FAQ & Policies
Please take a moment to review our Agreement & Release of Liability terms and conditions.
General
Where are you located?
We are located in Madison, WI.
- Standard in-person private training occurs at dog-friendly locations on Madison’s West Side, Middleton, Fitchburg, or Verona. These locations are set by the scheduling assistant with input from you and Jessie.
- In-home private training is limited to most of Madison, Fitchburg, Verona, and Middleton. We also serve parts of Monona, McFarland, Oregon, Mount Horeb, Cross Plains, and Waunakee. Mileage restrictions and additional fees may apply. Please email our scheduling assistant at info@herewegodogtraining.com with your address to determine whether you are in our service area and receive a quote.
- Explorer and Scholar sessions are pick-up services and therefore limited to Madison’s West Side, Verona, and Middleton.
Do you offer board and train, boarding, dog walks, daycare, or housesitting?
We do not at this time, but we do maintain a list of recommended providers! Some providers will be better matches for your dog than others, so please reach out and tell us a little about your dog and their needs.
Returning clients may be interested in our pick-up decompression walks and training trips—check out the Explorer and Scholar Tracks!
How do cancellations and refunds work?
Private training is non-refundable. Requests to reschedule private training must be made at least 48 hours in advance of the appointment time. We may make case-by-case exceptions in the event of emergency.
All packages (private training, Explorer/Scholar) may be canceled in their entirety and refunded less a 10% processing fee no later than one week (7 days) before the first appointment of the package. Requests to reschedule package sessions must be made at least 48 hours in advance of the appointment time. We may make case-by-case exceptions in the event of emergency.
Are you insured?
Yes, we are covered by Kennel Pro through Mourer-Foster, Inc.
About Training
What training methods do you use?
Here We Go Dog Training uses motivational, rewards-based training that follows the humane hierarchy. We employ least intrusive, minimally aversive strategies to teach dogs (and humans!) and to effect behavior change.
The kinds of rewards we use will depend on your dog; the learner chooses what is motivating. For many dogs, food is an excellent reward or reinforcer, but toys and social interaction may work better for your dog. Part of our job is to figure out what helps your dog learn best!
Should I do a private lesson or an Explorer/Scholar track?
The best bet is to ask! Please contact us to determine the best path forward. Explorer/Scholar tracks are available to returning clients on a case by case basis; if you are new to Here We Go, please request a private consultation so you and your dog can meet with Jessie and determine what approach will help you meet your goals. Explorer/Scholar sessions tend to benefit friendly dogs (even if they are overly exuberant) who already have a start on crate training. Private lessons are great when you want to be very involved in your dog’s training or if Explorer/Scholar sessions may be too stressful for your dog.
Do you have a training guarantee?
No, we do not guarantee training. Dogs are individual, sentient beings—just like humans—and that means there are many variables at play in training and learning. We will always strive to meet the training goals we establish and keep you updated on progress.
When do you refer out to other training professionals?
There are many excellent professionals in the Madison area and we are happy to refer to them when they have expertise in an area where you want help. Don’t hesitate to ask us about the training you want and we will either find a solution for you at Here We Go Dog Training or help you choose another professional.
About Lessons and the Explorer/Scholar Track
What should I bring to an in-person private lesson?
Your dog on a 4–6′ non-retractable leash attached to a harness, flat collar, or limited slip martingale collar. For rewards, bring toys your dog loves (if they love toys) and really excellent treats (meat is great, and a “trail mix” is better). We also recommend a clicker and a mat, rug, or blanket large enough for your dog to lie on comfortably.
What do you need for Explorer or Scholar sessions?
Access to your dog and basic equipment! Explorer and Scholar sessions are pick-up services, meaning Jessie will arrive at your home, collect your dog, and then return them tired and happy. If you are home, simply hand your dog and their gear over. If you are not home, we will need a garage code, key, or some other way to collect your dog. Please have their gear ready to go and easy to locate/transport.
Gear to provide for Explorer sessions: a 4–6′ non-retractable leash; a harness; food/treats, especially if your dog has dietary restrictions.
Gear to provide for Scholar sessions: a 4–6′ non-retractable leash; a harness, flat collar, or limited slip martingale collar; food/treats, especially if your dog has dietary restrictions.
We recommend feeding a smaller breakfast and dinner and providing a portion of your dog’s food for use during training. Scholar sessions typically use more food than Explorer sessions. Other equipment or supplies may be requested on a case by case basis.
Your dog will be transported in a secured crate, so car harnesses/seatbelts are not required.
How many people can come to a private lesson?
At this time, no more than two humans may attend an in-person private lesson. At least one must be a legal adult.
Can I come along for Explorer or Scholar sessions?
These sessions are exclusively pick-up services; it’s just Jessie and your dog! If you want to attend training with your dog, we’re happy to talk about adding some additional private training sessions at a discount.
Can I book single Explorer or Scholar sessions?
Explorer and Scholar Tracks are only available as packages at this time.
Health & Safety
What vaccinations do you require?
Dogs must be up-to-date on age-appropriate vaccinations; vaccinations must be given at least one week prior to attending training. We require rabies (if dogs are old enough) as well as distemper, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and hepatitis (DHLPP or DHPP). Vaccinations must be given by a licensed veterinarian along with an exam. Proof of titer test will also be accepted. Flea prevention is highly recommended.
What if my dog is sick? What if I or my family is sick?
Dogs should have no signs of illness or parasites before attending an in-person private lesson or an Explorer/Scholar session.
Humans should not attend in-person training if ill. See below for information specific to COVID-19 diagnoses and illness.
What are your COVID-19 policies?
Appropriate masks that cover the nose and mouth are required for unvaccinated persons at all in-person lessons as well as Explorer/Scholar drop-off and pick-up (if anyone is home). Masks must be worn correctly. At this time, we do not require anyone who is fully vaccinated to wear a mask, though it is appreciated, especially for indoor training. We take our cues from Dane County’s guidance and policies for COVID-19 safety but reserve the right to change our policies within current mandates.
If you or a household member have symptoms of COVID-19 and/or have tested positive for COVID-19, please do not attend in-person lessons or keep any pick-up session on the schedule. If you have been exposed to someone who has or may have COVID-19, please do not attend a private lesson or keep any pick-up session on the schedule for at least 14 days following most recent exposure to the possible COVID-19 patient. Email us at info@herewegodogtraining.com right away if you are unable to keep an appointment due to COVID-19 test results/diagnosis, symptoms, or exposure.