Be Safe Be Aware Be as good as your Dog thinks you are!
Be Safe Be Aware Be as good as your Dog thinks you are!
There are many questions that you should ask before allowing anyone to touch your dog.
There are very few right or wrong answers.
You and your family should be informed and comfortable with the person and the answers you are given.
ASK QUESTIONS !!
Talk to the PERSON who is actually going to interact with you or your pet. Ask about any schools attended, certifications, continuing education, and literature read.
Find out about the NUMBER OF YEARS OF ACTUAL EXPERIENCE in the pet care field.
Ask about their experience in any area that requires specialization, such as medical, Service work, behavioral or protection.
How many pets have they actually worked with?
Do they have a title bestowed on them such as "Master Trainer"?
In situations that require instruction, find out more about their ability to interact with you, your family and your pet.
What type formal or informal education in teaching do they have?
Do they have any written lesson plans?
How many classes have they conducted as an instructor?
How many classes have they conducted as the lead instructor?
How many people can be present in each session?
How many people will they instruct at one time?
The goal is to have the best qualified person working with you are your dog!
Do they claim to be licensed, bonded, Board approved or certified?
Is it a business license or a license to conduct that specific type of business?
Does the entity issuing the license have the authority to regulate, allow or prohibit them from practicing their trade.
What are the requirements to obtain the license?
Will they provide you with copies of their license?
What are the names and the authority of the any boards or organizations?
Does the Board or Organization have the authority to regulate, allow or prohibit them from practicing their trade?
What are the requirements to join the organization?
Is there a vetting process or just membership fee.
Are they active in the organization?
Does the organization offer continuing education?
What are they bonded for?
Will they provide you with copies of their Bond?
The goal is to have the best qualified person working with you are your dog!
What information do you have about the company or person working with you?
Will they have keys to your residence?
Has a background check been conducted?
Will they provide you with proper valid identification?
How will you contact them if something is wrong?
Will they provide references?
Have you checked the references?
Have you checked with the Local Animal Control, Bureau of Consumer Affairs, or Chamber of Commerce for business issues?
Check Social Media or other Internet sources for information. Any questionable or negative information should be discussed.
How do you resolve disputes or disagreements?
Do they have a current CPR and First Aid Certification for both Humans and dogs?
Are they handling more than one dog at a time. Is it a safe number?
Are they engaged in any illegal activity such as taking your dog to a location on or off leash when it is prohibited
The goal is to have the safest and most secure person working with you are your dog!
Ask about their philosophical approach to working with you and your your pet.
Find out why they use that particular approach.
Ask their opinion about other philosophies, equipment, techniques or trainers.
Is they technique a condition of their employment?
Are they part of a franchise that prohibits any deviation in training, approach or policy.
Do you feel comfortable with their response
Does it appear that they believe in what they are explaining to you
The goal is to have the best understanding as to how you and your dog will have the best training available!
Are they clear as to the services they will provide?
Is this a satisfaction agreement? To whose satisfaction ?
What are you paying for ?
Do you have a written contract?
Ask about exact costs for follow up appointments or sessions
Ask about any guarantees, money back refunds, satisfaction contracts and litigation assistance
Do they try to sell you additional products as a condition of their services such as treats, clickers or leashes
The goal is to understand the roles and responsibilities of everyone involved.
If they claim they are insured, what exactly does the insurance cover?
Whom does it cover
What does it cover
How much does it cover?
Will they provide you with copies of their policy?
Give various scenarios and determine if they and you are covered.
Will the insurance cover any illegal activity such as taking your dog to a location on or off leash when it is prohibited ?
Does it cover any unsafe condition or situation like walking too many dogs?
Are you comfortable in the response?
The goal is the safety of your pet and reduction of liability to you.