Health of the Pet

Overview

A healthy dog learns better. At Partners Dog School (Scottsdale & Cave Creek), “healthy to train” means your dog is vaccinated, eating and eliminating normally, free of contagious symptoms, and comfortable enough to participate in short, structured sessions with rest breaks. Our team blends training with welfare—adjusting the day to your dog’s energy, stress, and health signals.

Readiness Checklist (Before You Arrive)

Vaccinations current (Bordetella, Rabies, DHPP; each ≥1 week before visit). See Vaccination Policy.
Symptom-free for 7 days (no coughing, sneezing, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, unusual lethargy).
Eating normally for the last 48–72 hrs.
Preventatives on board (flea/tick/heartworm as appropriate for your vet’s guidance).
Packed & labeled: food (with scoop), meds/supplements with written instructions, flat/buckle collar, approved leash (no retractables).
Allergies & sensitivities noted in your Parent Portal and on your labeled bag/med sheet.

Food, Treats & Tummies (GI Comfort)

Bring your dog’s regular food to avoid stomach upset; pack 1–2 extra days in case plans change.
Label bags/containers with dog’s name, feeding amounts & schedule.
Treats: We use standard training treats; if your dog has restrictions, send approved treats.
Sensitive stomach? Tell us what’s safe (and what’s not). We keep sessions short and pair them with rest to reduce stress-related GI blips.
Hydration: Fresh water is available across campus; we encourage small, frequent drinks.

Medications, Supplements & Special Care

Original containers preferred; otherwise include clearly written instructions (dose, timing, route, with/without food).
Label everything (dog’s name, med name, dose).
As-needed meds (e.g., anxiety, GI) must include when to give and what behavior/condition triggers use.
Topicals & ear/eye meds: Provide cotton/gauze if needed; note any handling sensitivities.
Medical devices (e.g., boots, braces): Send fitted gear and instructions.
We are not a veterinary clinic. We’ll follow your written instructions within our scope and contact you if anything is unclear or changes.

Parasites & Preventatives (AZ)

Arizona’s warm climate means fleas, ticks, and mosquitos can be active much of the year. Work with your veterinarian to stay current on preventatives (flea/tick & heartworm). If we observe scratching, visible parasites, or irritation consistent with bites, we’ll notify you and may pause social exposure until addressed.

Heat, Weather & Paw Safety

Scheduling: We train earlier/later in the day outside to avoid overheating; indoor rotations + shade/water outside.
Paw checks: Hot surfaces are tested; we adjust routes, use shade/grass, and shorten outdoor reps.
Cooling: Water breaks, airflow, and decompression time are built into the day.
Watch-outs: Excessive panting, glassy eyes, slowing, or sticky gums trigger immediate rest and evaluation.

Recently Rescued or Symptomatic Dogs

Newly adopted/rescued: Stay home 30 days before your first visit (see Vaccination Policy).
If symptomatic (coughing, sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, eye/nose discharge, unusual lethargy): keep your dog home until symptom-free for 7 days.
If symptoms appear while attending, we’ll isolate, contact you, and coordinate pickup.

During Training: How We Monitor Health

We log appetite, stool quality, energy level, stress signals (yawn, lip lick, shake off), skin/coat notes, and sleep quality where relevant. Days are balanced: short training blocks → enrichment → structured rest. If your dog needs a quieter day, we pivot.

When We Will Pause Training

We’ll pause or modify training if we observe:

Contagious symptoms or parasites.
GI distress (multiple loose stools, vomiting).
Pain indicators (limping, guarding, squeals with routine handling).
Overheating signs or recovery concerns.

We’ll contact you to discuss options and next steps.

Isolation & Owner Notification Policy

Immediate isolation: If we observe signs of illness (e.g., coughing, sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, unusual lethargy, nasal/ocular discharge), your dog is immediately isolated from group activities and training.
Rapid contact: We will contact you right away to arrange prompt pick-up.
If you can’t pick up immediately: If you’re out of town or otherwise unavailable, we will keep your dog isolated until pick-up. During this time, training is paused; your dog receives separate potty breaks, rest, and care away from other dogs.
Sanitation & safety: Impacted areas and equipment are cleaned and disinfected per our health protocols before reopening to other dogs.
Vet care escalation: If symptoms suggest an urgent medical need, we will follow the escalation steps outlined in Emergencies & Veterinary Care and act in your dog’s best interest.

Decisions to resume training are made individually for each dog. As a general guideline, we recommend your dog be symptom-free for at least 7 consecutive days before returning to classes or group activities. If anything feels borderline, we’ll discuss a sensible reintroduction plan with you.

Emergencies & Veterinary Care

If we believe your dog needs urgent veterinary attention, we will attempt to contact you and your designated veterinarian and act in your dog’s best interest.
Costs associated with external veterinary care are the owner’s responsibility.
For any medical emergency, contact your veterinarian immediately.
We do not provide medical advice; we provide training and will coordinate with your vet as needed.

Medical Disclaimer: Partners Dog School provides training services and general welfare monitoring. This article is not medical advice. For diagnosis or treatment, contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic.

Common Questions & Answers

Can my dog attend if they just finished antibiotics or vaccines?
Yes—once they are symptom-free for 7 days and generally feeling normal. Vaccines must be given ≥1 week before attendance.

My dog has food allergies—can you use my treats?
Absolutely. Please send approved treats and list all allergens in your Parent Portal.

What if my dog gets an upset stomach at school?
We’ll slow down, adjust treats/food timing, add rest, and notify you. If it persists or is severe, we’ll pause training and discuss a plan.

Do you administer medications?
Yes, within our scope and with clear written instructions. Complex medical care should be coordinated with your vet.

What if my dog shows signs of kennel cough or parasites?
We’ll isolate, contact you for pickup, and your dog can return when symptom-free for 7 days (and cleared by your vet as needed).

Best Practices (Do / Don’t)

Do	Why it helps
Keep vaccines current (≥1 week before visit).	Reduces risk of contagious illness.
Bring your dog’s regular food & extra servings.	Prevents GI upset; covers unexpected delays.
Label meds with clear written instructions.	Ensures safe, consistent dosing.
Tell us about allergies & sensitivities.	Helps us choose safe treats and workflows.
Use preventatives per your vet (flea/tick/heartworm).	AZ climate increases exposure risk.

Don’t	What to do instead
Change diets right before camp.	Keep the same food for 1–2 weeks around attendance.
Mask symptoms or recent illness.	Keep your dog home until 7 days symptom-free.
Send unlabeled containers.	Label everything with dog’s name & directions.
Use retractable leashes for check-in.	Bring a standard, non-retractable leash.

Glossary

Pet Parent Portal: Your online hub for forms, record uploads, and updates.
Staying Healthy Agreement: Client acknowledgment of health & safety expectations.
Symptom-free: No coughing, sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or unusual lethargy for 7 days.
Preventatives: Vet-recommended flea/tick and heartworm protection.
Isolation: Temporary separation from others to prevent spread while awaiting pickup.

Keeping dogs healthy, hydrated, and symptom-free sets the stage for happy learning. Before you arrive, confirm vaccines (Bordetella, Rabies, DHPP), ensure your dog has been symptom-free for 7 days, and pack labeled food and medications with clear instructions. During training, we’ll balance work with rest, monitor appetite and energy, and contact you if anything changes. Partnering on these basics lets your dog focus on what matters most—feeling good and making progress.