Board and Train Expectations and ProtocolS

Cleanliness of Home 

• While conducting any Board and Train program, trainers will be responsible for housing and  caring for the dog for the entirety of the program.  

• Homes will be safe, warm and comfortable environment to the level of satisfaction of the  company.  

• Floors will be clean, surfaces (including furniture) will be dusted and kept clean at all times  and air will be clean at all times.  

Calm and Peaceful Environment  

• The Board and Train is a learning experience. Learning requires a calm and peaceful  environment.  

- Minimize stressful noises 

- Keep all other dogs separated (unless working on supervised socialization) - Do not have unnecessary people coming in and out of the dog space while housing a  dog for a board and train program.  

Spaces for the Dog 

• Dogs will have ample space for training, as well as play and rest/sleep.  • At times, dogs may need to be crated.  

- Each dog will need to have their own crate.  

- Creates will be in good condition, free of dirt, waste, and sharp objects - Prong collars or leashes will ALWAYS be removed while the dog is in the crate.  - Crates are to be cleaned weekly, including pad and blankets.  

• Dogs shall be provided bedding, platforms, or padded resting areas within the primary  enclosure according to their individual needs. 

• Animal waste shall be removed from primary animal enclosures immediately and all  contaminate areas cleaned immediately. 

- Do not use harsh chemicals that could be harmful or cause irritation to the dog - Recommendations: Lysol, Hydrogen Peroxide 

- For more serious issues (like illness, vomit, diarrhea) use bleach. Clear away chemicals  with water after sanitation. Allow sufficient time for ventilation of any fumes from  cleaning products.  

• Common areas 

- There will be adequate, clean and safe common areas of sufficient size to allow for play,  running, walking, etc for extended periods. 

• Outside areas 

- Outdoor areas shall have adequate walls or fences to keep dogs secured and to restrict  the entry of any other animals from outside. 

• Lighting shall be provided, whether natural or artificial or a combination of both, for a minimum  of eight hours per day, at a sufficient level for inspection of the animals, routine cleaning and  sanitation, and proper animal care. 

Safety 

• Indoor housing shall be provided with sufficient heating and cooling to protect the housed  animals from extreme temperatures and to provide for their health and comfort at all times. • The ambient temperature shall comfortable for the dog at all times. (Temperate never to go  below 60 degrees fahrenheit or above 80 degrees fahrenheit) 

- An approved alert system should be in place to notify the trainer immediately if the  temperature becomes above or below optimal range.  

• Cabinets locked 

- Any cabinets or closets that contain anything harmful to dogs (chemicals, sharp items,  food, etc) should have a locking mechanism that a dog cannot access.  

• Any sharp objects or heavy objects that can be harmful to the dog should be removed or  secured.  

• Cameras, CO2 detectors, smoke detectors, temperature monitors are required. • Fire extinguisher is to be accessible and charged at all times 

• Sufficient ventilation shall be provided to minimize odors and moisture and ensure the health  and comfort of the animals. 

• Primary animal enclosures shall be separated by solid walls to prevent water and waste from  flowing from animal to animal, and to prevent nose-to-nose contact between animals in  separate enclosures.  

• Other Dogs 

- Other Board and Train dogs as well as personal dogs will be kept separate at all times  unless supervised.  

• Other People 

- At no time shall anyone other than a trainer certified by Command Canine train,  feed, or handle the dog in any way.  

Redundancy

• There should never be less than 2 “points of failure” to prevent the dog from escaping your  home or your control. 

- For example: A create; internal door, locked exterior door, fence, slip lead, prong collar,  e-collar, airtag, standard leash are all points that a dog would have to get through in  order to escape your home or control.  

- There should allays be at least 2 or 3 of these items/obstacles/tools in use for the dog.  

Tools/Equipment 

• IMMEDIATELY UPON DROP OFF, the trainer will put on a collar with an air tag (or other  approved tracking device) and will make sure that it is active and working properly.  • Slip leads and/or Martingales will be put on the dog before taking them outside every time to  ensure safety. No other equipment is to be used when taking dogs out. Long lines need to be  attached to a martingale or slip lead as well, and all prong collars need to have safety buckles. 

Feeding  

• Trainers will be responsible to feed the dogs as close to their regular feeding times as  possible, unless food is being used in daily training.  

• Feeding shall be supervised at all times.  

• If feeding in crate, remove bowls after feeding.  

• Food will be provided by the owner.  

• Medications may only be administered if provided and directed by the owner, or if prescribed  directly by a veterinarian. 

• Animal food storage areas shall be kept physically separated from cleaning supply storage,  equipment cleaning areas, and animal housing. Cleaning supply storage and equipment  cleaning areas shall be physically separate from animal housing. 

• Food supplies and bedding shall be stored in such a manner that they are adequately  protected against spoilage, infestation and contamination by vermin. 

• Food and water bowls shall be cleaned after each uses and made of materials that can be  sanitized or that are disposed of after each use. Plastic bowls are discouraged.  • Bowls, Kongs, “Treat Holders, should be washed in a dishwasher or sanitized manually.  • If the dog isn’t eating for more than one day, or if the dog is vomiting or has diarrhea, contact  the Head Trainer immediately in order to discuss if further action needs to be taken.  

Cleanliness of the dog 

• Primary animal enclosures shall be maintained in good repair and sanitary condition to enable  the animals to remain clean and dry and to provide convenient access to food and clean  water.

• There may be times dogs get dirty from being outside or stepping or sitting in animal waste,  including their own waste. Trainer is responsible to bathe the dog immediately to keep them  clean, safe and comfortable.  

• Dogs will be bathed before they go home to their owner.  

- Remove collar 

- Wash collar if needed 

- Wait for dog to dry before putting it back on. Do NOT put a collar on a “wet neck”. This  can create sores.  

Working/training the dogs 

• Active vs passive lessons 

- Each dog will receive 3-5 “Active Lessons” each day 

- “Passive Lessons” will continue through the day by having the dog around the trainer as  much as possible, reinforcing the skills learned during the “Active Lessons”.  

Transporting Dogs 

• Dogs many need to be transported between the home of the owner and the trainer, as well  as when the trainer needs to perform training in areas outside of the home (parks, public  spaces, Lowes, etc) 

• The car/truck must have a create for each dog (inside of the truck, not in the bed) - Large dogs that cannot fit inside of a crate MUST be tethered to a “D-ring” or a headrest,  so they cannot get loose when the car door is opened 

• Temperate will be constantly comfortable. Never to fall below 65 degrees fahrenheit or  above 80 degree fahrenheit.  

- Additional fans my be needed during summer months.  

• DOGS ARE NOT TO LEFT IN THE CAR UNSUPERVISED AT ANY TIME • Prong collars and leashes will ALWAYS be removed while the dog is in the create for travel.  • Doors will be locked at all time while the dog is in the car.  

• The car is never to be out of sight of the trainer while a dog is in the car.  

Communicating with the owner  

• Texts and videos  

- Communication with the owner is extremely important. They need to see the progress  as well as feel confident we are working and caring for the dog as was discussed before  the start of the Board and Train.  

- Text messages, videos and pictures will be provided to the owner daily either via  phone, or via the company CRM platform. 

• Coordinating drop offs 

- The trainer will be responsible to coordinate drop off times for each dog. Contact the  owner 4-5 days before the start date.  

• Coordinating pick up/go home lessons 

- 4-5 Days before the end of the Board and Train program, coordinate a “Go Home  Lesson” and pick up with the owner.  

• Follow up lessons 

- During the Go Home Lesson, schedule at least one follow up lesson  

- Follow up lessons will continue until the owner is proficient and confident at handling and  managing their dog with their new skills.  

Emergencies  

• Vet records  

- Vet records will be uploaded to the CRM before the start of the Board and Train by the  Head Trainer or another company representative.  

• Any injured or ill animal shall be provided veterinary care in a timely manner. No animal shall  be allowed to suffer due to lack of or delay of veterinary care.  

- Contact the owner and Head Trainer IMMEDIATELY if any injury/illness occurs. - Each trainer is required to have an emergency vet/hospital near by they can get the dog  to if immediate attention is necessary.  

• Emergency action plan 

- Have a plan of action incase of fire or other emergency for which a quick exit is required.  

Having Your Training Space on the Website 

• Before booking a Board and Train, clients may want to view where their dog will be staying.  For this reason, Command Canine may require pictures to be taken and posted on the  website of areas in which the dog will be staying, sleeping, playing and training.