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Rules

On camera - In the news recently there was a video of a delivery driver rubbing a food item on a place that shouldn’t be rubbed by food. It was caught on camera. I am sure the pizza man didn’t know he was on camera, but now he is a national headline. I know none of our team would ever do anything like this, but I share this to teach you in a humorous way that you are ALWAYS ON CAMERA! Even if you can’t see the camera, you are always on camera.

So with that being said, even if you can’t see a camera, always assume you are being watched & that whoever is watching can hear you. In a day and age of technology, security cameras, doorbell cameras, phones, live streams, hidden indoor cameras, etc. you are always on camera. In peoples homes they have cameras to watch the dogs, cameras in the fireplace, the bedroom, everywhere! So act as if you are always on camera and that everything you are saying can be heard.

Touching — No touching any clients or team members

There isn’t really ever a reason to touch clients or team members.

Medical Advice — No giving out medical advice

We are dog trainers, not veterinarians. By giving out medical advice we do 2 things. 1) We get out of our lane. Our lane is dog training. 2) We are liable for the medical advice we give out.

Communications — When texting clients, use proper punctuation and spell words out correctly

To maintain a level of professionalism, let’t make sure to use proper punctuation and spell our words out correctly.

Training

Kennels — Don’t stick your fingers in a kennel

You’ll get bit. Don’t do it.

Hot, Cold, Lights & No Lights —If it is hot outside, work the dog in the shade. If it is dark, work the dog under a street light.

Heat Advisory Advice

-When their tongue curls up like a spoon on the edges and the front, the dog is getting too hot

-When it is hot out a good rule of thumb for walking dog is to walk dogs in the shade. If you must walk them in the heat, make sure you can put you hand on the concrete for 10-15 seconds. If you can’t then you need to not walk the dog in the sun and on the concrete

-If a dog is plopping excessively during training and keeps trying to lay down over and over, it may be too hot

-Dark red gums or tongue

-Excessive panting, thirstiness, etc.

General Tips

Yes questions — Always ask YES questions when working with the client to keep them excited. “That is pretty cool right?” “Can you believe your dog is really doing this, this quick?” "Can you practice this when we are not here?” “How cool is this?!”

Energy — ENERGY IS CONTAGIOUS! BE ENERGETIC AND THEY WILL BE TOO!

It’s your show — When you are there, you run the show

Beef Treats — Always ask if you can use the treats we have just to make sure it is okay with their dogs

Shoes — If they are bare foot or their shoes are by the door, ask if you need to take your shoes off

Dealing with clients who don’t practice - If you have a client you can tell isn’t doing their homework, then we suggest texting them daily or every other day a simple check in text. Just something like “Hey, did you practice with your dog yesterday? How’d it go?” The reason for this is because if they are not practicing with the dog then we need to have that documented. We can’t do infinite appointments with them. So if we ever have to get a LT to speak with them we have it documented they aren’t practicing. The program won’t work unless they do!

QUIZ Questions

Professional Conduct & Safety

  1. Why should trainers always assume they’re on camera during appointments?

  2. What are examples of where hidden or visible cameras may be located in clients’ homes?

  3. What is the company policy on touching clients or team members?

  4. Why is it important not to give medical advice to clients?

  5. What are two risks of giving medical advice as a dog trainer?

Communication & Client Interaction

  1. What texting habits are expected when communicating with clients?

  2. What’s an example of a “yes question,” and why should we ask them?

  3. Why is energy important during training sessions with clients?

  4. What should you do before using Wonder Dog beef treats with a client’s dog?

  5. What do you do if a client isn’t practicing between sessions?

Training Environment & Dog Safety

  1. Why should you never stick your fingers into a kennel?

  2. Where should you work the dog if it’s hot or dark outside?

  3. What are three signs that a dog is getting too hot?

  4. What’s the pavement test you can use to decide whether it’s too hot for a walk?

  5. What should you do if a client is barefoot or their shoes are by the door?