This page has important details about what to have ready for your session, etc.
Session location & timing
The location of your session was designated as either In-Home or at the Training Center when you signed up. If your session was scheduled as In-Home the training center is usually not available so please email the trainer if you are out of our service area.
| In-Home Private Sessions | Training Center Private Sessions |
| In-home sessions can take place at your home or another location within our service area.
Your first session should be in a location with minimal distractions so that you and your trainer can talk and train without interruption. For follow up sessions, you should confirm the exact location with your trainer via email if you would like to arrange to meet somewhere other than your home. Please allow a 30 minute window (15 minutes before the time and 15 minutes after) for your trainer to arrive, as they’ll likely be driving across town, through traffic to get to you. |
If you signed up for a Training Center session at Ahimsa, it will be at our training center in Ballard (click for directions).
If you arrive at the training center before your session time, please wait until your reserved time to knock on the door. We may be working with a dog who is fearful and/or aggressive, and knocking on the door will disrupt their session. Your trainer may be arriving from another location, so please do not panic if you come early and no one is there. 🙂 |
If you aren’t sure about your session location, please contact us as soon as possible to confirm the location. We want you and your trainer to show up at same location when your session is supposed to be taking place!
Before the session
Please download or view the following files:
- Canine History Form. If you have not had a private session with Ahimsa before, please fill out the questionnaire at least 3 days before your session. If it is filled out too late, we can’t guarantee that the trainer will have a chance to read it before your session. The questionnaire can take up to an hour (most take around 15-30 minutes) to complete the form.
- If you have already done a session with us, you probably don’t need to fill out the questionnaire again. If that is the case, please forward the old form to your trainer. Their email address is firstname@doggiezen.com (for example, wynona@doggiezen.com)
- Ahimsa Dog Training Manual (over 100 pages – optional before you session). This is a great resource for client who learn through reading, or who want reminders about how to train additional behaviors your trainer recommends in your session.
Here’s what to have ready for your session:
- Pen and paper or other tools for taking notes!
- Dog on a regular buckle/snap collar, head collar, and/or harness (a harness is usually preferred).
- Leash – 4-6 foot soft nylon, cotton, or leather.
- An obscene amount of small, amazing, preferably soft treats – For our regular training, we often use (among other things) Zuke’s Mini-Naturals or moistened dog food. You will need about one *full* sandwich bag of treats, maybe more if you have a large dog. Variety also helps, so have a few different types ready.
- Treat pouch – some way to easily access your treats. A plastic bag in a sweatshirt pocket does okay, but much, much better would be an official treat pouch or a fanny pack.
- Tug / squeaky toy if your dog enjoys them.
No-Shows and Cancellations: Please read our CANCELLATION POLICY.
Please feel free to let your vet know that you’re doing private lessons with us. Ask him or her if there is anything in particular that your dog should work on.
We look forward to helping you and your dog have a wonderful experience and a great relationship. Please contact us or call 206-364-4072 if you have any questions.
