Wholistic Canine Policies & Procedures

Booking & Communication

All services can be requested through our booking page:
pocketsuite.io/book/caninecoach

Clients are welcome to self-book services; however, we often prefer to discuss training goals first to help guide you toward the best fit for your dog and household.

Texting is the preferred form of communication for most trainers. General business hours are 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, though response times may vary depending on training schedules, client sessions, travel, and boarding responsibilities. Responses may occasionally occur outside normal business hours at the trainer’s discretion.

Phone calls are welcome, but please be prepared to leave a voicemail. We kindly ask that clients do not contact trainers through social media direct messages, as these platforms are not consistently monitored for client communication.

If you have not received a response by the next business day, please feel free to follow up.

Payments, Deposits & Refund Policy

Payment is due at the time of booking unless otherwise discussed in advance.

We currently accept:

  • Cash

  • Zelle

  • Venmo

  • Apple Pay

  • Electronic payments

  • Check

Credit card processing fees are the responsibility of the cardholder. Any financing or payment plan fees are also the responsibility of the client.

Deposits are required for boarding services for new clients. Boarding deposits are non-refundable but may be transferred to a future stay if sufficient notice is provided.

ALL SALES ARE FINAL.

No refunds will be issued once any training, boarding, consultation, evaluation, board-and-train, or related service has begun. This includes partially used packages, early pick-ups, owner withdrawal from training, behavioral disagreements, scheduling conflicts, or incomplete participation in the program.

Credits or rescheduling accommodations may be offered solely at the discretion of Wholistic Canine.

Scheduling & Rescheduling

A minimum of 24 hours notice is appreciated for cancellations or rescheduling requests whenever possible.

Same-day rescheduling may be approved only if the trainer has not already departed for the appointment and agrees to the change.

Emergency situations may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

If a trainer arrives late to a scheduled appointment, we will make every reasonable effort to provide the full scheduled session time. If a client arrives late, additional time may or may not be available depending on the trainer’s schedule.

Sessions and packages do not expire. Training packages may be transferable upon approval.

Training Philosophy

Wholistic Canine believes dog training should be customized to the individual dog, household, and goals of the owner.

Our training approach is relationship-based and centered around clear communication, structure, engagement, and realistic expectations. We utilize all four quadrants of dog training and may incorporate a variety of methods, techniques, and tools depending on the dog and situation. Training decisions are discussed collaboratively with owners, and we encourage questions throughout the process.

Dog training is not one-size-fits-all. Different dogs require different approaches, and our goal is to help owners better understand how to communicate clearly and effectively with their dog.

Participation in training and boarding services involves inherent risks associated with working with animals, unfamiliar environments, social interactions, and training equipment. While safety is always prioritized, owners understand that dogs can be unpredictable and that training environments cannot be completely risk-free.

No specific behavioral outcome or training result can ever be guaranteed.

Owner-Led vs Trainer-Led Services

Owner-led services focus on teaching owners how to work directly with their dog. Our trainers guide, coach, and educate you so the training can continue successfully in everyday life.

Trainer-led services involve our trainers doing more of the foundational work directly with the dog before transferring those skills back to the owner through follow-up lessons and ongoing guidance.

Both approaches require owner participation and consistency to maintain long-term success.

Homework & Owner Participation

Training does not stop when the lesson ends.

Progress depends heavily on consistency, follow-through, management, and owner participation outside of sessions. Dogs that receive regular practice and structure at home will generally progress more efficiently than dogs that only work during scheduled sessions.

Clients should expect dog training to become part of their daily routine throughout the training process.

Boarding & Board-and-Train Policies

Boarding, board-and-train, and overnight care services operate by scheduled reservation only. Pick-up and drop-off times must be coordinated in advance.

Late pick-ups may result in additional prorated charges with a minimum fee of $25.

Dogs participating in boarding services must:

  • Be crate trained

  • Be current on age-appropriate vaccinations, including rabies when applicable

  • Be reasonably free of contagious illness, fleas, parasites, or infectious conditions

Owners must provide:

  • Food

  • Feeding instructions

  • Medications with written instructions

  • Any relevant behavioral or medical information

We strongly encourage owners to fully disclose all behavioral concerns, triggers, anxieties, aggression history, escape behaviors, reactivity, medical concerns, or management needs prior to boarding. Disclosure does not automatically disqualify a dog from services; however, transparency helps us provide safer and more appropriate care.

Dogs may be crated when unattended for safety and management purposes.

Wholistic Canine operates as a team-based program. In situations involving scheduling needs, emergencies, trainer illness, overnight coverage, or trainer availability, another approved Wholistic Canine team member may assist with care, handling, transport, supervision, or training.

Social interaction between dogs is evaluated carefully and only allowed when appropriate for the dogs involved and the environment.

If a dog causes damage to property, crates, equipment, or housing due to destructive behavior, escape attempts, or unsafe behavior, the owner may be held financially responsible for repairs or replacement costs.

Health & Safety Policies

Puppies and adult dogs must maintain age-appropriate vaccinations prior to participation in services.

If a dog appears ill, contagious, unsafe, or unable to participate safely, Wholistic Canine reserves the right to postpone, modify, or refuse services.

Wholistic Canine reserves the right to end or reschedule any session if a trainer feels unsafe or believes the environment is not appropriate for training at that time. In these situations, we will make reasonable efforts to continue support through another trainer or modified approach when appropriate.

Weather conditions including excessive heat, poor air quality, storms, smoke, unsafe surfaces, or environmental hazards may require sessions to be rescheduled at trainer discretion.

Media & Privacy

Photos and videos of dogs may occasionally be used for educational or promotional purposes unless the client specifically requests otherwise in writing.

We will never intentionally post identifiable images or video of clients, children, or accompanying individuals without permission.

Ongoing Support

Training packages are designed to provide ongoing guidance and support throughout your training process rather than isolated single sessions.

Clients actively enrolled in training packages may receive continued support, recommendations, troubleshooting assistance, and access to discounted follow-up services, group classes, or additional training opportunities depending on the program selected.