stress Management to reduce Amygdala Hijacks (fight/flight response)

Dog training often involves more than just teaching commands; it's about building a strong bond between you and your furry companion. Our training programs encompass behavioral aspects, socialization, and the overall well-being of your dog. We want to ensure that you receive comprehensive information about our services beyond just a quote.  We understand that convenience is important, and we are here to make the process as smooth as possible for you. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us directly to discuss your dog's training needs, receive a personalized assessment, and learn more about our training programs. We look forward to the opportunity to work together and help your dog reach their full potential.

Big or small, we've trained them all. At no time will you be turned away for any breed or size of dog. We also take on "red" cases of aggression which means dogs that have killed another animal or severely harmed a person.