Preparing for your Initial Consult

What to expect and how to best prepare for our initial meeting

The initial consult is an information packed 2 hours where I get to know you and your dog, virtually, learn about your dog’s issues, your concerns and goals.  It is the first step for any training.

How to prepare:

• Block out uninterrupted time, ideally with all adults present for this meeting, to ensure we’re all on the same page moving forward.
• Ensure your dog, and any kids, are occupied for the duration of our meeting.

What we cover:

• Review complete history from the registration form you’ve completed, discuss what you’ve tried, what has worked and what hasn’t
• Review how dogs learn and how we use this to modify behavior or teach new behaviors
• Discuss your goals
• Review your dog’s prognosis and discuss the factors that affect it
• Implement management strategies
• Discuss if a meds consult or vet referral is needed for your case
• Review handouts, training plans and other relevant emailed documents
• Determine the best training package moving forward or
• Set up follow up session or discuss the plan for scheduling

After your consult:

• You will receive a thorough follow-up and summary report detailing what we covered in your consult, next steps including any additional personalized training plans we discuss during the consult, homework and a recommended shopping list
• Your vet or VB will receive a copy of the notes for their treatment records, if needed
• One month of email follow-up for working through your initial training plan or issues discussed during the consult