Before We Meet
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our Policies.
Treats
If your dog eats dry food/kibble, have some ready in a bowl or container, as well as plenty of small, soft, high value treats you know your dog likes. Have more food ready than you think you’ll need! We'll try to use your dog's regular food for training, but sometimes higher value food is helpful. High value treats are things like bits of cheese, chicken, or steak.
Meal Time
If your lesson is scheduled close to your dog's regular meal time, please postpone the meal until after we’re done with training. If your dog is a bit hungry, they will be a more enthusiastic learner than if they have just eaten a full meal. Please let me know before your lesson if your dog doesn't like their food, is rarely hungry, or if you leave food out for your dog 24-7. If you normally leave food out, I would like you to pick it up at least 6 hours before our scheduled meeting time.
Multiple Dogs
If you have multiple dogs, plan ahead on how you will separate them during the lesson. Dogs learn best one-on-one, so we’ll need to work with one dog at a time. We can work with one dog outside, put one dog behind a baby gate, etc. You will also want to plan an activity for the dog not getting trained--such as stuffed kongs, bully sticks, or other puzzles/chews.
To make the most of our time together, before I arrive, gather up everything you’ll need during the lesson, including:
Treats, and a way to carry them (a treat pouch/fanny pack is ideal!)
Leash/Collar/Harness
A few of your dog’s toys
A notepad to take notes, if desired
Supplies
If your dog likes to jump on people, please have your dog on leash when I arrive. Your dog will likely be very excited to see me. That's okay! It's totally normal, and may even be why I'm there. We will discuss how to train for polite greeting in our lesson, but management of existing behavior is a key part of that. The leash will serve to prevent your dog from practicing too much jumping. It may be tempting to yell or jerk the leash, but remaining calm is your best bet.
Jumping
I will send handouts and/or homework after your lesson. Please be patient, as sometimes there is a bit of a delay. Please feel free to take your own notes and even video during sessions.