The Journey

Now that you are somewhat familiar with what Calm Waters Dog Training can do, the question that is probably coming to your mind is: What’s next?

The following is a helpful map/guide for you to reference, to see how you can get started and working on your journey with us!

Step 1: Complete the contact form

Filling in the “Meet and Greet” Request Form is the first step for us to get to know you and your dog. We’ll be asking for minimal information, but just enough for our trainers to get you on the right path before you have your Meet and Greet with someone from our team.

Step 2: Meet and Greet

This is a free 20-30 minute call to learn more about you and your dog, but also for us to familiarize you with our training process. We won’t be problem solving just yet, but this is where you will decide if you would like to move forward with us!

In terms of how the “call” is done, this can be done either online or on the phone.

Step 3: Preparing for your Initial Assessment

Before we can work with you, we need to have you fill out some boring paperwork for us. This will be a services agreement that you will need to sign, as well as submitting payment for the initial assessment. If you choose to continue and your dog has behavior issues, you will be asked to fill out a comprehensive form that will take approximately 45 minutes to complete.

Step 4: Initial Assessment

The initial assessment is not meant to solve all your problems in one meeting – otherwise, we’d call it the final assessment and we’d be done after one call (haha)! Instead, this is just the start of our journey together.

The assessment will be done online for separation anxiety cases using a video conferencing tool. It is important that you have the tool setup in advance of this meeting – don’t worry, we’ll send you installation info in your Welcome email.

For local customers not dealing with separatiton anxiety, we can do an in person initial assessment.

At this time, we will gather further details about your dog and their environment. We will start talking about management solutions and you will receive homework to get started.

At the end of the initial assessment, you can choose whether to continue with us by picking a package, or you can decide to take what we gave you during the assessment and work on your own.

Step 5: Continuing the Journey

Depending on what your dog is being treated for, your journey may differ. However, generally speaking, you can expect the following:

Online/Remote Packages (for Separation Anxiety)

  • You will get a 4-week package deal (to be used within 4 consecutive weeks)
  • You will have homework 4 times a week – to completed the same day you receive it
    • NOTE: It’s important complete it on time since the trainer will review your homework the following day and provide you with feedback
    • You will have 2 “off days” during the week to give you and your dog time to recover
  • You will have a weekly check-in / assessment with the trainer. During this call, you and the trainer:
    • will quickly review the previous week’s homework assignments
    • will review the measurable data together
    • will reassess the current treatment plan to ensure your dog is on track

Local Packages (for non-Separation Anxiety)

For customers that are local to the trainer and wanting in-person visits, we can accommodate this request as well.

  • 4 week packages
  • 2 60-90 minute in-person sessions at a location of your choice (unless doing BAT sessions)
  • BAT sessions are based on a 2 hour structure and we will meet as many times as possible in that time frame.
  • Travel is included in the package price
  • Email, text and phone support whenever you need it
  • If wanted, a data driven spreadsheet to show the progress your dog is making

NOTE: ALL separation anxiety training will need to be done online/remote so that the trainer does not inadvertently influence the dog (i.e trainer interference).

Step 6: Completing a Package

After completing a package, we’ll review the progress made with your dog together. At this time, you can decide whether more improvement can be made with you, your dog, and trainer or you can decide to continue to work with your dog on your own.

If you choose to continue with us then we can offer you another package.

Step 7: Follow up with a Tune-up

If you are finding that after some time has passed since you completed your package, your dog is showing some normal signs of regression then you can reach out to us for a tune-up – we are here for you! Tune-ups are a great way to get your dog back on track without the same level of commitment that a package requires.