FIDO FREEDOM FAQ's
1. What are the requirements for our dog to participate in the adventure outings?
• Each dog must be at least six months old, licensed, fully vaccinated (rabies, bordatella, corona, DHPP), neutered or spayed.
• Dogs must not be aggressive towards dogs or people.
• While I always use conservative guidelines for assessment (for the safety of each dog group), I require a courtesy consultation to get an objective determination of the dogs behavior. Shy dogs often times become more out going and confident when participating in small group outings.
2. How do we sign up our dog for your service?
Call or send us an e-mail and we will arrange a convenient time to visit and get to know each other. We can also e-mail you several information forms for you to fill out ahead, so that we can spend more time getting to know you and your dog. This usually takes about forty five minutes to an hour.
3. How does payment work?
We accept payment in advance for packages. For drop-ins, you can leave cash or a cheque payable to Amber Cottle. GST is included in all rates. A receipt will be left for you upon payment.
4. How do you determine if a dog is suitable for group outings?
Most people have a fair idea of how well socialized their dog is, however it is important to get an objective assessment. During our initial visit, I will ask a lot of questions about your dog's behavior and history. I will observe your dog's behavior and introduce your dog to my dog and walk them around the neighborhood.
I am looking for behaviors that will tell me how able and willing your dog is to learn and adjust to new situations. No dog is perfect; and most dogs will benefit immensely from our socializing and outings.
5. What are the pick up and return arrangements?
Pick ups and returns are done depending on the group outings scheduled for that day. Because we are fully bonded and insured, we are able to pick up and return each dog whether or not the owner is home. Each client's key is security coded and the code always remains separate and secure from the key. At the end of each outing, your dog is returned home safe and sound and clean. Each dog is left secure and with adequate water supply, as well as a daily activity note. When possible, periodic e-mails with photo attachments are sent.
6. What emergency plans do you have in place?
In the event of an emergency, we will contact you right away. If the dog needs to be taken to the vet, we will transport the animal to the closest veterinarian office that we are affiliated with.
Each dog's information record is included on the outing and contains the owner's phone numbers, the veterinarian of record and the dog's medical history. We also keep prepared consent forms and a current list of available veterinarian offices and clinics in our service area. We are pet first-aid CPR certified and carry a first-aid kit on the outings and keep an additional kit in the vehicle.
7. What do you do in bad weather?
Unfortunately, weather can be an issue, so on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, we will be using our 3,000 square foot indoor training center to allow the dogs to play and socialize off-leash, in a clean and dry environment. The dogs will receive adequate exercise and elimination breaks during their time with us. Outdoor activities, such as a leashed walk on the dyke or a romp at the beach may be the destination, weather permitting. Your dog will be walked rain or shine. On really wet days we will try to keep them as clean as possible so please keep a towel handy so we can dry him off if necessary. Also, you have the option of having your dog kept on-leash on those days.
8. Is there a minimum number of outings we need to enroll our dog in?
No, but we recommend participation at least once a week. This does not need to be the same day or the same time, however, the more consistent the schedule is, the better it is for the dog. This promotes familiarity and stability in the dog groups. Ideally, a dog that participates once week should also be enjoying several extended walks each week with it's owner. Daily adventure outings for a dog are great when combined with fun week-end activities with the dog's owner.
8. Do you take all the dogs to the training center each outing?
No, not every outing includes time at the training center. Sometimes the location of the client is not convenient to the training center in our service area. The emphasis on each outing is the benefits of exercise gained from brisk, energetic walks, the stimulation of new sights and smells in varied settings, and the companionship of the dogs in the group. The time spent at the training center is usually an hour and allows for the dogs to play unfettered by leashes and practice playing fetch, name recall, and an opportunity to socialize with other dogs. Each dog is closely supervised with safety always in mind. The training center time serves as a supplement to the outings.
9. Do you provide training for my dog while on your outings?
Basic manners training are included in all of our interactions with your dog. Mouthing, jumping up, pulling on leash, rough play, and excessive barking will not allowed. Appropriate behaviors are rewarded with praise and affection. Leash training is provided to ensure that your dog does not learn bad habits while in our care. For owners wanting more advanced training, or behavioral problem solving should contact Amber Cottle at the Canine Behavior Training Center to discuss your needs.
10. What training methods do you use?
We use positive reinforcement philosophy that utilizes play, praise, and affection as rewards. We are firm believers in pack theory and providing leadership and consistency with regards to teaching dog's appropriate behavior. You are the dog's leader, and when you provide clear boundaries and calm leadership, you create an environment of positive learning and mutual respect.
For more information e-mail Amber Cottle
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