How will I know how my dog is doing?

Leaving a dog with someone else is easier when you know what to expect. This page lists the questions worth asking and what the answers should cover, without promising a schedule that only Richard can set.

Questions to ask on the call

Richard sets these per dog. His answers depend on the plan, the dog and where you live in California, so none of them are published here as fixed rules.

• How will you hear from Richard, by call, text or both?
• How often, and does it change as the dog advances?
• Can you see your dog working, in person or by video?
• When can you visit, and is there a day that suits the training?
• What will you do together at pick-up?

What a good update covers

Plain language about what the dog is working on, what is going well and what is next. Ask Richard to name the skills in the plan, such as marks or steadiness, so the updates mean something to you.

The glossary explains each term, and the training timeline guide shows the usual order of skills.

If a term is new, tap through to its glossary page. Knowing what the words mean makes every update more useful, and it helps you spot the day your dog is ready for the next step.