First Day of In-Person Services Re-Opening
We are so happy to have everyone back in-person after a year of phone and video sessions due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. We know you are excited too, so please be patient as we get to all the emails, calls, and more and introduce our new staff members to our process too!
All students should be aware that we are still following our COVID-19 policies, which means all people on the premise will wear a mask at all times - including students.
We encourage everyone to wash their hands thoroughly and bring hand sanitizer to use in between swaps of the leash.
All sessions will be held outside with six feet between yourself and the trainer. Your trainer will touch your dog very limitedly - if not at all; to prevent spread of germs from your dog’s coat to you.
We offer add-on bath/blow drys this year for the end of your session for $20 a bath/blow dry. You will be asked to wait in your car while staff takes your dog inside to bathe them and then they will be returned to you all clean! Most dogs don’t take more than thirty minutes to be ready. However, some super fluffy dogs might take longer for us to dry them completely. We recommend you go get some food or coffee nearby during your wait.
And lastly, if you or your dog are sick, as always, please call us to cancel your appointment and reschedule it for another day. Our staff’s health is extremely important to us and as soon as someone breaks this rule, it will make us re-think opening back up for in-person sessions. So, don’t ruin it for everyone. Err on the side of caution and reschedule if you even think you could be sick.
Below you will find some resources to make your first in-person session back go off without a hitch:
Pro Tips
First things first, we recommend you get familiar with where our location is before your first drive out here. Our address is 726 Pinola Braxton Rd. Braxton, MS 39044. We recommend using Google Maps to find us as it is correct.
We recommend downloading some podcasts or audiobooks for the drive to relax both yourself and your dog. We recommend podcasts and books at the end of this document.
Get ready the night before! Have your training supplies in a bag and ready to go - don't forget the poop bags, treats, and a leash!
Make a day trip out of training sessions by stopping at some of our local restaurants for a to-go meal or adding on one of our add-on services like a bath for your dog.
Ground Rules
When you arrive, please stay inside your car when you arrive. Your trainer will come get you when it is time for your session to begin.
Your dog must be on leash at all times while on the property - unless your trainer instructs otherwise.
No greetings with people or dogs on the property please. Some dogs coming and going for training are not friendly!
Dogs that are a bite risk should be muzzle trained before your first session. If you are struggling with muzzle training, we can set up video or phone sessions instead.
Pick up after your dog and come prepared to do so with your own poop bags.
All dogs must be up to date on our required vaccines a week before their first session with us. We highly recommend all dogs be on flea, tick, and heart worm prevention too.
Do not disturb the wildlife or allow your dog to do so. Deer, rabbits, and other small animals are likely to be seen on the property. Please let them live their lives in peace.
Any unruly or out of control dogs or owners may be asked to leave by their trainer at any time.
PLEASE do not bring sick dogs or people onto the property! This is very important - even if your dog just has an upset stomach, call us beforehand. Most dogs will not train when they do not feel well and we will send you home if anyone is sick
Please be on time for sessions. If you cannot make it on time, please call or text us to let us know that you are running late. Anyone who is more than 15 minutes late without notice, will be considered a no-show and their session will be considered "used" and non-refundable.
No hitting, kicking, slapping, spitting on, choking, leash pops, helicoptering, prong/pinch, e-collar, shock collars, choke chains, slip leads, or spanking will be allowed during training session. This is not because we personally "dislike" these methods, This is because current research says these methods can come with dangerous side-effects and there is no reason to bring them to training class or use them at home.
Resources
Podcasts and Audiobooks For The Drive:
Drinking from the Toilet Dog Training Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/drinking-from-the-toilet-real-dogs-real-training/id1205144996
Sexier Than a Squirrel Dog Training Podcast:
https://podbay.fm/p/sexier-than-a-squirrel-dog-training-that-gets-real-life-results
Pat Miller's The Power of Positive Dog Training Audiobook:
https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Power-of-Positive-Dog-Training-Audiobook/B017MQ2L5G?qid=1607971615&sr=1-3&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_3&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=MZD5VNK12T106K8MM7S9
Jean Donaldson's The Culture Clash Audiobook:
https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Culture-Clash-Audiobook/B071LH7RV6?qid=1607971797&sr=1-1&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=3SVJ0FGTYGJCAZYRWYZR
Places to Eat Nearby
Jerry's Catfish House (famous dome building with catfish)
3326 US 49, Florence, MS 39073
Berry's Seafood (southern buffet, but can order to-go)
2942 US 49, Florence, MS 39073
The Donut Shoppe Cafe (coffee, breakfast, open early)
909 Florence Blvd, Florence, MS 39073
Bangkok Thai Cuisine (sushi, curry, and offers to-go)
1055 US 49, Richland, MS 39218