Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Are vaccinations required?

Yes. Dogs must be up to date on core vaccinations appropriate for their age and lifestyle. Additional requirements may apply for Board & Train or group activities. Proof of vaccination is required prior to services.

Is Bridger K9 licensed & insured?

Yes. Bridger K9 carries appropriate liability insurance for professional dog training and board & train services. Bridger K9 is also licensed through the Colorado Department of Agriculture's Division of Animal Welfare.

Do you work with intact dogs?

Yes. Intact dogs may be accepted depending on behavior, management needs, and program type. This is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.​

 

Training Questions

Do owners attend training sessions?

Owner participation depends on the specific program.  Certain programs, such as AKC-related courses, evaluations, testing, and final transfer sessions, do require owner participation. When owner involvement is necessary, this will be clearly communicated in advance.

How will I know what my dog is learning?

Clients receive:

• Written progress updates

• A detailed handoff session at program completion

The goal is not just training the dog, but ensuring owners understand how to maintain the results long-term.

What types of dogs do you work with?

Bridger K9 works with:

• Behavior cases (fear, reactivity, anxiety, aggression)

• High-drive and working-line dogs

• Rescue dogs with unknown backgrounds

• Owners seeking professional, structured training

Not all dogs are accepted. Each case is evaluated to ensure it is appropriate for the program and environment.

Do you offer Board & Train programs?

Yes. Board & Train programs are conducted in a private, trainer-managed home environment with intentionally limited capacity to ensure individualized care, safety, and training quality.

This is not a high-volume kennel setting. Dogs receive daily structured training, supervised exercise, and rest periods tailored to their needs.

How many dogs do you take at one time?

Capacity is intentionally limited. Bridger K9 prioritizes quality over volume to ensure each dog receives appropriate training time, supervision, and care.

Do you use aversive tools or methods?

Training methods are selected based on the individual dog, behavior history, and safety considerations. Bridger K9 follows evidence-based, ethical training practices and does not rely on one-size-fits-all approaches.

Tool use, when appropriate, is discussed openly and professionally with clients.

Will training “fix” my dog permanently?

Training builds skills and behavior patterns, but long-term success depends on follow-through at home. Bridger K9 focuses on realistic outcomes, clear communication, and providing owners with the knowledge needed to maintain progress.

Do you guarantee results?

No ethical trainer can guarantee outcomes. Dogs are living beings, and behavior is influenced by genetics, environment, and owner follow-through.

What Bridger K9 does guarantee is:

• Professional handling

• Clear communication

• Honest assessments

• Evidence-based training practices