Your Dogs
Create dog profiles to track multiple programs and sessions
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Dog Profile & Session Info
Case Overview
Working Hypothesis
Phase Overview
Phase 1: What We Do Now
Environmental Management
Enrichment Framework
Training Protocol
Phase 2
Phase 3
Phase 4
Daily Planner
Fill in what should happen at each time of day. Only times with entries will appear in the downloaded program.
Session History
No sessions yet
Create Measures
Build measurement tools and understand how to track progress using the 1-5 scale.
Create a Client Measurement Sheet
Build a custom PDF your client prints and uses daily.
Add items above
The 1-5 Scale
Measure WANTED Behaviors
- - Checking in with owner
- - Settling on mat/station
- - Responding to name
- - Disengaging from triggers
Measure UNWANTED Behaviors
- - Barking/lunging intensity
- - Recovery time after trigger
- - Vigilance/scanning behavior
- - Avoidance behaviors
Why Numerical Data Matters
We don't see change day-by-day
Just like working out - data shows the trend over time.
Data informs decisions
If unwanted behaviors stay same but wanted behaviors increase - it's still working!
Setting Up Client Tracking
Keep it to 5-6 items maximum
Don't overwhelm the client.
Set a daily phone alarm
Remind them to log data at same time each day.
Sample Google Form Questions
Today, [Dog's name] checked in with me on walks:
1 (Much less than baseline) to 5 (Much more than baseline)
Today, [Dog's name]'s barking at triggers was:
1 (Much less intense) to 5 (Much more intense)
Accessibility & Neurodivergent Needs
Always ask about learning preferences in your intake questionnaire.
📖 Dyslexia-Friendly Formatting
Font Choices
- Use sans-serif fonts (Arial, Verdana, OpenDyslexic)
- Minimum 12pt, ideally 14pt+
- Avoid italics and underlining
- Use bold sparingly for emphasis
Layout
- Left-aligned text (not justified)
- 1.5 line spacing minimum
- Short paragraphs (3-4 lines max)
- Cream/off-white backgrounds
⚡ ADHD Preferences
Structure
- Bullet points over paragraphs
- Clear numbered steps
- One task per section
- Visual checklists they can tick off
Delivery
- Short video demos work well
- Voice notes for instructions
- Chunk into small, doable tasks
- Built-in rewards/celebration
🧩 Autism Preferences
Communication Style
- Clear, literal language
- Avoid idioms and vague terms
- Explain the "why" behind each step
- Consistent terminology
Format
- Written format often preferred
- Predictable structure
- Detailed, specific instructions
- Include exact progression criteria
👁 Vision Loss & Learning Disabilities
Clients with vision loss or reading disabilities need different formats:
Audio & Video
- Record voice memos with instructions
- Film short demo videos (under 3 min)
- Use video apps with captions
- Phone call walkthroughs
Visual Design
- Large, simple icons & pictures
- High contrast (dark on light)
- Minimal text (use pictures instead)
- Cream/off-white paper for printing
Pro Tip: Add to your intake form: "How do you prefer to receive information? (Written / Video / Voice notes / Combination)" and "Any learning differences I should know about?"
Client Support & Case Management
Evidence-based strategies for supporting clients through their behavior change journey.
🤝 What is Trauma-Informed Care?
Trauma-informed care recognizes that many people have experienced stress, adversity, or loss that affects how they show up in the world. Your clients may have:
- Financial stress - Work instability, housing concerns
- Mental health challenges - Anxiety, depression, burnout
- Relationship struggles - Divorce, grief, isolation
- Previous negative experiences - Failed training attempts, shame-based criticism
Core principle: Low follow-through isn't laziness or lack of commitment. It's usually a sign their capacity is full. Your job is to meet them where they are, not where you want them to be.
📚 Great Teaching + Great Leadership = Results
Technical knowledge alone doesn't work. Your clients need:
Great Teaching Means
- Breaking tasks into small steps
- Clear, jargon-free explanations
- Multiple ways to learn (demo, written, video)
- Checking for understanding
- Celebrating small wins
Great Leadership Means
- Setting clear expectations
- Holding space for emotions
- Being consistent & reliable
- Validating their experience
- Adapting when things change
😤 When an Owner is Frustrated
Don't say:
"You need to be more consistent" or "If you'd just follow the protocol..."
Instead, try:
"I can hear the frustration." (Validation)
"Tell me what's been hard about this." (Curiosity)
"This is actually normal. Here's what we can adjust." (Normalize + reset)
Action: Simplify the plan. Pick ONE behavior to focus on. Give them a win they can have this week.
📋 When an Owner Hasn't Filled in Observation Charts
Don't assume:
"They don't care" or "They're not committed"
Instead, find out:
"How's it been going with tracking?" (Open question)
"What got in the way?" (Curious, not accusatory)
"What would make it easier?" (Problem-solving)
Possible barriers:
- Forgot the form/lost the link
- Too busy, forgot daily habit
- Unclear what to write
- Felt awkward/judged
Solution: Use a Google Form (faster), set phone reminder for them, or accept voice notes instead. Make it easier to participate.
⚠ If You Feel Progress Isn't Being Made
Step 1: Gather Data
- Review baseline notes from Session 1
- Check client observation charts (if available)
- Ask: "What feels different since we started?"
- Look for SMALL changes (relaxed body, less alert, shorter reaction)
Step 2: Troubleshoot the Protocol
- Management: Is the dog still accessing triggers? Increase distance/management.
- Reward: Is food/toy not rewarding? Try higher value.
- Timing: Are you training when the dog is calm? If not, practice management first.
- Consistency: How many days per week? Aim for 5+.
Step 3: Assess Owner Capacity
- Are they overwhelmed? Simplify the plan.
- Do they have time/energy? Check in on their life.
- Is something else happening with the dog? (Illness, new stress, change)
🚀 When to Refer or Escalate a Case
It's OK to refer if:
- Behavior is worsening despite solid protocol
- Dog shows signs of illness/pain (vet referral needed)
- Aggression is escalating - consult veterinary behaviorist
- Owner has mental health crisis - not your role, refer to professionals
- Beyond your skill level - seek mentorship/additional training
How to say it (with support):
"This is outside my area of expertise, but I know someone who specializes in this. I'll connect you, and we can stay involved to support progress."
It's NOT time to refer if:
- Progress is slow (normal for behavior change)
- Owner needs more support (that's coaching, not referral)
- One protocol didn't work (try adjusting first)
🗣 Key Phrases for Support & Problem-Solving
Building Connection
"I'm here to support YOU through this journey. This is hard, and you're doing better than you think."
When Things Get Tough
"Let's look at what's working and build on that. Small wins still count."
About Data
"The data helps us see what we can't see day-to-day. It's like a fitness tracker - progress isn't always obvious."
When They Need to Pause
"If life is too much right now, let's just focus on management. Training can wait."
Refocusing After Setback
"Setbacks are part of the process. Here's what we learned, and here's what we'll do differently."
Time Management & Burnout Prevention
Practical strategies to manage your energy, set boundaries, and avoid burnout.
💌 Communication: One Primary Channel
Multiple inboxes = chaos. Pick ONE primary communication method and stick to it.
Best Practice: Email
- Everything in one place (searchable)
- Asynchronous (clients don't expect instant replies)
- Professional documentation for your records
- Easy to batch-process at set times
What to Avoid
- WhatsApp, text, Messenger (too personal, always on)
- Multiple platforms (confusion, messages slip through)
- No boundaries (clients text at 11pm)
Set-up tip: In your welcome email, state: "I check email Monday-Friday 9-5. For emergencies only, call [number]. I respond within 24 business hours."
📅 Calendar Management: The Architecture of Your Week
Your calendar is where you protect your energy. Treat it like a business asset.
Block Your Time by Type
- Sessions: Clustered days (e.g., all sessions Tues-Thurs)
- Admin/Notes: Friday afternoons (30 min per 1-hour session)
- Email: 10am & 3pm (batch process, don't do all day)
- Buffer time: 15 min between sessions (transition, breathe)
Protect Your Lunch & Off Hours
- Block lunch as "Not Available" on your calendar
- Don't schedule sessions back-to-back (you need transition time)
- End your day by [time] - stick to it
- NO work email after 6pm or on weekends (unless true emergency)
Out of Office Rules
- Set an auto-reply: "I'm out until [date]. For emergencies, contact [name]."
- Don't check email while away
- Come back one day early to catch up (not first day back)
💪 Session Pacing: How Many Sessions Per Week?
Red Flags for Overwork
- More than 6 sessions per day
- Working 6+ days per week
- No time to write notes or eat lunch
- Feeling exhausted, not excited about work
Sustainable Pace
- 4-5 sessions per day maximum
- 5 days per week (2 days off)
- 20-25 sessions/week (sustainable for quality)
- 1 admin/mentor hour per day
Remember: More sessions = less time per client = lower quality = burnout. Fewer sessions = better presence = happier clients and YOU.
⚡ Energy Management: The 80/20 Rule
80% of your exhaustion comes from 20% of your clients. Identify them and either reset the relationship or set a boundary.
Energy Drains (Typical Patterns)
- Constant texts/emails outside session time
- Resistant to feedback, blames trainer
- Makes you feel responsible for their life
- Unrealistic expectations, never satisfied
- Takes up double the time of other clients
Reset the Boundary (How to)
- 1. Have a direct, kind conversation: "I want to set us up for success."
- 2. State the boundary: "I respond to email within 24 hours. After [time], I'm offline."
- 3. Offer a solution: "Here's what I CAN do to support you..."
- 4. Follow through (don't bend the boundary)
If This Continues...
It's OK to suggest a different trainer or pause the program. You are allowed to protect your energy.
🛡 Burnout Prevention Checklist
Remember: You can't pour from an empty cup. Protecting your time and energy is not selfish - it's essential for showing up as your best self for your clients.
Professional Resources & Support
Evidence-Based Resources
- IAABC - Animal Behavior Consultants
- CCPDT - Professional Dog Trainers
- AVSAB - Veterinary Animal Behavior
- Pet Harmony Training - Professional programs
Recommended Reading
- "Behavior Adjustment Training 2.0" - Grisha Stewart
- "Clinical Behavioral Medicine" - Karen Overall
- "Don't Shoot the Dog" - Karen Pryor
- "The Other End of the Leash" - Patricia McConnell
How to Use This App
Step 1: Create a Dog Profile
Click "My Dogs" to create a profile. All sessions for that dog are stored together.
Step 2: Build Your Program
Select a dog and add session details including case overview, hypothesis, phases, and daily planner.
Step 3: Save Your Session
Data persists even if you close the browser. Always export PDFs as backups!
Step 4: Download Your Program
Download professional PDFs to email to clients, print, or keep in case records.
Data Storage & Backups
Where is my data? Stored locally on THIS device in your browser.
If I clear browser cache? Data will be lost. Download PDFs regularly!
Phone vs laptop? Each device has separate storage. Use PDFs to share between devices.