Frequently Asked Questions

💔 Too Many Dogs Are Punished for Being Dogs

They’re abandoned, misunderstood, or mistreated—just for acting like dogs. We can do better. Education is everywhere. Support is a click away.

At Lakota’s Legacy Dog Behavior & Life Skills Training, I believe every dog deserves to be understood—not just managed. Whether you’re starting fresh with a new puppy or feeling overwhelmed by fear, reactivity, trauma, or aggression, our humane, science-based methods are designed to help. This page answers your most common questions about what to expect from our positive reinforcement approach, how we create lasting change, and why clients in Clarksville, Fort Campbell, Middle Tennessee and beyond trust us to guide their journey—virtually or in person.

  • What kind of training methods do you use? We use only positive rewards-based methods in our dog training.

  • What is your background? Please check out the Certs and Reviews Section on this website to get a glimpse of some of the courses and certifications held. Certifications include Trauma Informed Pet Professional with Brain and Behavior Academy, and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants

  • Will you work with my vet? Yes. From time to time we will involve your veterinarian in a particular situation.

  • Will this fix my dog? No. Your dog isn’t broken. My goal is to improve your dog’s Quality of Life with a customized plan that works on a cognitive and emotional level.

  • Will you ever use force, punishment, a pinch or shock e-collar? NO!

  • Can you help me with my aggressive dog? YES!

  • Can you help me with my crazy reactive dog? YES!

  • Can you help me understand my dog better? YES! Educating humans is a HUGE part of what I do.

  • Do you use dominance training? NO. That is an old debunked theory that won’t go away.

  • How long will it take for my dog to get better? That depends on your commitment to the process, your dog’s learning (some are quicker than others and that is okay), and ultimately up to the dog. We look at it all in a holistic way and work together as a team to help your dog.

  • Can you help me virtually online? Yes. I am set up to be able to help anyone with an internet connection. For certain dogs it is better that I am not in their presence as my goal is to reduce the amount of stress on the dog.

  • How will this help my dog if we never put my dog in the middle of the struggle? Because the dog needs to change how they feel about the situation/trigger, or learn how to make different choices through their behavior BEFORE we start working in the situation. I want your dog to be as equipped as possible, setting up both of you for success.

  • Can you guarantee results? No, there are no guarantees on your dog’s behavior any more than I can guarantee your behavior, or mine for that matter. Dog’s are animals with their own thoughts, feelings and behavior. The only way to guarantee results is through pain and punishment (including use of shock e-collars).

  • Do you train puppies? Yes. Puppies need a strong foundation on which to grow up on. We are not as focused on “obedience” but more of life skills to help the pup live a long happy life with their human family, avoiding tough behavior struggles as adults. We focus on building the dog’s confidence, optimism, self-control, self-management, for instance. These skills apply to just about anything else we want to do with our dogs from walking nicely on a leash to chilling out in the home and coming back when called. Our puppy training focuses on the relationship between you and your dog, making it one that is trusting, respectful, safe and fun.

  • How old should my puppy be to start puppy training? Anywhere from 8 weeks and up is optimum.

  • Do you offer payment plans? On certain services I do. Just get in touch and we can discuss.

  • What if I have a question about my dog’s training after our session? Drop me an email and I am happy to get back with you on it. I am here to help you succeed.

  • I can’t get my dog to walk nice on a leash. Can you help me with that? Yes. I have a really cool Reactive to Rockin 10 week course you can check out in my services

  • What’s the difference between “Behavior Modification” and “Training”? Behavior Modification goes much deeper than the operant sit, down, and stay type of training. We are working on the dog’s behavior through their emotions and thoughts. We are building up the dog to empower them and teach them how to make better choices on their own without us “commanding” them to. My Life Skills training is similar in that aspect as we are teaching your dog how to make better choices for themselves and not bossing them or constantly telling them what to do. Training is a large umbrella that covers many different types: Agility, fly ball, obedience, rally, Schutzhund, Dock Diving, Search & Rescue, Task Force, Drug Detection, Therapy, Service Dog, Barn Hunt, Scent, for instance. I am a Concept Trainer.

  • What is a concept trainer? In Concept Training, we are reshaping the dog’s brain by helping them create new neural pathways which helps them to learn the skills they need to live in the human’s world. This is a deep, empowering, kind and fun way that the dog’s enjoy and understand. It becomes a new way to communicate with your dog.

  • What can I expect the first session? It depends on which training or consult you are enrolling in. Generally, there will be discussion, Q&A, and homework.

  • How do I get started? Shoot me an email via the contact form on the Contact tab and I will be in touch with you.

Debunking Canine Behavior Myths

  • Not all dog training advice is created equal. A bestselling book or a military background doesn’t guarantee deep knowledge of canine behavior. Terms like “command” and “obedience” reflect outdated methods—today, we focus on trust, communication, and science-based learning.

  • Shock collars aren’t harmless. They’re often misused and linked to fear, stress, and aggression. Humane alternatives exist—and they work better.

  • TV gadgets and quick fixes may stop barking or pulling temporarily, but they can cause long-term issues like anxiety or compulsive behaviors. Even chasing laser pointers can backfire.

  • Dogs aren’t one-size-fits-all. What worked for one won’t always work for another. Behavior is complex and personal—cookie-cutter advice can do more harm than good.

  • Skilled professionals tailor their approach, prevent problems, and build lasting change. You’re not just paying for a session—you’re investing in your dog’s future.

  • Credentials matter. *Since the field isn’t regulated in the US, anyone can claim to be a trainer or “behaviorist.” Only professionals certified by the Animal Behavior Society (ABS) can officially use the title “animal behaviorist.” There are two levels:

    • Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists (ACAAB) hold a Master’s in a biological or behavioral science and have at least two years of hands-on experience.

    • Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists (CAAB) have a Ph.D. in a related field plus five years of professional experience.

    These credentials reflect rigorous education and real-world expertise—not just time spent around animals. There are also certifying organizations for Behavior Consultant. Look for credentials from respected organizations like IAABC or CCPDT, which require education, experience, and ongoing certification.