The day usually starts around 6:00 am, sometimes earlier. First, all dogs get to go out on a potty break, one at a time. After every dog has been out, training begins, usually around 8:00 am, again, one dog at a time.
Sessions may be inside or outside based on what we feel is best for your dog each day and depending on what were are working on. The weather also sometimes dictates where we train each day (e.g., rain or temperature)
The duration of the training sessions vary for each dog. Our sessions are longer than at most other places and last anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour per dog. It depends on how long your dog can focus and stay productive. Their physical energy will of course last longer but their mental energy often has limits initially. Once, it looks like the session would no longer be productive, we stop. Sessions tend to be shorter when a dog first starts in the program and get longer as we progress and their mental stamina and focus develops.
After all dogs had their first training session, everybody rests at least for 30 minutes. Next, everyone eats breakfast and rests for an hour in their crate. With young puppies that still go through potty training this is different as they will have to eliminate sooner and more frequently. This usually concludes the morning routine.
After our lunch break everyone gets another potty break and the training routine repeats.
After training and some rest, everyone has another potty break.
Individual dogs, young puppies or dogs with other support needs may have additional training sessions, potty breaks or other adventures as needed.
In the evening, everyone gets to go out for their last potty break around 8:00 pm, which concludes the day.
All dogs stay in our air-conditioned home in a kennel room. Each dog has their own safe kennel, many are Impact Dog Crates, several the anxiety crate version. The dogs are never alone. There are always other dog in the room and usually one of us is home. It is rare that no one is here. If, so it is never for long.
During the hot summer months the routine shifts to avoid the heat. The outside training sessions start at 6:00 am and repeat after 9:00 pm. Everything else shifts around accordingly. Inside training sessions stay on regular schedule.