Welcome to Shambala Dog LLC’s

Boarding and Training Program!

 

These forms should be printed, filled-out, and signed to bring with you at your predetermined appointment for drop off. 

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations on taking the first step in helping your dog be a better-behaved member of your family! This form needs to be printed and dropped off with your dog on their start day, along with vaccination records. Digital signatures are not accepted. 

 

 

About Me

 

I’m Dawn, your trainer. I’ll be working with both you and your dog. I have more than 27 years of experience working with dogs of all breeds and mixes thereof. I’ve trained more than TEN THOUSAND dogs in my career!

I started working as a vet tech in the 1990s. I quickly became more interested in their minds, especially as I saw dogs with severe anxiety or aggression come into our clinic. I began learning from other trainers and offered free classes to gain experience. I even taught group classes through a park district in Sterling, IL, where I grew up.

Eventually, I worked at a “big box” pet store chain, where I was able to work with a LOT of different breeds and personality types. I didn’t like their methodology in training though. I also was very frustrated that trainers with them were often hired with no experience at all. This is when I moved on to working with a puppy raiser for Southeastern Guide Dogs in Palmetto, FL. We started a service dog training program. Dogs were eventually working in over 5 states across the country.

Eventually, I moved to Arkansas to attend UALR in Little Rock, where I studied anthropology and specialized in behavior. I was honored to volunteer with the university’s program at Little Rock Zoo, where we worked to develop primate enrichment programs. Eventually, I returned to the first love of my life – dogs.

Since those days, I’ve trained dogs as service dogs, helped rehabilitate dogs that were so aggressive they literally wanted to kill me, helped puppy mill dogs find their way in a new world after never leaving a kennel or touching grass for the first several years of life. I’ve trained mobility assistance dogs, psychiatric service dogs, scent detection dogs, and everyday dogs that just needed some help with house manners.

I use balanced methods of training, across many different methodologies that include clicker training, lure training, positive training, and e-collar training for fine tuning off-leash skills to dogs so that they can enjoy the true freedom of running and playing, off a leash (where it is appropriate). I’m proud to have helped many thousands of dogs and look forward to helping yours too!

Shambala refers to a place of well-being and peace, whether in your heart or where your physical body is.

 

Boarding and Training Agreement

 

Dog Boarding and Training Services Agreement This Agreement between _______________________________ (hereinafter referred to as “Client”) and Shambala Dog, LLC (hereinafter known as “Trainer”) pertains to the following:

(Dog): ____________________Breed: __________________ Age: __________Color:__________ (hereinafter referred to as “Dog”) For good and valuable consideration, the parties agree as follows:

 

* We do not accept checks or money orders.

**Any dog not picked up after two weeks after agreed pick up date is subject to removal to animal services and considered forfeited

Owner agrees to provide the following:

  • Food for each dog during their stay, we prefer it is bagged per meal unless otherwise specified.
  • Files for each dog that show vaccination records, which are up to date, including Bordetella.
  • Veterinarian information and agrees that dog may be transported to veterinarian for treatment at any time if deemed an emergent need.

Veterinarian name: ___________________________

Veterinarian phone number: ____________________________

Veterinarian address: ______________________________

 

WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO TRANSPORT TO NEAREST EMERGENCY VET IF DEEMED NECESSARY AS PART OF OUR COMMITMENT TO YOUR PET’S SAFETY

 

In the unfortunate circumstances of death that occurs while in our care, your pet will be taken to your veterinarian for holding until you are able to make arrangements for their remains. _____________ initial here

  • Bedding for each dog (not required if dog is a shredder of soft materials)
  • Crates for each dog (All crates MUST allow six inches of head room for your dog—this is state-mandated). The owner agrees that dog will be crated at night and in between play/training times so other dogs may have access to those times also. We make every effort to keep crate time to a minimum, especially if your dog is social and you give permission for them to play with one or two other dogs in a play group during the day. _______ initial here
  • Agrees to return any messages, via email or phone calls, within 2 hours.
  • Understands that they have the right to waive contact with other dogs.

Do you consent to allowing contact with other dogs for play/walks? Please circle Y or N _________initial here.

  • The owner will be responsible for making Shambala Dog LLC aware of any food allergies or other medical conditions of any dogs that are brought to the facility. Shambala Dog LLC has the right to refuse any dogs with serious conditions that may require extra time/care.
  • If the owner supplies any foods that are not packaged specifically for DOGS, they must give consent for use to give these produces. This includes cheeses, peanut butter, meats cut for human consumption, etc. Y or N ________initials

Special instructions for foods off limits ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Trainer, Dawn Greer, will assume responsibility for:

  • Feeding the dog(s) a proper amount of food each day
  • Providing a clean, safe environment for all dogs, always, including timely removal of excrement, cleaning, and sanitizing.
  • Assuring that dogs have access to water each day, except overnight when it may be removed to prevent soiling sleeping space.
  • Keep daily records of training for each dog on training and provide weekly updates via text, email, or phone.
  • Dogs will be provided regular brushing, and bathing as necessary while in boarding. No special grooming will be provided. Dogs such as poodles or mixes thereof, that require regular grooming shall be taken to an official groomer or a rescue volunteer for said grooming. If any dog proves impossible to have nails trimmed, these will need to be done by veterinarian of choice and taken by the owner.

For TRAINING clients only:

  • All files of training and behavioral assessments are the property of Shambala Dog LLC and will remain here up to two years, but copies can be shared with the owner and/or their veterinarian upon written request.

 

  • We do balanced training methods that incorporate positive reinforcement combined with gentle e-collar stimulation. This is equivalent to the sensation of a Q-Tens unit. A demonstration of this is available for you if you’d like. Do you consent to the use of the e-collar Y or N and _________initial

 

  • Certain types of training may require field trips to local businesses for socialization. Do you agree to allow the transportation of your dog to and from these sessions? (All dogs are transported in a crate or with a seatbelt device attached to a harness, whichever is deemed safest for that dog) Y or N ________ initial

 

Liability: If Dog causes property damage, or bites or injures any dog, animal or person (including but not limited to Trainer and Trainer’s agents), during or after the term of this Agreement, then Client agrees to pay all resulting losses and damages suffered or incurred, and to defend and indemnify Trainer and Trainer’s agents from any resulting claims, demands, lawsuits, losses, costs or expenses, including attorney fees.

If Dog is injured in a fight or in any other manner during or after the term of the Agreement, Client assumes the risk and agrees that Trainer should not be held responsible for any resulting injuries, losses, damages, costs, or expenses. All reasonable efforts will be made to prevent such occurrences from happening, including but not limited to limiting the exposure of boarded dog with other dogs at the premises if trainer feels the dog is not social enough.

At Trainer's sole election, Trainer's duties hereunder shall terminate if (a) in Trainer's sole judgment Dog is dangerous or vicious to Trainer or any other person or animal, or interferes with the training of other dogs, or (b) Client breaches any term or condition of this Agreement. Upon termination in accordance with the foregoing, Trainer's duties shall terminate but all other provisions of this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect. This Agreement is binding upon Client, spouse of Client, and children of Client. This Agreement supersedes all prior discussions, representations, warranties and agreements of the parties, and expresses the entire agreement between Client and Trainer regarding the matters described above. The parties confirm that, except for that which is specifically written in this Agreement, no promises, representations or oral understandings have been made regarding this dog or anything else.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Client acknowledges that trainer has not represented, promised, guaranteed or warranted that the dog will never bite, that Dog will not be dangerous or vicious in the future, that Dog will not exhibit other behavioral problems, or that the results of the training will last for any particular amount of time.

The trainer agrees that said dog will be worked a minimum of 2 hours of training per day, divided into two sessions. Aside from training sessions, the said dog will have access to open play time for a minimum of 2 hours total per day. Dogs will sometimes be taken on field trips to train in public when this could be helpful to their social skills and training. The trainer will assume care and feeding of this dog and said dog will not be kept in a kennel outside or crated for long periods of time to extend beyond 2-3 hours per day. The dog will sleep indoors in a crate provided by the client for his or her safety. The dog will be in a crate, indoors, when the trainer must leave the building. The dog will be supervised at all other times.

This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument signed by both Client and Trainer.

Executed on this _________ day of _______________________, 20____

 

Trainer: Dawn Greer of Shambala Dog, LLC _______________________________

 

Client: ____________ ________________ (print name)

___________________________________________________ (signature)

Medication and Supplement Consent Form

 

If you provide any supplements for your dog, they MUST be in the original container. We cannot accept anything outside of the original packaging/container.

If your dog is on prescription medications, they MUST come in the bottle or package that has the dog’s name, veterinarian’s information, and product information from the pharmacy. Absolutely NO prescription medications will be given unless they are in the original bottles or boxes with the prescription label affixed. This is STATE LAW.

In some cases where dogs are extremely anxious in our care, we like to give an OTC calming treat made by GNC. These contain tryptophan, chamomile, and some other ingredients that help reduce anxiety naturally. We are happy to provide you with a full list of ingredients if you like, for allergy purposes. If you consent to this, please circle Y, and initial.  Y or N _____________

By signing below, you agree that you have read all the above information and understand it fully. You are consenting for use to provide your dog their prescription medication, which may include but is not limited to heartworm treatment, anti-seizure medication, anxiety medications (prescribed), or even general supplementations.

 

_______________________________________________________________

Signature of pet parent

Training Checklist

 

  • Come or Here
  • Sit
  • Down
  • Place
  • Street heel (relaxed heel)
  • Focused heel
  • Leave it
  • No counter-surfing
  • Stay
  • Behavioral issues to address:
    • Reactivity with other dogs on leash
    • Resource guarding
      • Owner
      • Car
      • Food
    • Counter surfing
    • Jumping
    • Mouthing
    • Fence chasing/barking at windows

 

**ALL owners will undergo a minimum of 1-hour orientation training with their dog before the dog goes home. This is to include learning how to use the e-collar properly, as well as how to handle the dog and work together as a team. This is to be scheduled at drop-off of the dog for training.

 

 

Checklist of Things You Must Bring at Drop-off

 

  • Proof of vaccinations, which must include rabies and Bordetella vaccines. NO ACCEPTIONS!

 

  • Food to last for the duration of your dog’s stay, plus extra. Food MUST be in an airtight container or be bagged in zip lock bags.

 

  • Your dog’s crate or rent one from us at $5 per day for duration of stay. (I can no longer provide crates free as too many of them have been damaged by dogs recently, and I have to replace or repair these)

 

  • Chew treats such as bully sticks, Nylabones, or Yak cheese chews.

 

  • If your dog has allergies, please, provide some treats that are safe for training them.

 

ITEMS NOT ALLOWED:

Soft bedding and blankets – for THEIR protection

Rawhide anything!

Fabric crates

Refrigerated items (we just don’t have space)

What To Expect

 

Once you drop off your dog, you are not allowed to come visit your dog. This is because it will only upset them and get them thinking they are going home. This can severely set them back in their progress. Especially for some dogs that are here for behavioral issues, they can be negatively impacted by visits from family.

I spend the first few days just getting your dog acclimated and used to routines here. They need to forget everything they know from home and learn how to do things the right way. This is a process that means pushing them outside their boxes (mentally) and wiping their slate clean, so we can rebuild them the way we need them to be.

It’s PROCESS. I ask that you trust this process. I always have your dog’s best outcome in mind. I have no problem sending updates regularly, including videos of them in training, which I generally post to Instagram too. IG @Shambala_Dog_LLC

Your dog will get training sessions daily; they will live in the house with me, using their kennel for afternoon naps and nighttime sleeping. They will have access to play areas, a small swimming pool, and a climbing gym built just for them. They are allowed on the furniture here, have several dog beds they can plop on, and are treated like members of my own family. I become fully invested in their overall well-being, mentally and physically.

Most dogs go home having gained muscle. Most will be toned up and at their peak fitness. This happens naturally from the focus being on them and playing with other dogs. Having the advantage of training in a home environment vs a kennel makes it possible to work on staying out of the kitchen when someone is cooking, learning not to steal food from counters, and simply learning how to be calm and relaxed. This is LEARNED BEHAVIOR!

Your dog will become more mature. You will learn how to correct them appropriately at home by doing a training session when you pick them up. Teaching you both to coexist is my mission, so that every dog has a home, and every dog KEEPS their home.

Thanks so much for your business and support. You’re a part of the family, with lifetime support now. People often inquire why my cell number is an Illinois area code. Because all these years, as long as your dog is alive, you can call me. That’s my promise and commitment to you and to them. I have people call me more than a decade later. That’s the way it will ALWAYS be.

Dawn

Your Stay Details

 

Your stay begins on _______________

And your Pickup date is _________________

 

Drop offs and pickups are between 10AM and Noon or before 6pm if you made other arrangements.

If you arrive after this time, the door will be locked. NO exceptions to the policy. Plan your trips accordingly.

 

ABSOLUTELY NO ACTIVITY OUTSIDE THESE HOURS.

I open my home to people from 10am to 6pm. PERIOD.

 

_______ please initial that you understand if you are later than 6pm (this is 6:01PM) the door will be locked, your dog will spend another night and you will pay an additional day to pick them up.

 

 

Emergency Contact Information

If something happens to your dog, or YOU if you are traveling, please provide a contact person who can take your dog.

If something happens to you, who is designated to take your dog? Please, ensure you’ve contacted this person, and they are okay with being able to step in and take custody of your dog in the event of something happening to you while traveling.

Also, this person might need to step in and see to it that your dog is cared for at a veterinary clinic in the event of an emergency. Despite our best efforts to ensure that your dog is always safe, illnesses and accidents can happen. While we will contact you as soon as possible, emergent needs must be taken to a veterinarian for care. An emergency contact will follow up with the veterinarian, once the dog has been transported there.

We transport to the NEAREST emergency veterinary clinic. This is for your dog’s safety and keeping in their best interest.

 

Name: ____________________________________

Phone number: ___________________________________

Email: ___________________________________________

 

 

Items Brought Checklist

Checked in with dog:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Items checked in

Accepted by: ______________________

Owner Agrees to above items: ______________________