Frequently Asked Questions

Contact & Communication

  • Text or email.

    I keep my phone on silent while working hands-on with dogs. Expect a response within 24 hours. Messages related to safety, health, or same-day pick-up or drop-off changes may receive a faster response. Delays may occur during weekends, holidays, or high-volume seasons.

    While I’m happy to answer quick questions via text or email, dog training is a hands-on skill. More involved training questions are best addressed during a Private Lesson or Membership Drop-In.

  • No.

    Social media is not monitored for scheduling or training communication. It is the best way to stay up to date on your dog’s stay and everything happening at TAC.

  • Updates are shared primarily via Instagram stories. Train & Stay dogs receive priority updates. Current clients may be added to the Close Friends list for additional behind-the-scenes content.

Scheduling

  • Clients are responsible for scheduling their own appointments using the provided scheduling links. Train & Stays and Stays are requested via email. Appointments are not confirmed until a confirmation email is received.

  • No.

    Live availability is always visible through the scheduling system. You can schedule independently using the available links.

  • You may email me at hi@theactualizedcanine.com or text 970-822-7125.

Cancellations, Rescheduling, Holidays

  • Availability is limited. Same-day cancellations or reschedules may result in forfeiture of the service cost. No-shows are charged in full.

  • No.

    I do not offer drop-offs or pick-ups on holidays.

  • No.

    I continue to care for dogs and run Train & Stays through holiday periods. Only intake and exit logistics are unavailable on those dates. Availability is limited and must be planned around the holiday schedule.

  • Clients must plan drop-offs and pick-ups outside of these dates. This schedule is updated annually.

    2026 Schedule

    Saturday, February 14 - Valentine’s Day

    Sunday, April 5 - Easter

    Sunday, May 10 - Mother’s Day

    Monday, May 25 - Memorial Day

    Saturday, July 4 - Independence Day

    Friday, Aug 21 - Personal Day

    Monday, Sept 7 - Labor Day

    Monday, Sept 14 - Personal Day

    Saturday, Oct 3 - Personal Day

    Saturday, Oct 31 - Halloween

    Thursday, Nov 26 - Thanksgiving

    Thursday, Dec 24 - Christmas Eve

    Friday, Dec 25 - Christmas

    Thursday, December 31 - New Year’s Eve

  • Sessions may be rescheduled due to unsafe or disruptive weather without penalty. Group sessions proceed unless canceled collectively.

Arrival, Drop-Off, Pick-Up

  • Pull into the driveway and park immediately to the left upon entering. Remain in your vehicle and wait.

  • No.

    I have a motion sensor and will know when you arrive. Please wait in your vehicle until I come out to meet you.

  • For safety, scheduling flow, and to prevent unnecessary stimulation for dogs that may be outside.

    • Train & Stay / Stays:
      • Morning: 7:00–8:30 am
      • Evening: 5:00–6:30 pm

    • Academy: drop-off at 8:30 am, pick-up at 5:00 pm

    • 1:1 Coaching: arrive at your scheduled time only; please do not arrive early. I will not be able to take you until your scheduled time.

Safety & Owner Responsibilities

  • Owners are responsible for follow-through, structure, and maintaining routines outside of sessions.

    Real progress happens when we’re both showing up for your dog in consistent, complementary ways.

  • No.

    Results are not guaranteed. Dog training and behavior modification are influenced by many variables, including owner follow-through, consistency, environment, genetics, health, and prior training history. While I make a good-faith effort to guide you toward appropriate goals and outcomes, results cannot be predicted or assured.

  • If training is ended early due to rehoming, euthanasia, or other premature termination during a Train & Stay, Foundations Intensive, 1:1 Coaching, or other services, payments are non-refundable.

Intellectual Property

  • No.

    All TAC materials, including digital products, PDFs, class materials, emails, newsletters, and website content, are protected by copyright. Materials may not be copied, shared, distributed, recorded, or reproduced in any form without prior written permission from The Actualized Canine, LLC.

Equipment Requirements

  • No.

    Please do not purchase training tools unless we have discussed them first. Purchasing equipment too early often results in the wrong size, style, or tool for your dog’s current stage.

  • If you already own training tools, I’m open to using them as long as they are appropriate for your dog’s training stage, properly fitted, in good working condition, and effective. If existing equipment does not meet these criteria, I may recommend different gear to ensure safe and effective training.

  • A properly fitted slip collar is required anytime your dog is in TAC care.

    If additional tools are part of your dog’s training plan, those tools are expected to be used consistently and must be brought to all stays and sessions. This ensures your dog’s training can be maintained safely and effectively.

  • Slip collars are included with Train & Stay programs.

    Ongoing clients who do not already have a slip collar must obtain one prior to future services. Slip collars may be purchased from me ($30) or sourced elsewhere, provided they meet my safety and fit requirements.

  • You are responsible for bringing required equipment, including your dog’s slip collar, to every appointment or stay. If required equipment is forgotten, a replacement must be purchased. Slip collars are $30.

  • Depending on the dog and training stage, tools may include slip collars, prong collars, long lines, muzzles, or e-collars.

  • No. Tools are selected based on the individual dog, their needs, and their training stage. Not every dog requires the same tools, and any tool used is discussed in advance and introduced intentionally.

Payments & Admin

  • Cash, check, Zelle, debit, or credit card.

  • Yes. Courtesy pricing adjustments are available for direct payment methods.

    • Lessons and programs: at booking

    • Train & Stay / Stays: payment required to reserve dates

  • No. Payments are non-refundable. One-time transfers may be allowed if availability permits.

  • Your scheduled dates, your dog’s space in a limited-capacity program, and time reserved exclusively for your dog. Because space is limited and dog-to-trainer ratios are kept low, payment at booking secures your spot.

  • Train & Stays and Stays are booked by request. Once dates are confirmed, an invoice is sent. Dates are officially reserved once payment is received. During high-demand seasons, unpaid invoices may lose their spot to another booking.

    Invoice due dates are generated by my system and display a due date equal to the date the invoice is sent. This date is a system requirement rather than a strict deadline.

    If you choose to pay by card through the invoice, a processing fee will apply. To avoid this fee, payment may be made via cash, check, or Zelle, and the invoice will be marked as paid manually. I prefer cash, Zelle, or check—you can send those to me separately, and I will manually mark your invoice as paid.

What to Bring/Not Bring

  • Your dog will stay inside my home in the kennel room. Each dog is provided with a kennel and kennel pad (provided they are not destructive). Please do not bring a kennel or bedding.

    Required items

    • Your dog’s regular food

      • Raw diets are welcome. Food will be stored in the designated dog freezer.

      • Please notify me of any dietary restrictions.

    • A small amount of treats

    • A leash for drop-off and pick-up

    • Any required medication

      • This includes behavioral medications, even if the long-term goal is to taper off.

      • If a weaning process is needed, the medication must be provided.

    • All equipment your dog normally uses, including:

      • Slip lead

      • Prong collar (if typically used for walks)

      • E-collar (if used for off-leash work or hikes)

      • Muzzle (if your dog has a history of reactivity or normally trains in one)

    If required equipment is not provided, your dog will not be able to participate in activities that depend on that equipment.

    Optional items

    • One small comfort item (blanket or soft toy), space permitting

    • One training toy only if your dog is especially motivated by it and we plan to use it in training

    • Please do not bring the following items:

      • E-collar chargers (I have a full charging station)

      • E-collar boxes or packaging

      • Food or water bowls

      • Extra bedding or bulky items