Dogs at The Ranch

The Ranch is a new environment for many people and dogs. Here’s how to make sure both you and your dog enjoy the experience.

Dogs at The Ranch

The Ranch is a new environment for many people and dogs. Here’s how to make sure both you and and your dog enjoy the experience.

Only dogs registered as part of Guest at the Ranch workshop dog/handler teams are allowed at The Ranch. Only Trick Training: Take the Fun Road to Better Training has dog/handler teams (spots are limited and registration as a dog/handler team is required).

With the exception of service dogs, attendees of 5-day courses, 2-day seminars, and Learners and Participants at workshops are not allowed to bring dogs to The Ranch. If you have any questions, please contact theranch@clickertraining.com.

I’VE REGISTERED AS A DOG/HANDLER AT A GUEST AT THE RANCH WORKSHOP. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?

Dogs will have long days at The Ranch workshops. They will need to be able to focus and work confidently for food in close quarters around other working teams.

There will also be a lot of down time and they will need to be comfortable waiting patiently in the car between working sessions. In some cases, they may be asked to wait in a crate.

If your dog will not be comfortable and safe with others in this environment, please contact theranch@clickertraining.com.

Additional dog/handler requirements for Trick Training: Take the Fun Road to Better Training include the following: Teams should have a good understanding of the use of the clicker and reinforcement. They should be experienced clicker trainers, not beginners. We will work with each dog at its skill level, so no specific requirements for needed behaviors, other than experience with clicker training.

For a sample daily schedule, visit the Guest at the Ranch workshop page.

Does your dog always want to rush up to other dogs and try to play? You may think your dog is being friendly, but other dogs may not view it the same way. Your dog may be getting in the face of another dog that has worked long and hard to gain self-control in that situation, putting both dogs at risk.

In general, never let your dog approach any other dog unless the owner has given you explicit permission first. Keep your dog on a short leash when in close quarters with other teams so your dog can’t steal a sniff of other people’s dogs in passing.

Hint: Tie a knot in your leash about three feet from the dog’s collar (a shorter length for tall dogs). That’s where your hand should be holding on, firmly, in crowded situations.

Please do not use Flexi leashes unless they are locked.

Workshop Etiquette

Dogs must be quiet, under control, and leashed at all times.
Tend to your dog's needs before your own.
Bring a water bowl with you.
When indoors, dogs must be on a mat or pillow that you provide.
Keep your dog out of egresses and pathways, and keep the area around you picked up and tidy.
When you are not working your dog, we ask that you leave your dog in your car or a crate, as they can be a distraction to others.
Dominance-based training equipment such as choke chains and pinch collars are not permitted.

Potty Break Etiquette

Dogs are allowed to potty in the grassy areas of The Ranch as designated by The Ranch team.
You are responsible for cleaning up after your dog. Bring plenty of waste disposal bags.
Please dispose of dog waste in designated trash cans.
Please watch your dog carefully if indoors. You are responsible for cleaning up and/or paying for any damage if your dog urinates or defecates inside.

Meal Etiquette

During meals dogs must be crated, in the car, or walked outside.

What Should I Pack?

In addition to the essentials, we recommend:

Dogs at The Ranch

Dogs at The Ranch

I’VE REGISTERED AS A DOG/HANDLER AT A GUEST AT THE RANCH WORKSHOP. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?

Workshop Etiquette

Potty Break Etiquette

Meal Etiquette

What Should I Pack?

In addition to the essentials, we recommend:

CRATE

TRAVEL WATER BOWL

MAT

FAVORITE TOYS OR CHEWS

A TREAT BAG AND TREATS

POOP BAGS