Frequently Asked Questions
BOARDING + TRAINING FAQS
How many trainers are employed/have access to my dog?
It’s me! Just me. I am the sole operator of my business. Do I have control issues? No, but I do have trust issues and so far the only way to ensure the health and safety of clients as best as possible is to make sure I am the one with hands on access to my board and train kiddos. I do have emergency representatives that are trained and able to act on my behalf in the event of me being hospitalized.
What happens if my dog does something right/wrong in training?
It is our job to make sure that we are setting a clear idea to your dog while in training! Corrections are fair to the behavior, and appropriate to the situation. I.e. If your dog jumps on a grandma with a walker, this is considered a “non-negotiable” behavior, and we would provide an appropriate correction. (think: small child taking a cookie without permission vs. punching grandma* in the face)
*No grandmas are injured in training, I promise.
Where does my dog stay?
In-home with me! I have a designated room for naps and nighttime sleeping under a nanny cam 24/7. It has white noise machines, minifans, blankets, crate covers etc to provide the best nap/sleep possible! All dogs whether in boarding or the B&T must be at minimum 60% crate trained(Unless enrolled in the crate training program or otherwise allotted to stay by Isabella). This means no excessive whining, barking, or generalized separation anxiety-based behaviors past 3 hours of dropp off. This helps keep everyone happier and more relaxed. Dogs are also able to nap with me, watch movies, or “hang out” in my room as long as they do not have aggressive or marking behaviors.
How long does my dog spend in the crate?
Whether your dog wants to be a potato all day or wreak havoc running on the 1.5 acres, the amount of time spent in crate, is to an extent, up to them! Dogs are not made to stay up for long periods of time. To prevent them from burning out or becoming overstimulated I have designated nap times in between training or play sessions before official “bedtime.”
Though I still have errands and training classes, I try to schedule them during nap time as much as possible and I will call in someone to let them outside to potty and stretch out if I am going to be gone longer than desired!
Do you have payment plans? What do they look like?
Payment plans are available for boarding and training when reserved and arranged prior to the service being conducted. Additional information may be required such as:
Military leadership information, secondary identification card, secondary number, proof of employment, address confirmation etc. this enables me to provide services at their low, competitive costs either free of interest or with extremely low rates. PayPal is also a service that offers payment plans through their own program and their own interests.
I do have weekly, bi-weekly-, and monthly payments all ranging in costs depending on services and costs. I also have long-term boarding available that has its own payment plan and cost.
What do I bring?
Everything and anything you think would make them happy and comfy! This is their vacation too, and for training kiddos this is supposed to be their decompressing/safe place! With that being said, I would not send them with anything that isn’t “replaceable”. i.e. baby blanket, baby toy etc. sometimes they will shred things the first two nights or so due to anxiety. I always recommend a throw away shirt that was worn by owner or kept in the bed for their scent.
If my animal has an emergency what happens?
Emergency protocol is to take the pet to the closest emergency veterinarian hospital if life or death. There are 2, 24/7 clinics located separately in Temple off the interstate and Loop and the other in Waco also off the interstate. If the injury or incident requires a regular veterinarian intervention, owner’s preference is taken into consideration however dog’s ultimate safety/comfort is high priority. If wishing to opt out of the medical-clause in contract please alert Isabella prior to signing contract.
Can I visit my dog while they are away for training?
YES. I do not believe you visiting your dog for a little break “ruins their training” and I feel those stating this may not have a solid foundation as a trainer. The only reason I can immediately see this would be an issue is if a dog has SEVERE separation anxiety and reuniting too early may cause more grief momentarily, however I would invite the owner to watch a training class from a distance, video chat, watch a live video, or come to the training facility to visit in person. Otherwise, I often have parents visit in board and trains.
My dog doesn’t like other dogs, can they still train/board with you?
Of course! SSA or DA is handled with safety and respect for both sides. Whether your dog only likes their same family/household members or only opposite dogs or no one else (except for their parents) I am able to separate and give each pup their own time and attention.
They do not have to play with other dogs while they are vacationing or training here.
Do you offer pickup/drop off?
I do! I transport dogs via crash tested kennels in a highly-rated SUV that has a temperature monitoring device inside and also equipped with dual dashcams. In addition to pet dogs, I transport Service Dogs across country via air if they meet the ACAA and ADA guidelines and policies as well as Service Dogs in Training via certain airline policies! For city to city transport I can pick your dog up for school, take them home, and pickup/drop off after or before their vacation and boarding begins! This service is also available for bathing services.
