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Training Services: Training Programs

The camp programs, lesson types, and assessments we run, and how to conduct yourself around a client appointment in progress.

Purpose

This SOP covers the school's camp programs and their milestone appointments, the assessments used to place a dog into the right program or class, In-Home and On-Site Private Lessons, and how staff should conduct themselves around a client appointment in progress. It does not cover who is authorized to physically handle a dog (see Training Services: Training Procedures) or phone scheduling scripts (see Greetings/Telephone Etiquette and Scripts).

At a Glance

  • Three camp programs: Foundation Camp (at least 2 weeks), Behavior Camp (at least 3 weeks), Transform Camp (at least 4 weeks).
  • A Camp Assessment (1 hour) decides which camp fits a dog when the owner or trainer is unsure.
  • Every Foundation Camp or Behavior Camp dog gets a scheduled Check-In, Transition, and Follow-Up appointment.
  • Behavior Camp and Transform Camp dogs get a Working Demo at the two-week mark; Transform Camp dogs get a second Working Demo after three weeks.
  • Follow-Up Lessons happen one week after Transition.
  • In-Home Private Lessons are for dogs under 20 weeks old, or by manager approval on a case-by-case basis; On-Site Private Lessons run at the facility for any age.
  • Keep client appointments distraction-free: no noise, no goofing around, no interrupting the dog or trainer unless asked to.

Steps

Camp Programs and Camp Assessments

  1. Three camp programs, minimum lengths: Foundation Camp, 2 weeks, puppy manners, basic obedience, some basic behavioral issues. Behavior Camp, 3 weeks, insecurity, potty training, destructive chewing, growling, dog manners, socialization. Transform Camp, 4 weeks, all levels of dog aggression, people aggression, insecurity, resource guarding.
  2. Owner or trainer unsure which camp fits: schedule a Camp Assessment, 1 hour, owner and dog meet a trainer in person for an evaluation.
  3. Owner commits to a camp: the Camp Assessment often doubles as that dog's Check-In Lesson, unless more discussion is needed first.
  4. Know each camp's basics and current pricing well enough for a general answer, then refer specifics to a trainer or office staff.
  5. Every Foundation Camp or Behavior Camp dog gets a Check-In, Transition, and Follow-Up appointment on the schedule. Confirm it's booked.

Check-In Lessons

  1. First official meet-and-greet: the dog, the owners, the trainer.
  2. Client introduces their dog and themselves. Discusses behaviors and goals. Asks questions about the program or the stay.
  3. Trainer explains training philosophy, equipment, and the day-to-day schedule. Addresses any concerns about leaving the dog or the training process.
  4. Use the appointment to build rapport and get an early read on the dog.

Working Demos

  1. Behavior Camp and Transform Camp dogs: Working Demo at the two-week mark.
  2. Transform Camp dogs only: a second Working Demo after three weeks.
  3. Trainer and owners touch base in person on progress. Owners can ask about at-home protocols, equipment, or report cards.
  4. Trainer re-introduces the dog, demonstrates the training so far, and starts teaching owners basic obedience cues, leash work, body language, or management protocols.

Transitions

  1. Trainer explains at-home management protocols and proper equipment use. Answers final questions before the dog goes home.
  2. Owners review basic obedience training and any advanced or behavioral protocols their dog needs.

Follow-Up Lessons

  1. One week after Transition: owners bring the dog back to the school.
  2. Trainer evaluates progress and talks through any difficulties the client or dog is having at home.
  3. Adjust or add protocols as the dog's home progress calls for it.

Class Placement Assessments

  1. Owner wants a Group Class, unsure which one fits: schedule a Class Placement Assessment, owner and dog in person.
  2. Trainer discusses prior training, current behaviors, and goals, then evaluates the dog working with the owner against the Group Class curriculums.
  3. Explain training philosophy and introduce any equipment the dog may need for a Group Class.

Program Assessments

  1. Owner is considering a program, unsure which one fits: schedule a Program Assessment, owner and dog in person.
  2. Trainer discusses prior training, current behaviors, and goals. Evaluates the dog. Explains any behaviors observed.
  3. Trainer recommends and explains a camp program based on the evaluation, answers questions, and introduces any equipment needed if the owner enrolls.

Private Lessons: In-Home and On-Site

  1. In-Home Private Lesson eligibility: dog under 20 weeks old, or manager approval on a case-by-case basis.
  2. On-Site Private Lessons: at the facility, for any dog needing individual attention in a controlled, low-distraction setting.
  3. Both formats: teach the owner to work directly with their dog alongside the trainer.

Appointment Etiquette

  1. No noise, no barking you can control, no goofing around, eating, or standing idle near an in-progress appointment.
  2. No eavesdropping, staring, or visible reactions. Some clients feel embarrassed or insecure about their dog's behavior.
  3. Don't interact with or interrupt the dog in an appointment unless the trainer deliberately asks you to.
  4. Get the trainer's and client's approval before observing or sitting in. Never interrupt an appointment unless a manager or senior staff member says it's necessary.

Edge Cases

How do I document which program or lesson type a client was placed into after an assessment?

Confirm the outcome (camp, class, or private lesson track) with the trainer before the client leaves. Get it on the client's schedule so the next staff member sees the same plan.

What if a client wants a camp program, but their dog might not qualify for group play afterward?

Don't guess. Route them to the assessment that fits (Camp Assessment or Program Assessment) so a trainer evaluates the dog in person before anything gets booked.

What if an owner shows up for a Working Demo, but their dog hasn't hit the two-week or three-week mark yet?

Check the schedule against the dog's actual camp start date first. Working Demos track those two-week and three-week (Transform Camp) milestones, not a fixed calendar date.

Who to Ask

If you're not sure which assessment or program fits a client's situation, or an appointment needs to be interrupted, ask a trainer or manager rather than deciding on your own. For who is authorized to handle a dog during any of these appointments, see Training Services: Training Procedures; for how a call about scheduling one of these appointments should be handled, see Greetings/Telephone Etiquette and Scripts.