Monica A.
Going through this course is a full time job on it's own.
I purchased the pro version right after I got my puppy because it seemed like a better deal but I ended up being disappointed. There's SO MUCH content that you need to watch and read. For each topic, they will be briefly explained and then you'll need to watch an additional 5 15 minute videos. With a full time job, I found it impossible to read and watch all the content, attend all the zoom sessions, and still have time to cook my own meals, shower, and clean my apartment. This program drove me crazy. The training schedule makes your whole life focused around your puppy and it's entirely unreasonable for someone who works. I work from home and struggled a lot with balancing the schedule and my work. A lot of advice in the course also seems best suited for those living in a house and for those who work in the office. For example, letting my puppy cry it out is impossible with neighbors and while I'm trying to work and attend meetings on my laptop. It's also very geared towards people who can take time off work to slowly situate their dogs in. The program would benefit from a much more streamlined approach. Content should be more concise. Videos should be shorter or they should have "chapters" where you can skip around to the part that you need. There should be video transcripts for each video. The 7 day return policy is very unfair, I bought it before getting my puppy and there's a lot of hoops that you have to jump through in order to get a return (taking videos, talking to trainers, etc). I made an honest attempt to try and follow the course but when I realized the course wasn't for me it was too late to attempt a refund. I ended up hiring a personal trainer local to me and that saved my life and sanity.
Response from How To Train A Dream DogMar 25, 2022
Thank you for your feedback, Monica. I do remember you and Appa, last year when you enrolled with us. WOW it's been quite awhile, almost 6 months. Good to hear from you again. I agree that the course is robust! Many people remark at how much content and education they are receiving for their money. As a trainer I feel that it’s important for my students to have all the information they might need in order to build a healthy relationship with their dog. And you are right: dogs are time consuming! Young puppies have physical needs that must be met, even when the humans work full time. By following along with the course and asking questions in the private FB group, we aim to minimize mistakes and bad habits forming by getting started off on the right foot! I see you were able to ask a few questions in the group and also participate in at least one Zoom call. I hope you found those helpful, and you could review the material with others in your household if they were not able to attend. One of the benefits of a digital course is that you can re-review the materials as often as you like! We also pack the course with tons of information so you can better understand how your dog thinks and learns. This is especially important for working breeds who have a lot of energy (mental and physical) who are living a more sedentary life. We definitely try to label the course games so you can tune into those skills that you are wanting to develop, but more importantly we suggest that you go in order that the course is laid out. Much like learning math, it helps to teach the puppy fundamental skills first, which then can be used as building blocks to learn more complex skills. I’m sorry the comprehensive course material did not fit into your busy lifestyle, but as a student of the course you are welcome to return to the material and review it at any time you see challenges crop up. Training is a life-long process and we are available to assist you in the future if you have any questions about Appa.