dog class homework

Dog Training Weekly Homework Packet for Clients

Give these handouts to your clients to put the responsibility of training follow through in the dog owner’s hands!

These pages are perfect for your clients to take notes during dog training lessons, make to-do or to-buy lists, and track their dog’s progress with many kinds of behaviors throughout their time working with you.

Print these pages out and give them to your clients so they can track their progress!

Privacy Overview

Pin it on pinterest.

Making tails wag since 1996! 3400 N. Monroe St. - Spokane, WA Questions?  EMAIL!

Diamonds in the Ruff

Below you will find the access links to your online homework, which includes videos of class demos and detailed  instruction of your weekly lessons.  

  In-person make-ups are not available.  If yo u are absent, the online homework will serve to keep your family up to speed in training with your dog at home and keep you from falling b ehind should you be absent and miss a class.   The online Homework pages for Beginning and Intermediate include everything we do in class and more!  Pre-recorded Zoom class links are also provided for the Beginning & Intermediate classes .  (Upper right corner of the first homework page.)  

PLEASE NOTE: PASSWORDS ARE LOWER CASE, NO SPACES BEFORE, AFTER OR IN BETWEEN

The password for your class homework will be provided in your Reminder Email.  

Click on the link for y our class and enter the password.  

View online.   D ownload printed homework handouts to your personal computer.

Trouble with the link?  Be sure you have s e lect ed the link to the class you are currently attending and enter the password for that class,  provided in your reminder email .  Lower case, no spaces!  (Your computer may be auto-loading your previous class link)

Beginning Class online homework  

I ntermediate Prep homework

(c) DIAMONDS IN THE RUFF  ~ CAROL A. BYRNES, CPDT-KA 

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

This is work is password protected for the use of registered students ONLY.

Sharing of the link, password or contents is strictly prohibited.  

The password will not change.

Our students are welcome to revisit this homework anytime in the future.

LEVEL THREE:

WORKSHO P AND ADVA NCED CLASS HOMEWORK LINKS:

SELECT THE CLASS YOU ARE CURRENTLY ATTENDING AND ENTER THE PASSWORD PROVIDED IN YOUR REMINDER EMAIL:  

Finishing School handouts  

Loose Leash Walking handouts  

Dastardly Distractions handouts  

Total Recall class handouts   

Pooches in the Park  handouts  

Beyond the Backyard handouts  

Everything Zen handouts  

Overly Friendly Over-Greeters handouts  

Rally Foundation Games handouts  

Parkour Foun dation Games handouts  

Take it on the Road meeting locations  

Tails & Trails - hiking & snowshoeing meeting locations  

Neighborhood Walks:   Satisfying Summer Strolls & Winter Walkies  

Canine Good Citizen class handouts  

Pet Therapy Skills class handouts  

Agility Beginning Foundations: Me & My Dog handouts  

Agility for Fun handouts  

Holiday Manners class instructions  

Cooperative Care handouts  

Sniffy Games handouts  

Brain Games handouts  

Tricks Class  

Snuffle Mat Workshop

OUTDOOR CLASSES

Dress for the weather!

This is Spokane, so layers are a good idea!  Chairs are available in the training field.  You are also welcomed to bring your own chair if you prefer.   We bring out the awnings for shade or if rain is likely. 

Class will be held as planned unless you hear otherwise. 

Your instructor will email you with instructions if class is being moved indoors or postponed due to weather.  If you miss the email and arrive and find no one is there, check the training studio.  Your instructor's contact info is also included on your class homework link if you need to reach them.

SUMMER HEAT AND

WASP WARNING

When out walking and for those attending outdoor summer classes, stay in the shade and bring plenty of water and a wet bandanna for you and your dog!   

We also advise that you leave "real meat" treats at home during yellow-jacket season. 

In mid-to-late summer, the wasps and yellow jackets start to look for the good stuff.  They are particularly fond of hot dogs.  There is also a bit of clover in the lawn.  If you are allergic to bees, bring your epi-pen, just in case.

Bring along some mosquito repellent  

for those outdoor evening classes!  Mosquitos and no-see-ums love the cool grass.

Looking for fellow positive reinforcement trainers to walk and train with? 

Get connected on this Facebook group:  DIAMONDS IN THE RUFF MEET-UPS!

An opportunity for graduates of Diamonds in the Ruff to work on their skills - appropriate introductions, leash walking with distractions, and good social skills. Members can arrange meet ups, play dates, or other gatherings.

Great article:   "Raise a Green Dog: an eco-resource for dog owners"

Extras:  

How to Play Tug handout - pdf   also check out the  Tug article  in our Behavior FAQ section.  

Meet & Greet handout - pdf  

Good Games, Bad Games - pdf  

PPG - Puppy Socialization checklist - pdf

Don't have a pdf viewer?   Download a free adobe acrobat viewer here:  

(c) Diamonds in the Ruff - All rights reserved

Dog Training Homework | 1-2-3 Walking Pattern Game

1 2 3 calm walking pattern, control unleashed pattern games were developed by leslie mcdevitt, mla, cdbc, cpdt-ka. these exercises can be used with any age dog with any behavior or training issue. they help build focus, confidence, and calmness., purpose: this exercise can be used to teach your dog loose leash walking manners or move through a difficult area or sticky situation..

• Hold a treat at your dog’s nose, say “Three!” and release the treat. Repeat 5x.
• Hold a treat at your dog’s nose, say “Two! Three!” and release the treat. Repeat 5x.
• Hold a treat at your dog’s nose, say “One! Two Three!” and release the treat. Repeat 5x.
• Walk backward as your dog follows, hold a treat at your dog’s nose, say “One! Two Three!” and release the treat. Repeat 5x.
• Walk forward with your dog at your side, hold a treat at your dog’s nose, say “One! Two Three!” and release the treat. Repeat 5x.
• If you already use the words “One, Two, Three” to communicate something to your dog then use “A! B! C!” or “7! 8! 9!”. The words don’t matter, the pattern does.

Dog Training Handouts and Resources

Dog Behavior & Training Resources Aggression in Dogs An Overview Attention Bach Flower Essences Bark Management & Reduction Body Language – Speaking Dog Bully Breeds Calming Cap Choosing a Dog Choosing a Puppy Citronella Bark Collars Come When Called Connect with Your Canine Crate Training Dog Breed Characteristics & Behavior Down Enrichment Toys Escape Artists Find It Here Comes Baby! Housetraining Young & Old Jumping Up Kids and Canines Leash Free Leave It Living with Multiple Dogs Marker & Release Cues Muzzles Park It Platform & Mat Training Play – Tug & Retrieving Games Puppy Health Puppy Socialization Puppy World Senior Dog Care Separation Anxiety Small Dogs Sit Stand Tie Down Touch Training Treat Recommendations Under-Socialized Dogs Wait Walking Equipment Walking with Your Dog

Información de Adiestramiento de Perros Saltar hacia arriba (Jumping Up) Mascara antiestres (Calming Cap) Juegos de estimulacion (Enrichment Toys) Echate (Down) Dejalo (Leave It) Collares de citronela antiladrido (Citronella Collars) Buscalo (Find It) Atencion (Attention) Amarres (Tie Downs) Adiestramiento con la jaula (Crate Training) Acude al llamado (Come When Called)

Main Campus in Novato

Kitty Corner in San Anselmo

Thrift Shop in San Anselmo

Hopalong Office in Oakland

171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd. Novato California 94949

415.883.4621  |  Email us

We rely on the generosity of animal lovers to do our work and are not a chapter or affiliate of The Humane Society of the United States or the ASPCA. Our Tax ID (EIN) is 94-1156562.

How to Design a Dog Training Lesson Plan

Are you an aspiring or experienced dog trainer looking for help creating a lesson plan? Creating individualized and group training sessions can be challenging… But with the right tools and strategies, you can design engaging classes that inspire both dogs and owners. In this guide, we’ll discuss how to design a dog training lesson plan for all level of dog owners – as well as individual vs. group classes!

So, keep reading to learn how to design an effective and engaging dog training lesson plan!

How to design a dog training lesson plan: getting started.

A successful lesson plan starts with having clearly defined goals in mind. So, start by asking yourself:

• Do you intend to offer one-on-one sessions, group classes, or both?
• What are the objectives you want to accomplish throughout the class?
• How will participants interact?
• In what ways will knowledge be assessed?
• How much time do you have available per session?

Having answers to these questions before getting started makes it easier to create a lesson plan that’s tailored to the needs of your students. Once you have a vision in mind, you can use it to create goals and design activities!

Ask Yourself the 5 W’s (and H)

The 5 W’s (and How) is a helpful strategy to use when designing your dog training lesson plan. It can help you identify what information needs to be taught, as well as how it will be communicated and assessed.

Therefore, start by asking yourself:

• WHO : Who’s taking the class? Is it for owners of all breeds and ages, or are there any restrictions?
• WHAT : What goals will the class cover by the end of the session? How can you make sure these objectives are met?
• WHEN : How much time is available for each topic in your lesson plan? How often should classes be held throughout the year?
• WHERE : Where will the class be held? How will the environment affect your lesson plan design?
• WHY : Why are these topics important to teach in a dog training session? How can you best make sure that your students understand why they’re learning the material?
• HOW : How will information be communicated, assessed, and reinforced over time? In what ways will you measure success?

When you consider these questions carefully, you’ll be able to come up with a lesson plan that’s properly tailored to the needs of your students. Not to mention, it will make it easier to determine if any changes need to be made throughout the course!

Decide How to Structure Your Dog Training Class

A lesson plan should provide a framework for the class structure. This can include multiple sections that allow you to introduce topics, teach techniques, give students practice time, and assess knowledge.

Importantly, these sections should be clearly-defined and easy-to-follow. That way, you can make sure participants understand what’s expected of them throughout each session!

Design Activities for Your Dog Training Lesson Plan

After creating the framework for your class, it’s time for you to design activities that will help foster learning and understanding. When designing activities, you should keep in mind the goals and objectives you established in the previous section!

Moreover, consider how activities can be tailored to meet specific needs or skill levels. You should also think about how they might be adapted for one-on-one sessions versus group classes. Additionally, plan for enough practice time to ensure that your clients are able to apply the skills learned during class once they’re back at home with their pup(s).

Pro Tip: Not yet a certified dog trainer? Our Step-by-Step Guide will walk you through the process from start to finish… Even if you have no prior experience!

Assessing training progress.

Obviously, assessing the dogs’ progress is going to be a VERY important part of any dog training lesson plan. Without it, you won’t be able to accurately tell how well a dog is doing – or how much they’ve improved. Furthermore, you won’t know how to identify any necessary changes in your curriculum.

So, make sure to include an assessment component at the end of each session. This can be done through testing, observation, or any other methods that help you evaluate a dog’s performance.

Assessing Participant Knowledge

Fact: it’s not just the dogs who are learning from your classes… But also their owners, too! For this reason, it’s just as important to make sure that your human clients are absorbing and understanding the things you’re teaching.

When it comes to assessing this kind of participant knowledge, there are a few different approaches you can take. One way is to provide participants with written exams or quizzes, which can be graded and returned to the students after class. Also, you could have the dog owners complete oral assessments during practice time in order to gauge how much they’ve learned.

And finally, depending on the class size, you could also have clients answer questions in a group format. Doing so would give you the opportunity to provide feedback and correct any misconceptions right away!

Clearly Set Your Expectations in Your Lesson Plan

In terms of expectations, there are 3 main categories you should provide clients information about:

• Attendance;
• And Required Materials.

Where will participants meet and what time does the class start? How early should they arrive? Are there any safety considerations to note?

How large are the classes you’ll teach? What’s your policy for late arrivals or missed lessons? Do clients need to sign up for one-on-one sessions in advance?

Required Materials

Will participants need to bring any materials such as toys, treats, or a clicker? How will they receive course materials and/or handouts? Furthermore, are there any additional items they need to purchase in order to participate in your classes?

How to Create a Basic Lesson Plan for Dog Training: Individual vs. Group Classes

Next, let’s look a little closer at the difference between designing a lesson plan for individual versus group classes . Although they share many similarities, there are some key differences to be aware of!

Individual Classes

In individual classes, you’ll have more control over the environment and be able to discuss topics at a deeper level. As the instructor, you’ll also have more flexibility in adapting the curriculum to meet each dog’s specific needs. Another perk? You’re able to adjust the lesson plan as needed – and with a lot more ease, since you only have one client and their dog to worry about!

Group Classes

With group classes, you’ll have to accommodate a wider range of skill levels while also keeping the class running smoothly. Moreover, you’ll need to pre-plan activities and exercises that can be adjusted on the fly to meet each student’s needs. In addition, make sure to allow for plenty of practice time so that all class participants can learn by doing .

Pro Tip: Discover how to get clients as a dog trainer!

Tailoring your lesson plan to different levels of dog owners.

Now, depending on your class size, you may have participants that range from beginner dog owners to more experienced ones. For this reason, it’s important to adjust your lesson plan accordingly.

For example, if you’re teaching a group class, you can create two or three “tracks” for different levels of experience. This will allow you to provide a more customized approach and avoid overwhelming students who are new to dog training.

On the other hand, if you’re teaching an individual class, you can tailor your lesson plan to each client’s specific needs. Plus, you can adjust each lesson on the fly as needed. Doing so will allow you to provide your clients with the most relevant and useful information possible!

Providing Clients with Homework

Finally, no lesson plan is complete without homework!

Giving dog owners tasks to do with their pup between classes will help reinforce the skills taught in class. In turn, this can help ensure that they’re able to keep up with the learning process and make greater progress.

Here are some examples of the kind of homework you can assign your clients:

• Practice the commands and tricks taught in class;
• Take their pup for daily walks to reinforce good behavior;
• Give their pup mental stimulation with puzzle toys;
• Organize playdates with other dogs in the area to continue improving socialization ;
• Read books, watch videos and attend seminars to stay up-to-date with the latest dog training techniques;
• Keep track of their pup’s progress with a journal or log, etc.

Mistakes to Avoid

Okay, so you want to design a dog training lesson plan, right? Of course, that’s why you’re here! But it isn’t enough to just know what to do – it’s also important to know what NOT to do.

So, here are a few mistakes that you’ll want to avoid when creating a lesson plan for your dog training classes:

• Failing to set clear expectations;
• Not providing enough practice time;
• Not properly assessing participant knowledge;
• Being too rigid and not being able to adjust the lesson plan as needed;
• Not providing clear instructions to class participants;
• Over-relying on lecture-based instruction;
• Forgetting to assess participant knowledge.

So long as you steer clear of these mistakes, you should have no problem creating an effective and comprehensive lesson plan!

• Frequently Asked Questions

Alright, let’s wrap things up by answering some commonly asked questions about designing a dog training lesson plan (and dog training in general)!

Q: How do I keep a group class running smoothly?

A: Make sure to plan activities that can be adjusted on the fly to fit different skill levels, and provide plenty of practice time. This will help ensure that all participants are able to learn at their own pace and keep up with the lesson plan.

Q: How do I make a dog training plan at home?

A: If you’re a dog owner who’d prefer to try training their dog themselves, you can find plenty of resources online. As an example, our blog, Sniffin’ Around, has some great dog training advice !

However, it’s still important to make sure that you’re using the right techniques and following the proper safety protocols. It’s also never a bad idea to consult with a professional dog trainer for further guidance.

Q: How often should I teach my dog new commands?

A: That really depends on your pup! Some dogs learn quickly, while others may need more time to pick up the new commands. As a general rule of thumb, though, it’s best to spend a few minutes each day training your pup so that they don’t forget what they’ve learned.

Q: What is structure in dog training?

A: Structure in dog training is the practice of providing your pup with clear boundaries and expectations. This will help them understand what behaviors are acceptable, as well as which ones are not.

It’s also important to provide your pup with positive reinforcement when they obey commands or display good behavior. This will help encourage their learning process!

Pro Tip: Learn more about positive reinforcement – and why it’s considered the BEST method of dog training!

Q: What are the 4 stages of learning in dog training?

A: Generally speaking, there are four stages of learning in dog training. These include:

• Acquiring knowledge and understanding;
• Practicing new skills;
• Consolidating the skills learned;
• And mastering the learned behavior.

It’s important to remember that each stage requires time, patience, and repetition. So, don’t be discouraged if your pup isn’t picking it up immediately! With a little time and a lot of love, they’ll soon become a pro.

Q: What are the 7 commands to train a dog?

A: The seven most common commands to train your pup are as follows:

Again, each of these commands should be accompanied by plenty of positive reinforcement in order for them to learn the behavior effectively.

Q: How do I write a simple training plan?

A: Writing a simple training plan for your pup doesn’t have to be difficult!

Start by outlining your goals, as well as the commands you want them to learn. From there, break up each command into small, manageable steps. Make sure to provide plenty of practice time, positive reinforcement, and clear expectations during each stage of learning.

Q: What are the 5 golden rules of dog training?

A: The five golden rules of dog training are:

• Be consistent!
• Be patient!
• Keep sessions short and sweet!
• Reward good behaviors!
• Be firm but fair in your expectations for your pup!

By following these key principles, you’ll be well on your way to having a happy and obedient pup in no time!

Helpful Resources to Bookmark

If you’re a dog owner.

• What is Dog Behavior Training?
• The 20 Biggest Dog Training Mistakes to Avoid
• Debunking 25 Common Dog Training Myths
• When to Start Puppy Training and How to Do It
• Dog Training Quiz: Do YOU Know Your Calming Signals?
• Should YOU Become a Dog Trainer?

If You’re a Dog Trainer

• How to Choose a Dog Training School
• 10 Tips for Passing Your Dog Training Certification Course
• 7 Dog Trainer Career Options Once You’re Certified
• How to Start a Dog Training Business
• The 30 Best Tools to Grow Your Dog Training Business
• How Much Does it Cost to Start a Dog Training Business?
• How to Set Your Rates as a Dog Trainer
• Naming Your Dog Training Business: Everything You Need to Know
• How to Brand Your Dog Training Business
• How to Boost Revenue for Your Dog Training Business
• Salary Expectations for a Dog Trainer
• The 6 Fundamentals of Safe Dog Training

Hopefully this article has helped answer some of your burning questions about designing a dog training lesson plan. If you’re interested in learning more, be sure to check out our blog for more helpful tips and tricks.

Got any questions or comments? Maybe some tips on designing a dog training lesson plan that we didn’t cover in this article?

Drop them down below – we always love to hear from you!

Happy training, and thanks for reading!

Become an International Dog Training Professional™ (IDTP™)  in as little as 3-6 months by training online with QC Pet Studies. Start your journey today!

Recent posts extra.

Missed class? Print your homework from here. It’s organized by class title, then by your instructor’s name. Call us at 503-731-8774 if you have any questions. Happy practice!

Puppy Kindergarten

Susan fletcher.

• Puppy-Wk1-SF-Orientation.pdf
• Puppy-Wk1-SF-Homework.pdf
• Puppy-Wk1-SF.pdf
• Puppy-Wk2-SF-BitingReview.pdf
• Puppy-Wk2-SF.pdf
• Puppy-Wk3-SF.pdf
• Puppy-Wk4-SF.pdf
• Puppy-Wk5-SF.pdf

Becky Harris

• Puppy-Wk1-BH-Orientation.pdf
• Puppy-Wk1-BH-Homework.pdf
• Puppy-Wk2-BH.pdf
• Puppy-Wk3-BH.pdf
• Puppy-Wk4-BH.pdf
• Puppy-Wk5-BH.pdf

Heather James

• Puppy-Wk1-HJ-Orientation.pdf
• Puppy-Wk1-HJ-Homework.pdf
• Puppy-Wk2-HJ.pdf
• Puppy-Wk3-HJ.pdf
• Puppy-Wk4-HJ.pdf
• Puppy-Wk5-HJ.pdf

Lisa Plymale

• Puppy-Wk1-LP-Orientation.pdf
• Puppy-Wk1-LP-Homework.pdf
• Puppy-Wk2-LP-Homework.pdf
• Puppy-Wk3-LP-Homework.pdf
• Puppy-Wk4-LP-Homework.pdf
• Puppy-Wk5-LP-Homework.pdf

Brittan Winthrop

• Puppy-Wk1-BW-Orientation.pdf
• Puppy-Wk1-BW-Homework.pdf
• Puppy-Wk2-BW.pdf
• Puppy-Wk3-BW.pdf
• Puppy-Wk4-BW.pdf
• Puppy-Wk5-BW.pdf

Beginning Obedience

Jackie blake.

• Beginning-Wk1-Orientation-JB.pdf
• Beginning-Wk1-JB.pdf
• Beginning-Wk2-JB.pdf
• Beginning-Wk3-JB.pdf
• Beginning-Wk4-JB.pdf
• Beginning-Wk5-JB.pdf
• Beginning-Wk1-LC-Orientation.pdf
• Beginning-Wk1-LC.pdf
• Beginning-Wk2-LC.pdf
• Beginning-Wk3-LC.pdf
• Beginning-Wk4-LC.pdf
• Beginning-Wk5-LC.pdf
• Beginning-Wk1-SF-Orientation.pdf
• Beginning-Wk1-SF-Homework.pdf
• Beginning-Wk2-SF.pdf
• Beginning-Wk3-SF.pdf
• Beginning-Wk4-SF.pdf
• Beginning-Wk5-SF.pdf
• Beginning-Wk1-BH-Orientation.pdf
• Beginning-Wk1-BH-Homework.pdf
• Beginning-Wk2-BH.pdf
• Beginning-Wk3-BH.pdf
• Beginning-Wk4-BH.pdf
• Beginning-Wk5-BH.pdf
• Beginning-Wk1-HJ-Orientation.pdf
• Beginning-Wk1-HJ-Homework.pdf
• Beginning-Wk2-HJ.pdf
• Beginning-Wk3-HJ.pdf
• Beginning-Wk4-HJ.pdf
• Beginning-Wk5-HJ.pdf
• Beginning-Wk1-LP-Orientation.pdf
• Beginning-Wk1-LP-Homework.pdf
• Beginning-Wk2-LP.pdf
• Beginning-Wk3-LP.pdf
• Beginning-Wk4-LP.pdf
• Beginning-Wk5-LP.pdf
• Beginning-Wk1-BW-Orientation.pdf
• Beginning-Wk1-BW-Homework.pdf
• Beginning-Wk2-BW.pdf
• Beginning-Wk3-BW.pdf
• Beginning-Wk4-BW.pdf
• Beginning-Wk5-BW.pdf

Puppy Intermediate

• PuppyIntermediate-Wk1-SF.pdf
• PuppyIntermediate-Wk2-SF.pdf
• PuppyIntermediate-Wk3-SF.pdf
• PuppyIntermediate-Wk4-SF.pdf
• PuppyIntermediate-Wk1-BH.pdf
• PuppyIntermediate-Wk2-BH.pdf
• PuppyIntermediate-Wk3-BH.pdf
• PuppyIntermediate-Wk4-BH.pdf
• PuppyIntermediate-Wk1-LP.pdf
• PuppyIntermediate-Wk2-LP.pdf
• PuppyIntermediate-Wk3-LP.pdf
• PuppyIntermediate-Wk4-LP.pdf

Intermediate Obedience

• Intermediate-Wk1-SF.pdf
• Intermediate-Wk2-SF.pdf
• Intermediate-Wk3-SF.pdf
• Intermediate-Wk4-SF.pdf
• Intermediate-Wk1-HJ.pdf
• Intermediate-Wk2-HJ.pdf
• Intermediate-Wk3-HJ.pdf
• Intermediate-Wk4-HJ.pdf
• Intermediate-Wk1-BW.pdf
• Intermediate-Wk2-BW.pdf
• Intermediate-Wk3-BW.pdf
• Intermediate-Wk4-BW.pdf

Action & Distraction

• ActionDistraction-Wk1-SF.pdf
• ActionDistraction-Wk2-SF.pdf
• ActionDistraction-Wk3-SF.pdf
• ActionDistraction-Wk4-SF.pdf
• ActionDistraction-Wk1-LP.pdf
• ActionDistraction-Wk2-LP.pdf
• ActionDistraction-Wk3-LP.pdf
• ActionDistraction-Wk4-LP.pdf

Games & Tricks

• GamesTricks-Wk1-SF.pdf
• GamesTricks-Wk2-SF.pdf
• GamesTricks-Wk3-SF.pdf
• GamesTricks-Wk4-SF.pdf

Rally Obedience

• RallyHomework-Wk1.pdf
• RallyHomework-Wk2.pdf
• RallyHomework-Wk3.pdf
• RallyHomework-Wk4.pdf
• RallyHomework-Wk5.pdf

Canine Good Citizen

• CGC-Homework-Wk1-BH.pdf
• CGC-Homework-Wk2-BH.pdf
• CGC-Homework-Wk3-BH.pdf
• CGC-Homework-Wk4-BH.pdf

This homework is intended for enrolled students only. Please do not duplicate or send homework or links to anyone else. Thanks!

© 2020 Happy-Go-Lucky Dog Training. All rights reserved.

• About Sirius
• The Dunbars
• Instructors
• The Essential Puppy Training Course
• The Top Dog Academy

Secondary navigation

• the original puppy school

Free Downloads

The items below are all downloadable PDF documents.

You are here

Books & worksheets.

Behavior Blueprints

puppy course

Footer navigation

• Refund policy
• Gift Certificates

Mastering Client Paperwork

· ·

Pre-Consult Questionnaires There are compelling arguments both for and against requiring clients to fill out questionnaires prior to a first appointment. It’s important to understand the implications so you can make the right decision for your business and clients.

Questionnaire Pros Many trainers find that questionnaires decrease the feeling of walking into a new situation blind. It’s a way to gather more information about the dog, family, and training or behavioral issues before the initial consult, without having to spend additional time on the phone. This also means being able to prep more fully for the interview, and a somewhat lower likelihood of being surprised upon arrival with a problem you weren’t aware of or prepared for.

Some trainers cite screening for client compliance as reason for requiring questionnaires. The logic goes that if a potential client isn’t willing to answer a few pages of questions they’re not likely follow training directions and get their homework done.

Pre-consulting paperwork also creates a record of the dog’s issues in the client’s own words and hand. Should you ever need it, you can prove what was and was not accurately reported to you.

Questionnaire Cons The biggest drawback to asking clients to fill out paperwork before they can see you is that it might result in their not seeing you. From a business perspective, you generally want access to your services to be as easy as possible. A questionnaire can act as a roadblock. By asking clients to jump through any hoop, however potentially beneficial, before they can gain your expertise may not serve your business, the client, or the dog. Should a client be put off by the request, or should they simply procrastinate or, like most people these days, be terribly busy, you stand to lose business. And the client and dog fail to get help.

It also does not necessarily follow that not completing a questionnaire indicates a lack of future training compliance. While it’s true that past behavior is generally a useful indicator of what to expect next, a logical case has not been made between filling out paperwork and doing one’s training homework. First, these are two different kinds of tasks.

Secondly, it is part of our job as trainers to create compliance—by inspiration, by designing training plans to fit our clients’ lifestyles, by creating results—and we can’t very well do that if we aren’t working with the client because they didn’t fill out paperwork. (Interestingly, there is not a correlation in the opposite direction, either. I don’t think we can make the claim that a willingness to fill out a questionnaire predicts good homework compliance.)

In short, you may actually be weeding out wonderful clients who just didn’t, for whatever reason, care to jump through the questionnaire hoop.

And while the information on a client questionnaire may give us more to prepare with, it cannot be considered fully reliable. It will still be necessary to undertake a client interview to flesh out answers and gain a full picture of the issues at hand. Given this, it may not be a true time saver for trainers, and may be a source of irritation to clients having to answer a question they’ve already written about.

So, should I use one? That depends. If your business is thriving and you’ve got a waiting list, then maybe. A questionnaire in this case may help weed people out. It’s not that those who didn’t fill it out would have made poor clients. It’s just that you’re busy enough that losing some potential sales to the paperwork requirement is actually helpful.

If your caseload includes a lot of serious aggression cases, a questionnaire may provide extra liability and safety protection for you by providing a written record of what the client did and didn’t reveal to you, and you have additional information to use in deciding whether to take the case. Alternatively, however, you could have them sign off on your notes from the initial consult.

If you tend to be nervous about approaching new cases, and having the additional information from the questionnaire makes you feel more comfortable walking into the initial consult, it may be worth risking the downsides until you’ve built your confidence up. But no matter how well developed and detailed the questionnaire is you should still be ready for the unexpected. Clients don’t always prioritize, see, or understand things the same way we do so some surprises are inevitable.

The majority of trainers do not need to use a questionnaire and may be ill-served by asking clients to take additional steps before gaining access to training.

If you use one. Short of the exceptions above, if you use a questionnaire make it optional rather than mandatory, to avoid losing a potential client’s business.

Keep it short, easy to fill out (use check boxes wherever feasible), and on topic. Avoid asking questions that are not useful for assessment or prognosis.

Write it for description instead of interpretation. Description—what the dog does and when he does it—is more useful than the client’s interpretation of what he’s doing or why. (A client’s perspective is important to know, but easy to get. They’re likely to share it on the phone, in the questionnaire, at the initial consult. What’s harder to garner is what is actually taking place.)

How you ask a question can be the difference between getting an answer like, “I think he was mad because I’d been away for three days” and “I took his pig’s ear and he bit my arm.” Clearly the second is of much more diagnostic use. To get descriptive answers ask questions like “What does your dog do when you…?” instead of open ended questions such as “What happened?” This is another place check boxes can be helpful.

Post-Consult Reports Some trainers give clients post-consult reports, some do not. Some do so only after the initial consult, while others put a write-up together for each session. There are no hard and fast rules here, nothing professionally required. But here’s what we recommend:

Produce a short report after each initial consult. This is particularly important for aggression cases in order to have a written record of your assessment and recommendations. But it can also be helpful to you and the client for any kind of case. Clients can be easily overwhelmed by the information given them in a typical appointment. Having something to refer back to can help to reinforce the main ideas and keep them on track over the coming week.

In addition to liability protection, your reports can be used as a marketing tool. With your client’s permission, send a copy of each report to the client’s veterinarian along with a cover letter. Your reports can convey your professionalism and expertise better than any brochure or flier possibly could. I’ve seen many trainers gain new referral sources with professional reports—even vets adamantly committed to a different trainer or who refused to give any referrals at all. (Vet reports needn’t be limited to behavior cases—use them for obedience and manners work, too.)

Keep your reports short. Really short. No more than two pages, with plenty of white space. Clients are much more likely to read and use what you give them if it is not overwhelming. Veterinarians are much more likely to read it if it is brief. And you will spend much less time at your desk and thus more time marketing your business and seeing clients if you are not writing training novels.

Keep your reports to the basics—assessment of areas of concern, prognosis, management recommendations, and a basic outline of the training approach. This is absolutely not the place to lay out the training plan in step-by-step detail. Doing so can not only intimidate clients, but sometimes give them the impression they could maybe try it on their own—without you. This is not only bad for your bottom line, it sets the client and dog up to maintain the status quo they called you to change.

Write-ups after each session are a good idea in aggression cases in order to maintain a strong paper trail. For other situations, homework handouts will do the trick.

Written Homework Having a written version of their homework after each session is helpful for most clients to refer back to. But there are also some pitfalls to avoid.

Keep homework write-ups short and to the point. One to two pages maximum, with plenty of white space. Use numbered lists, bullet points, and section titles to make the handout easy to read and use. Avoid the inclination to include essays on learning theory, training techniques, and so on—these sheets are for lay dog guardians, not fellow trainers. (It’s not that understanding basic learning and training principles isn’t important—just keep things brief, simple, and immediately applicable to the week’s goals.)

Whenever possible use pre-written, standard homework handouts to save yourself time. You can personalize standard templates for a particular client if need be, but stay away from writing up unique pieces for each client after each section—this is not sustainable for a thriving business.

Give clients only those handouts that pertain to the topics you covered. You may be tempted to share all the handouts in your repertoire, but don’t. Less is more when people are learning something new. Don’t overwhelm or distract clients with additional information when you want them to focus on their instructions for the week.

General Advice

Brand, brand, brand. Everything you hand clients should be branded with your business name, logo, and contact information. Visual consistency is key—all your written material should be easily recognizable as coming from your business. Use the same colors and fonts (and keep both to a minimum), and standardized layouts.

Standardize. Use standard versions or templates for all your paperwork to work as efficiently as possible.

Less is more. Avoid long versions of anything when a short version will do. Remember that most clients are not behavior and training junkies. They are typical, busy, stressed people who need help with something—in this case, training their dog. They are not looking to become professional trainers or gain a thorough understanding of learning theory and dog behavior. They just want some effective relief. Dole out the information you think is critical in small enough batches that they can take it in and act on it. This might be different for each person, and occasionally you’ll get a client who is hungry for every bit of reading material they can get their hands on, but for most people less truly is more.

Choose wisely. There are no rules here—no governing body to tell you what paperwork you must use when. So think about your goals for clients, for your own time, and for your business. What paperwork best suits you, your business, and those who have called you for help?

Make quick work of your paperwork by letting us do the work for you. Save time with the editable, brandable Business Toolkit for Trainers .

Free biz tips for trainers & dog pros

We serve and support all R+ or force-free trainers—trainers of all races, colors, national origins, sex, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. In short, if you’re 100% committed to force-free training, we’re 100% committed to you.

Our Company

510.525.2547 PO Box 110 Sixes, OR 97476 Email Us

Visitor Sitemap

Business Coaching 1-on-1 consulting THRIVE! group coaching

Biz & Training Toolkits Business Toolkit for Trainers Homework Toolkit B-Mod Toolkit

Curriculum Packages Open Enrollment Puppy Puppy Passports Open Enrollment Basic Topics Classes

Marketing Tools Newsletter marketing service Marketing Toolkit

Business Classes Mastering Day Training Best Classes in Town Marketing Made Easy Money Matters 101

Free Resources Monthly Minute biz tips Running a Thriving Training Biz Guide Starting Your Training Biz Checklist Launching a Newsletter Checklist Newsletter Marketing Quick Course dogbiz Blog

2024 dogbiz. All Rights Reserved.  We cannot make guarantees regarding specific earning or income results for your business. Any testimonials or case studies including specific numbers are accurate for the dog professionals referenced and should not be construed as a results guarantee for others.