Training Services: Training Procedures

Purpose

This SOP sets out who is allowed to handle a dog in the training area based on that dog's card classification (RED, YELLOW, WHITE), the training tools and equipment the school uses, and how to respond when an owner has a concern about that equipment. It does not cover daily training-area upkeep (see Training Services: Training Area Maintenance) or how a specific dog gets placed into a program (see Training Services: Training Programs).

At a Glance

• RED CARD dogs are handled only by senior trainers or specifically approved personnel.
• YELLOW CARD dogs are handled only with a manager's or senior trainer's approval; always ask before handling one.
• WHITE CARD dogs are generally safe to handle and a good starting point while you're still learning to handle dogs at the school.
• If you're ever unsure or uncomfortable handling a dog, stop and ask a senior staff member before continuing.
• Every dog is worked with balanced training techniques, and treated safely, humanely, and compassionately, regardless of card color.
• Standard tools include martingale collars, slip leads, training collars, prong collars, e-collars, bark collars, and muzzles.

Steps

Checking a Dog's Card Before You Handle It

1. Look up or confirm the dog's card color (RED, YELLOW, or WHITE) before you approach or handle it.
2. If the dog is RED CARD, do not handle it unless you are a senior trainer or have been specifically approved to do so.
3. If the dog is YELLOW CARD, get a manager's or senior trainer's approval before handling it. Ask every time, even for a dog you've handled before.
4. If the dog is WHITE CARD, you're generally clear to handle it. This is the right place to build handling skills if you're newer to working dogs at the school.
5. If anything about the dog gives you pause, whatever its card color, stop and check with a senior staff member before you go further.

Working with Training Equipment

1. Use balanced training techniques with every dog, and handle every dog safely, humanely, and compassionately.
2. Know the school's standard tools, martingale collars, slip leads, training collars, prong collars, e-collars, bark collars, and muzzles, well enough to explain what each one is for.

When an Owner Has a Concern About Equipment

1. If an owner raises a concern about a piece of training equipment, walk them through what it is, how it's used, and why the school uses it.
2. If the owner is still not comfortable after that conversation, look at whether another option fits their dog, or whether the program isn't the right fit for them.
3. If you have any reservations about whether a client is a good fit for the school, bring it to a manager rather than deciding on your own.

Edge Cases

What if I've handled a YELLOW CARD dog before without issue?

Ask again anyway. Approval is tied to the specific handling moment, not a one-time pass, since a dog's status can change day to day.

How do I document an owner's concern about a piece of equipment once it comes up?

Loop a manager in on the conversation, especially if the owner is still unsure after you've walked them through it. The manager needs to know before any decision gets made about fit or alternatives.

What if I don't know a dog's card color?

Don't guess. Ask a senior trainer or manager before you handle the dog at all.

Who to Ask

A senior trainer or manager is your first call any time a card color is unclear, an owner isn't comfortable with equipment after you've explained it, or a client's fit for the program feels uncertain. For day-to-day training-area upkeep, see Training Services: Training Area Maintenance; for how a dog gets placed into a specific program, see Training Services: Training Programs.