Frequently Asked Questions

What area does Reward Your Dog Training service?

Reward Your Dog Training sees clients virtually from all over the world. For in person session, Verena services the Greater Portland area. See below if you’re in the radius for in person sessions and what options there are if you’re not.


Do virtual sessions really work?

They absolutely do - and in many cases can be just as or more effective than in person sessions. If your dog struggles having people around, beginning the training virtually allows you and your dog to build skills before applying them to a trigger - which would be me, your trainer.

Virtual sessions also allow you to work with Verena, no matter where you are located.

What if my dog is aggressive towards people?

I specialize in working with dogs who are aggressive towards people, so I’m very happy to work with you on this issue. For all dogs with human-directed aggression or reactivity, whether your dog has bitten someone or not, the intake consultation will be virtual.

What should I prepare for our first session?

We will need your dog on a harness or flat collar and (way more) treats (than you think) cut into pea-sized pieces. We will do our best training if your dog has had appropriate exercise and not too much stress during the day. Your dog doesn’t need to be hungry - you can feed them as you normally would.

Will you work with me even if I have used or am using aversive equipment, such as a prong or e-collar?

Yes, absolutely. I also encourage you to keep using the equipment you are using until you feel safe enough not to - and that is completely up to you. As discussed in the Training Methods section, however, I do not teach or promote the use of these training tools, so I will be helping you to find alternative methods of addressing your dog’s behavioral challenges.

What’s the small print?

I’m so glad you asked! Here are the nitty gritty details around payment, cancellations, rescheduling, etc.

  • Rescheduling & Cancellations

You can cancel or reschedule your session up to 48 hours ahead of time. Sessions canceled with less than 48 hours notice will be charged the full amount and cannot be rescheduled.

If you are canceling because of illness or because your dog is sick or injured, this clause may be waived. Please contact me directly at verena @rewardyourdogtraining.com.

  • Using Your Sessions

Sessions purchased with RYDT need to be used within 6 months of purchase. That means if you book a training package, you will need to book the sessions in the package within six months after buying them.

  • Refunds

Unused sessions are fully refundable for 30 days after purchase. After that, unused sessions can no longer be refunded.