Available Programs

 

After you fill out our coaching inquiry, you'll receive an email with a detailed intake form to give us more of an idea of what you are looking to accomplish with a private program. Once that's done you'll be assigned a coach, which will be determined by who you prefer to work with, current availability, and expertise. If there are no available openings, you'll be notified of your place on our wait list. Once you've got a spot, your coach will contact you to set up our intake video call, and from there you'll decide together what the best route forward is for you and your dog.

• Intake Video Call
  • Purchased after you are assigned a coach to discuss specifics about your goals and what program is right for you. 
  • Price: $85
• Single Coaching Call
  • Can be used for goal planning, trouble shooting, or simple training plans. One 60 minute video call.
  • Price: $150
• One month (single)
  • If you're just needing a little help, and aren't sure you'll need more than a month.
  • Price: $350
• One month (auto-renewing)
  • If you're thinking you need more than just one month, but aren't certain you want to commit to a package just yet. 
  • Price: 350
• Package (three months)
  • If you're needing long term guidance and you know it'll take more than a few months, you can save on the overall cost by purchasing a package. 
  • Price: $950

 

Terms and Conditions

This agreement between the Client and Instructor(s) of Topo Dogs, LLC, and serves as a guideline for both Client and Instructor to assure that both participants understand the services provided by the Instructor and Topo Dogs. 

 

The Topo Dogs Remote Coaching program is run via the Topo Dogs website. A private access group will be created that is accessible only by the Client and the Instructor(s) of Topo Dogs. Video calls will be made via the Topo Dogs video call service, or via Zoom (in limited cases). 

 

A single Instructor will be assigned to the Client, based on the individual requested by the Client, and the availability/expertise of the Instructor(s). While the majority of the correspondence will be made with the assigned Instructor, another Topo Dogs Instructor may step in for a limited time to provide timely feedback if the assigned Instructor is unavailable due to travel, competition, teaching, or personal event.

 

The Topo Dogs Remote Coaching program provides a monthly, one-hour video call to discuss goals and develop training plans, as well as up to 90 minutes of the Instructor’s guidance per month. These 90 minutes may include 

• Virtual lessons
• Video review/feedback
• Developing training plans
• Creating video content for the Client
• Guidance during trials/events
• Additional calls/video calls

Virtual Lessons

• Run via the Topo Dogs website
• Up to 60 minutes long
• Included in the 90 minute allotted access to the Instructor per month
• Requires good wifi/cell signal
• May require bluetooth headphones/earbuds if Client is to be far away from their video device
• May require Client view videos the Instructor sends ahead of time as examples of the lesson content

Video Review/Feedback

The Client may post videos for the Instructor to review and provide feedback on. Video content may include runs at trials or training sessions. These videos should be uploaded into the private access group on the Topo Dogs website.

• It is recommended that the Client get instruction of how much each video should be edited down to allow the Instructor to gain a full picture of the training session/run. 
• Video feedback can be largely dependent on the quality of the video. Please make sure the video is of adequate quality and the sound is audible.
• Feedback will be made via typed response or call. 
• Feedback will be given with a targeted goal of 24 hours, and a maximum of 48 hours. If the Client has not received feedback within 48 hours, they should reach out to the Instructor to confirm that the Instructor received the submission. 
• The Instructors at Topo Dogs all compete, give seminars, judge/host trials, and travel for work. Allowance should be given by the Client during these timeframes for slightly longer reply times from the Instructor. 
• The Instructor will notify the Client of expected periods of absence ahead of time. 
• If the assigned Instructor is unable to give timely feedback for any reason, another Topo Dogs Instructor may step in for a limited time to help provide feedback in a timeframe that will allow the Client to progress.

Developing Training Plans/Creating Video Content

The Instructor may create/provide written training plans/instructors for the Client to follow, as well as create video content for the Client to view as examples of training/handling. While the Client may not witness the time taken by the instructor to make these training plans and/or videos, they do contribute to the provided 90 minutes per month.

Guidance During Trials/Events

Dependent on what the Client’s desired goals are, guidance during trials/events may be provided. This could include

• Suggestions on handling decisions.
• Instruction on training to be done in the ring.
• Instruction on decisions to be made in the ring. 
• Help with implementing current training plans into the ring environment. 

Any event-specific coaching should be arranged well in advance, and the Individual schedule may not allow for them to be available during that time. 

Additional Calls via Phone or Video

Additional calls separate from the monthly goal/planning call may be requested by the Instructor or Client, to discuss progress, further training plans, or to provide feedback. These calls may be via phone or video call.

Understandings and Expectations of the Client and Instructor

• The Client acknowledges that dog training is both a science and an art, and that dogs (and their handlers) are unique living creatures. To address large behavioral or training issues may require a certain amount of “digging” within the previous training history of the dog, and some trial and error to find the best solution for the team. Likewise, the Client understands that without proper time and maintenance and reinforcement, ALL behavior will change (decrease).
• The Client understands that dogs are individuals, and that the timeframe of training achievement/progress can not be anticipated or guessed, but is dependent on the individual dog, Client, and time put into the training plans/goals.
• Topo Dogs focuses primarily on positive reinforcement and it is always the intention of the Instructors to find positive reinforcement based solutions. 
• Client agrees that they will supply the Instructor with videos and correspondence in a timely fashion. It is the Client's responsibility to communicate with, participate in calls/video calls, and provide the Instructor with materials for review. Failure of the client to provide materials to review will result in a lack of progression in training and is not a reflection of the Instructor’s expertise, availability, or involvement.
• While it is not mandatory that the Client’s training exists solely with the Instructor, the Instructor should remain the Client’s main source of information and aid in regards to the matters which the Client has requested. It is important that the Instructor is aware of training occurring under other instructors so that training plans during these lessons/seminars can be addressed. 

 

• Client understands that failure to follow directions given by Instructor will result in lengthened time and possibly failure of training progression. Continued refusal to follow directions may result in cessation of remote training arrangement.

• Client will provide the Instructor with a list of equipment they have available to them and how often they have it available (whether it be owned by the client or at a training facility the client frequents.) Client will also provide the Instructor with an estimated size of space(s) they can utilize for training.

• The ultimate goal of the Instructor is to grow the Client and their dog as a team, both in their physical skills and abilities, as well as their mental fortitude and capabilities. The Client should be seeking this growth and be ready to apply themselves with an open mind, understanding that teams do not excel without hard work and focus. 

 

• The Client understands that the 90 minutes allotted per month does not roll over into the following months, and that the time dedicated by the Instructor may not be visible/witnessable by the Client at all times. The Instructor will keep track of the time given to the Client.

Fees

• Individual coaching plans are decided and agreed upon by the Topo Dogs Instructors and the Client. Programs may be single months or in packages. It is assumed by Topo Dogs that the program will cease at the conclusion of the individual package specifications, unless the Instructor is notified. If not notified, the Instructor may fill the program spot.
• Fees are NON-REFUNDABLE except in the event of emergency, illness or injury (as determined by Topo Dogs Instructors). 
• In the event of significant dog or handler injury:
  • Client may choose to put the program on hold, and Topo Dogs will pro-rate the remainder of the agreed program and continue the remainder when handler/dog is ready, pending Instructor availability. 
  • If Client provides documentation from a doctor or veterinarian, Topo Dogs will refund the remainder of the program at a pro-rated rate from the date of notification of the injury. 
• In the event that the Instructor’s travel or general schedule significantly impedes their ability to provide feedback/instruction
  • The number of days affected by the travel may be pro-rated and discounted in the following month. This decision is made by the Topo Dogs Instructors.
  • Another Topo Dogs Instructor may step in for a limited time to assure timely communication. 

Termination

The Instructor reserves the right to terminate the contract and coaching relationship at any time and for any reason, including failure on the part of the Client to follow Instructor’s directions. Instruction will continue through the current month(s) that has/have been paid for by the Client. No refunds will be given. 

• Termination by the Client MUST be made in writing at least 14 days prior to cancellation. If written notice is not given, the Client remains responsible for payment for the following month. Failure to pay at the beginning of a month does NOT constitute termination of the contract, and the monthly fee is due in full, as well as written notice that termination will occur following that month. If the Client has paid for a package (multiple months) and chooses to cancel in months prior to the last month which has been included in the package, no refunds for the following months will be given.

 

We appreciate your interest in our programs and we look forward to working with you! Please contact us with any questions you may have!

[email protected]

[email protected]