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. Most Bridger K9 training is conducted as a handler-led program, meaning training sessions are completed directly by the trainer without owners present. This allows for consistency, safety, and efficient learning—especially for behavior cases and working-dog foundations.
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:
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Written progress updates
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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:
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Behavior cases (fear, reactivity, anxiety, aggression)
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High-drive and working-line dogs
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Rescue dogs with unknown backgrounds
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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:
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Professional handling
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Clear communication
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Honest assessments
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Evidence-based training practices
Veterinary Appointment Transport Questions
Is this service for emergency vet visits?
No. Veterinary appointment transport is intended for scheduled, non-emergency appointments only. For urgent or emergency situations, please contact your veterinary clinic or an emergency veterinary facility directly.
What’s included in the vet appointment transport service?
Veterinary appointment transport is booked as a minimum two-hour service to account for travel time to and from a licensed veterinary clinic, assistance with check-in and release, and supervision during the appointment as needed.
Includes round-trip transport within 15 miles of downtown Denver. Extended-distance appointments may require an additional fee.
What if the appointment takes longer than expected?
Veterinary clinics can experience delays. Additional time beyond the two-hour minimum will be billed at $50 per hour, billed in accordance with company policies.
Do I need to schedule the veterinary appointment myself?
Yes. Clients are responsible for scheduling the veterinary appointment, authorizing services directly with the clinic, and confirming that the clinic has prior approval to release the dog to Bridger K9 for transport, check-in, and pickup.
How are veterinary fees handled during a vet transport appointment?
Clients are fully responsible for all veterinary charges. Payment arrangements must be made directly with the veterinary clinic and all services must be paid before the end of the appointment. Bridger K9 does not pay, advance, or guarantee veterinary fees on behalf of clients.
What role does Bridger K9 play during a veterinary appointment?
Bridger K9’s role is limited to transportation and basic handling support during scheduled veterinary visits. We do not provide veterinary or medical services. All medical care, treatment decisions, and outcomes remain between the client and their chosen veterinary provider, except as specifically outlined in the Master Service Agreement for emergency situations.
What if my dog is anxious or difficult at the vet?
Bridger K9 uses professional, low-stress handling practices. However, for safety reasons, we reserve the right to decline or discontinue transport if a dog’s behavior or stress level presents a safety concern.​​​
