New Board and Train Procedures

To: All Denver Dog Works Board and Train Clients

From: Robert Forto, PhD, Training Director of Denver Dog Works

Date: October 17, 2007

RE: New Board and Train Procedures

As always our goal at Denver Dog Works is to provide your canine companion with a safe, secure, friendly and compassionate place to stay while he/she is enrolled in our Board and Train program. We take every step to ensure that this happens. While training is important our underlying goal is the health and welfare of your dog. In order to provide you with the best possible service we strive to meets the standards of the State of Colorado Pet Animal Care Facilities Act. We are currently under review for our annual kennel license and it has been brought to our attention that several changes that need to be made in order to be in compliance.

Effective immediately the following changes will take effect:

1. All dogs that are enrolled in our board and train program will be required to have proof of the following vaccinations: Parvo/Distemper, Rabies (if over the age of six months) and Boardatella which is the kennel cough vaccination. All dogs enrolled in our school must be current on his/her vaccinations and a kennel cough shot will be required in the past six months. Proof of vaccinations can be handled in the following ways:

Written Proof of vaccinations from your veterinarian.
A faxed copy to our school from your veterinarian. Our fax number is 303-675-8211.
Our trainers will call your veterinarian for expiration dates.

If this proof of vaccinations can not be obtained we do provide vaccinations at a reasonable cost.

2. Only food can be brought to our school. Nothing else. We encourage you to bring in your dog's food to keep his diet consistent. All food must be in an airtight container. Please no beds, leashes, toys, etc. We do not have the facilities to keep these items clean.

3. All dogs that enroll in our board and train program will be required to be evaluated before commencement of the training program. This is important for a few reasons: one, it allows us to tailor the training program to your needs. Two it allows us to explain the importance of follow-up training. Three, it gives the dog's owner a clear understanding of what training will be conducted and information on our philosophy, procedures and methods.

4. Be aware that our training program is set for a minimum of four weeks. There may be times when this period may need to be extended by a few days for reasons such as adjustment times, behavior issues, and slow learning periods. It takes three to five days for a dog to adjust to the training school and we must take that into account. The extra days will be of no cost to you.

5. While we take every precaution to ensure the health and safety of your dog, sometimes they can become injured or ill while in our care. This is in no way different than if you child was away at summer camp. Accidents to happen. If your dog becomes injured or ill during his/her stay he/she will be taken to our veterinarian for diagnosis. We will call you as soon as we have an understanding of what is involved before we follow through with treatment, unless it is life-threatening of course.

6. All of the dogs enrolled in our board and train program are observed daily by our training and kennel staff. All of our staff are highly competent in canine health, first aid and CPR. Notes are kept daily of your dogs health and well-being. All dogs are photographed and weighed when checked-in to our school. Any dog that is suspected of having a communicable disease is moved to isolation or removed to our veterinary facility in a timely manner until the condition is determined to be non-infectious.

7. All of the staff of Denver Dog Works have been trained in medications and vaccinations, and canine illness and disease and will give your dog medications prescribed by a veterinarian. All medications need to be in the original container with labeled directions. We will not administer tranquilizers, sedative etc. without the written consent of the owner and only under the direction of a veterinarian.

8. Remember that training must continue after your companion has returned home. It is important that you continue with the training plan outlined to you in your send home class and attending your scheduled follow-up classes. After the three follow-up classes, take advantage of our unlimited group classes. Training with your dog is a life-long process and it requires a commitment. You have taken the first steps.

We want to make your dog's stay with us as enjoyable and stress-free as possible and we will do our best to err on the side of caution. We are all professionals and this is our passion. I always encourage you to check out our update page at www.denverdogworks.com/updates for daily reports on your dog's progress. Please do not hesitate to call me at 303-522-1727 (cell) or email me at rforto@denverdogworks.com if you need to speak to someone. I will return calls after 4:00 pm daily. This is when my training day is winding down and I will have a chance to speak with you. Please note: It is not necessary to call the school every day to check on your dog. We are competent professionals and we strive to take the utmost care of your dog during our stay. We simply do not have enough time in the day to train your dog to our expectations and give daily phone updates as well. Please understand.

We do not allow visitation of your dogs during his/her stay with us during training. This disrupts the training processes and often causes unusual set backs.

As always I appreciate your business and look forward working with you.

Signed,

Robert Forto, PhD

Training Director

Denver Dog Works