FAQ
Your Questions,
Answered
From training philosophy to course details and coaching options, here’s everything you need to know before you get started.
Your Questions,
Answered
From training philosophy to course details and coaching options, here’s everything you need to know before you get started.
General Questions About Canine Gains
What makes Canine Gains different from other dog training programs?
While many programs stay stuck in theory and leave you guessing what to practice, Canine Gains provides a clear, day by day training plan with fitness style drills, measurable goals, and real world results. We focus on obedience that holds up in daily life, not just in a quiet room.
Who is Natasha Johnson?
Natasha Johnson is a dog trainer and behavior professional with over 15 years of hands on experience, from running a boutique boarding and daycare facility to helping everyday owners build calm, reliable companions through the Canine Gains Method.
Where is Canine Gains located? Do you train in person?
We are located in Durango, Colorado, and offer in person training for local clients. For everyone else, our DIY online programs and virtual coaching make it easy to train from anywhere in the country. Contact us for local availability.
Training Methodology
What is the Canine Gains training philosophy?
Our philosophy is simple: structure creates freedom.
We believe that clear, repeatable training routines are the most reliable way to set you and your dog up for success.
What kind of training methods do you use?
Our methods blend positive reinforcement with thoughtful use of training tools. We always begin with food rewards, praise, and clear guidance so your dog learns in a low pressure way. Tools are introduced slowly and ethically to reinforce what your dog already understands.
Do I need prior training experience?
No prior training experience is needed. Our programs are designed for everyday dog owners and walk you through each step in a clear, simple way!
Course-Specific Questions
I have a busy schedule, how long are the training sessions?
Most sessions are short and focused, usually under 10 minutes, and you can repeat them as needed based on your dog’s energy and progress. As you reach more advanced levels, some lessons will be practiced during a 30 minute walk to reinforce the skills in real world conditions.
Do I need any special equipment?
Most courses only require a leash, collar, and treats. Additional equipment needs are clearly listed inside the course.
Can I train more than one dog with the same course?
Yes. Many owners use the same program for multiple dogs. You may need to modify the pace for each dog’s skill level.
What if my dog is older? Will this still work?
Absolutely! Dogs of any age can learn with structured, step-by-step training. You may just progress a bit slower with older dogs who have established habits.
Are these programs suitable for puppies?
I recommend your dog be at least 6 months old for both our Advance E-Collar Recall Course and our Loose Leash Mastery Course.
Do I get lifetime access to the courses?
Yes! All of our DIY courses include lifetime access so you can revisit lessons whenever you need a refresher.
What if I get stuck or have questions?
You can access optional virtual coaching sessions with Natasha for personalized guidance. I recommend signing up for a FREE 15 minute Consultation Call before booking for paid sessions.
Free Foundations Course
What’s included in the free course?
Our Free Foundations Course gives you the groundwork you need before diving into more advanced training.
You will learn how Marker Training works, how to use Marker Words so your dog understands success, and 7 unique Treat Delivery Techniques that make your rewards more effective.
Because every paid course builds on these basics, this is the one course you do not want to skip!
How do I access the course?
Visit the Foundations Course page to get instant FREE access!
Loose Leash Walking Course
My dog pulls like crazy. Will this course help?
Absolutely. The Loose Leash Walking Course focuses on teaching your dog how to respond to gentle leash pressure so they can walk calmly by your side, no matter the distractions.
Does this course help with leash reactivity?
While this course will improve leash manners and may help reduce some reactive behavior, it is not a dedicated leash reactivity program. Dogs with reactivity concerns often benefit most from private, in-person coaching.
Will this help if my dog zigzags or constantly checks out scents?
Yes. The course covers attention skills and teaches your dog to move in sync with you, not the environment.
What equipment do I need?
You will need a flat collar, standard leash, treats, treat pouch, dog bed, and prong collar.
Inside the course, we walk you through every item and show you how to select the right prong collar.
Basic Voice Recall Course
Will this course really improve my dog’s recall?
Yes. This program teaches a clear, reward based recall foundation that works in real life, not just in the yard.
Can this course help me achieve off leash freedom?
For many dogs, yes. A strong voice recall can be enough for safe off leash time, depending on your dog’s temperament and distractions in your area.
Do I need any tools for this course?
No tools are required. This course is fully voice and reward focused.
Needed equipment includes a harness, flex-lead, long drag-line, treats, and a treat pouch.
Is this course suitable for puppies?
Yes. Puppies learn recall quickly when started early, and this course is ideal for building lifelong habits.
What if my dog struggles with distractions like wildlife or other dogs?
This course teaches progressive distraction training, but for intense distractions or safety concerns, the Advanced E Collar Course Bundle is often the best next step. It includes the Basic Voice Recall Course as the foundation.
Do I practice indoors or outdoors?
You start indoors or in a quiet yard, then gradually move to outdoor spaces as your dog becomes more reliable.
Advanced E-Collar Recall Course
Will this course teach me how to use an e-collar correctly?
Yes. The course walks you through ethical, step by step e-collar use so you know exactly how to introduce it, condition it, and apply it safely.
Is an e-collar safe for my dog?
When used correctly, yes. We focus on low-level, communication-based training and guide you every step of the way.
Do I need prior experience with e-collars?
No experience is required. We teach everything from the ground up, starting with positive reinforcement before layering in tools.
What kind of e-collar do I need?
Inside the course, we guide you through choosing the correct model and fitting it properly for safe, effective use. Avoid buying one beforehand, since only three brands meet our quality and reliability requirements.
Will this fix my dog’s poor recall?
Absolutely! This program strengthens the recall your dog already understands. You should complete the Basic Voice Recall Course first (which is included in the E-Collar bundle) so your dog has a solid foundation before layering in the tool.
Do I still use treats?
Yes. All new behaviors are taught with rewards first before the e-collar is introduced as reinforcement.
Is this course good for dogs with high prey drive?
Yes. Many high-drive dogs benefit from the extra reliability the e-collar provides, especially around wildlife and heavy distractions!
Can I use this on a sensitive or timid dog?
The course teaches a gentle, low level communication method that many sensitive dogs respond well to. The e collar brand we use allows for very subtle fine tuning so you can always work at the best level for your dog. If you are unsure whether this is a good fit, you can book a free 15 minute consult with Natasha, or contact us through the form on our site.
Coaching & Support
What’s included in your Private Coaching Calls?
Each 30 minute coaching call is focused on answering your questions, reviewing your progress, and helping you work through any challenges in the program.
Do I need to be enrolled in a course to book coaching?
Yes. Coaching calls are designed to support owners who are currently working through our courses, specifically loose leash walking and off-leash recall reliability.
These sessions focus on questions, troubleshooting, and fine tuning related to the course material, rather than general behavior issues outside the programs.
How does the FREE Consultation Call work?
You can book a free 15 minute consultation call to talk about your dog, your goals, and whether private coaching is the right fit. This is a no pressure call to help you decide on next steps.
Should I book a paid session right away?
I always recommend starting with the free 15 minute consultation first. That way we can make sure private coaching is appropriate for your needs before booking paid sessions.
Common Concerns & Misconceptions
I’ve tried training before, and it didn’t work. How is this different?
Most training fails because it’s scattered and inconsistent. Our programs focus on structure, measurable progress, and accountability – so you always know what to do next.
I don’t have much time to train. Can this still work for me?
Yes. Most training sessions will only take 10–15 minutes a day. We make the process efficient and sustainable so you can fit it into your daily life.
My dog is too stubborn/anxious/disobedient. Can you really help?
Absolutely!
Many dogs labeled as stubborn or reactive are really just confused or overwhelmed. When you give them a training system that is simple, consistent, and easy to follow, they begin to relax and learn.
Our Foundations Course is the best place to start because it teaches you how to communicate clearly and effectively so your dog knows exactly what you want. Once the communication is clear, training becomes fun for both of you!
You can access the Foundations Course for free on our site.
Ready to Finally Make Progress With Your Dog?
Whether you’re starting with the free course, joining a structured program, or booking private coaching – Canine Gains gives you the system, tools, and support to succeed!