CLIENT FORMS
Forms & Paperwork
Client Services Agreement & Liability Waiver
Applies to Private Training & Behavior Support, Adventure Day Camp, and Boarding. Please review the agreement before completing the acknowledgment and signature form.
K9 NOSE WORK® REGISTRATION FORM
Interested in joining a K9 Nose Work® class? Complete the registration form so I can learn more about you and your dog and determine appropriate class placement.
DOG BEHAVIOR HISTORY FORM
For private training and behavior consultations. This form provides important background about your dog, household, health history, and behavior.
BOARDING PRE-STAY FORM
For confirmed boarding stays. Please complete this form before each stay so I have current information about your dog’s health, feeding, behavior, routine, and care needs.
ADVENTURE DAY CAMP FORM
For dogs participating in Adventure Day Camp. Please complete this form so I have current information about your dog’s health, behavior, social preferences, and individual needs.
Questions? Start Here.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Every dog, household, and situation is different, but there are a few questions that come up often. Start here for information about services, what to expect, and working with In Sync Canine.
Dog Training FAQs for Olympia, WA
I work with dogs experiencing fear, anxiety, reactivity, aggression, resource guarding, environmental sensitivities, and challenges within multi-dog households. Training is individualized to the dog and household, with an emphasis on understanding what is contributing to the behavior and creating practical, ethical strategies for moving forward.
I use positive reinforcement, evidence-based training methods that prioritize each dog’s physical and emotional well-being. I do not use fear, pain, intimidation, or aversive tools such as shock or prong collars. Behavior is communication, and my goal is to understand why a behavior is happening rather than simply suppress it. There is no single training plan that works for every dog. I look at the individual dog, their environment, their history, their needs, and the people they share their life with. From there, we build skills and create opportunities for the dog to feel safe, make choices, and succeed.
Yes. Reactivity, aggression, fear, and anxiety are a significant part of my work. These behaviors can have many contributing factors, so the first step is understanding what is happening for your dog and the circumstances surrounding the behavior. From there, we focus on safety, thoughtful management, and helping your dog develop skills that make their world easier to navigate. When appropriate, I may also recommend working alongside your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist.
Private training takes place where it makes the most sense for the skills we’re working on. Depending on your dog and your goals, sessions may take place at your home, in your neighborhood, or in carefully selected public environments around Olympia, Tumwater, Lacey, and the surrounding area. Location is part of the training plan, not just where we happen to meet.
The initial consultation gives us time to look at the bigger picture. We’ll talk through your dog’s history, the behaviors you’re concerned about, what you’ve already tried, your household and daily routines, and what you would like life with your dog to look like. I’ll also observe your dog when appropriate and begin identifying factors that may be contributing to the behavior. From there, we can determine priorities, discuss management and next steps, and decide what kind of support makes sense for you and your dog.
There isn’t a set number of sessions that every dog will need. Behavior change depends on many factors, including the behavior itself, how long it has been occurring, your dog’s learning and medical history, their environment, and what is realistic for your household. We’ll regularly evaluate progress and adjust the plan as we learn more about your dog. My goal isn’t to keep you in training indefinitely. It’s to give you the understanding, skills, and support you need to continue making progress together.
No. Your dog does not need to know sit, stay, heel, or have a certain level of training before we begin. We start with the skills that are relevant to your dog, your household, and the challenges you’re navigating. For behavior work especially, teaching traditional obedience skills is not a prerequisite for addressing fear, anxiety, reactivity, or aggression.
Behavior and physical health are closely connected. Pain, illness, gastrointestinal health, medication, sensory changes, and other medical factors can influence how a dog feels and behaves. If something in your dog’s history or behavior suggests that a medical issue could be contributing, I may recommend working with your veterinarian before or alongside training. In some cases, I may also recommend consultation with a veterinary behaviorist or another appropriate veterinary professional. Training cannot replace medical care, and addressing the whole dog sometimes means bringing other professionals onto the team.
Not everyone needs to attend every session, but consistency within the household matters. When possible, I encourage the people who regularly interact with your dog to understand the training plan, management strategies, and how we are responding to the behaviors we’re working on. Different people may have different relationships with the same dog, so those differences can also be useful information when we’re deciding what will be realistic and sustainable for your household.
No ethical trainer can guarantee a specific behavior outcome. Behavior is influenced by many factors, including learning history, genetics, physical and emotional health, environment, management, and experiences outside of our control. What I can promise is that I will be thoughtful and honest about what I see, adjust our approach as we learn more, and prioritize your dog’s well-being throughout the process. Progress may look different for every dog, and sometimes our goals evolve as we better understand what a dog needs.
Yes. Part of working ethically is recognizing the limits of my own experience and scope of practice. If I believe your dog would be better served by another trainer, your veterinarian, a veterinary behaviorist, or another qualified professional, I will tell you. In some cases, the best support may involve several professionals working together. My priority is making sure you and your dog have access to the help that is most appropriate for your situation.
Yes. I work with multi-dog households, including situations involving tension or conflict between dogs. Rather than looking at one dog in isolation, we may need to consider the relationships between the dogs, individual needs, household routines, resources, the environment, and how interactions are being managed. Depending on the situation, sessions may involve the dogs together, separately, or a combination of both.
I understand that plans change and unexpected situations come up. Private training sessions may be canceled or rescheduled with at least 48 hours’ notice. Cancellations or rescheduling requests made with less than 48 hours’ notice will be charged the full session fee or, for training packages, the session will be deducted from the package.
True emergencies may be considered on an individual basis.
Adventure Day Camp FAQ
Dogs attending Adventure Day Camp need to be able to safely and comfortably spend time around other dogs. Dogs who are selective about their canine companions may still be considered. I can introduce them carefully and explore whether there is an appropriate match within an existing group, but a successful placement cannot be guaranteed.
Safety and each dog’s comfort are always the priority. If at any point a dog shows that they are not comfortable or enjoying the group environment, including fearful or aggressive behavior toward me or the other dogs, they may be asked to leave Adventure Day Camp.
If a dog is asked to leave because they are not an appropriate fit for the group environment, the Day Camp fee is nonrefundable.
Dogs are grouped based on play style, personality, comfort level, and how they interact with one another. The goal is to create groups where the dogs are not only safe together, but genuinely comfortable with the social dynamic.
Groupings may change as I get to know the dogs better or as their preferences and relationships develop. A match that works well for one dog may look very different from what works for another.
Because Adventure Day Camp involves shared outdoor spaces and close interaction between dogs, gastrointestinal illness and parasites are taken seriously. If a dog participating in a Day Camp group tests positive for Giardia, families of dogs in that group will be notified and asked to have their dogs evaluated and tested by their veterinarian before returning to Day Camp.
Dogs with negative results may return to their group. A dog diagnosed with Giardia will need to complete veterinarian-directed treatment, be free of gastrointestinal symptoms, and meet any veterinary testing or clearance requirements requested by In Sync Canine before returning.
Dogs should not attend Adventure Day Camp if they are showing signs of illness. Please let me know before your scheduled pickup if your dog is experiencing vomiting, diarrhea or unusually loose stool, coughing, nasal discharge, unusual lethargy, fever, or other signs that may indicate illness.
If your dog has recently been ill, has been exposed to a contagious illness, or you are unsure whether they should attend, please reach out before pickup. Depending on the circumstances, we can determine when it is appropriate for your dog to rejoin their group and whether veterinary clearance is needed.
Adventure Day Camp fees are nonrefundable if your dog is unable to attend due to illness or if you choose to keep them home. Day Camp groups are intentionally kept small, and your dog’s space is reserved specifically for them. This policy allows me to maintain those small groups rather than filling individual openings as schedules change.
If I need to cancel a regularly scheduled Day Camp day outside of scheduled paid holidays or planned paid closure days, you will receive a refund for that day. When the schedule allows, I may also be able to offer a make-up day instead.
Adventure Day Camp is not held on the following paid holidays:
New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
In addition, Adventure Day Camp may be closed for up to five planned paid closure days per calendar year. Whenever possible, these dates will be communicated well in advance so families have time to plan.
Paid holidays and planned paid closure days are part of the regular Day Camp schedule and are not refunded, credited, or eligible for make-up days.
Adventure Day Camp is an outdoor program, so weather, air quality, and road conditions may occasionally affect our schedule.
Heat: Day Camp will be cancelled when temperatures are expected to exceed 82°F during camp hours.
Snow, Ice & Unsafe Roads: Winter conditions can vary considerably throughout our service area. Roads may be clear near one home and unsafe near another. At a minimum, the road to your home must be plowed and safely accessible for pickup. If road or driving conditions make it unsafe to complete the Day Camp route, camp will be cancelled.
Wildfire Smoke & Air Quality: During wildfire season, I monitor local air quality. If the AQI reaches a level considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, Day Camp will be cancelled. Because the dogs spend their time outdoors and are physically active, I prefer to err on the side of caution when air quality may pose an increased risk.
Thunderstorms: Thunderstorms can create a significant safety risk in a group of dogs, particularly when an unexpected clap of thunder causes a startle or fear response. If thunderstorms are occurring or are expected during Day Camp, camp may be cancelled.
Weather and air-quality cancellations are nonrefundable and are not eligible for make-up days or alternate arrangements.
Vaccinations
Dogs participating in Adventure Day Camp must be current on all vaccinations recommended by their veterinarian, including Bordetella. Vaccination records should be kept up to date while your dog is enrolled in Day Camp.
Flea Prevention
Dogs must be current on flea prevention while participating in Adventure Day Camp.
Spay & Neuter
Puppies may begin Adventure Day Camp at approximately 3–5 months of age before they are spayed or neutered. Dogs who joined their group as puppies may be able to continue participating intact through approximately 8–10 months of age, depending on their development and the dynamics of the group.
Dogs entering Adventure Day Camp for the first time once they have reached sexual maturity must be spayed or neutered before joining a group.
Dogs are closely supervised during Adventure Day Camp, and I take reasonable precautions to keep play and activities safe. However, dogs are active animals, and even during appropriate, well-monitored play, injuries such as scratches, punctures, or other injuries can occur.
If your dog becomes ill or injured while in my care, I will contact you as soon as possible. If I believe your dog needs veterinary attention, I am authorized to seek appropriate medical care on your behalf, including emergency treatment when necessary.
Owners are responsible for veterinary costs associated with medical care for their dog.
Because dogs spend time together in a group environment, there is also an inherent risk of exposure to communicable illnesses, including Kennel Cough, even when vaccination and health requirements are followed.
Boarding FAQ
Boarding with In Sync Canine is designed for dogs who can comfortably settle into a home environment and whose care needs can be safely met during their stay. Because boarding takes place in my home, dogs should be reliably house trained and able to be left safely for a few hours when needed.
Every dog is an individual, and boarding requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. Before accepting a new dog, I’ll talk with you about their routine, behavior, care needs, and anything else that will help determine whether my home is a good fit for their stay.
Yes. All new boarding dogs are required to complete a test night before their first boarding stay. Test nights are scheduled on weekdays only and are charged at the regular boarding rate of $75.
The test night gives me an opportunity to see how your dog adjusts to the boarding environment and whether the arrangement appears appropriate at that time. Because dogs and circumstances can change, completing a test night does not guarantee future boarding eligibility.
There is no required timeframe between the test night and your dog’s first boarding reservation, but I recommend scheduling it well in advance of your travel dates.
Booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially for holidays, weekends, and popular travel periods. Boarding availability is limited, and dates can fill well in advance.
I can occasionally accommodate last-minute requests when space allows, but last-minute availability is not guaranteed. If you know your travel dates, reaching out early is the best way to secure your dog’s stay.
Weekday drop offs are generally scheduled after 2:00 PM. If your travel plans require an earlier drop off, a 7:00–8:00 AM weekday drop off may be available with advance approval and a $25 convenience fee.
Weekend drop offs are more flexible and can be arranged based on availability.
Pick ups are generally scheduled by 7:00 PM. If your travel plans require a later pick up, 7:00–8:30 PM may be available with advance approval and a $25 late pick up fee. Pick ups after 8:30 PM are not available.
Vaccinations
Dogs must be current on all vaccinations recommended by their veterinarian, including Bordetella.
Fecal Testing
A negative fecal test within 30 days before your dog’s first stay is required for all new boarding dogs. After that, a negative fecal test is required annually to continue boarding.
Flea Prevention
Dogs must be current on flea prevention while boarding with In Sync Canine.
Food
Please bring enough of your dog’s regular food for their stay in a resealable container. Due to an allergy, please check your dog’s food before packing it to make sure it does not contain peanuts or peanut products, as these ingredients are becoming more common in dog foods.
Treats & Chews
Bring treats and chews your dog already knows and enjoys. You are also welcome to bring pre-frozen Kongs or similar food enrichment that your dog enjoys at home.
Medications
Please bring any medications your dog will need during their stay, along with instructions for administering them. If your dog takes medication using Pill Pockets or a similar product, please do not send peanut butter flavored varieties.
Toys & Bedding
Unless I specifically ask you to bring them, please leave stuffed toys and other toys at home. There is also no need to bring bedding unless requested.
If your dog becomes sick or injured while boarding, I will make reasonable efforts to contact you as soon as circumstances allow. When veterinary care is needed, I will make every reasonable effort to use your dog’s regular veterinarian when appropriate and available.
Some veterinary clinics are unable to authorize treatment without direct permission from the pet parent. If your veterinarian cannot provide care, your dog needs more immediate attention, or I am unable to reach you, I will take your dog to an appropriate urgent care or emergency veterinary hospital.
If you will be out of the country or unavailable for any portion of your trip, such as while camping or backpacking, I may ask you to leave an emergency credit card or other payment arrangement on file. This is especially important for dogs with known medical needs and helps ensure that necessary veterinary care is not delayed if you cannot be reached.
Pet parents are responsible for veterinary treatment costs incurred for their dog while in my care.
Because I accept only a small number of boarding dogs at a time, reserved dates are held specifically for your dog and may prevent me from accepting another boarding request.
Holiday Reservations
A 50% nonrefundable deposit is required to reserve holiday boarding dates. The deposit is applied toward the total cost of your dog’s stay.
Holiday periods include New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Cancellations
If you cancel less than 7 days before your scheduled boarding stay begins, the full cost of the originally reserved stay is due.
Early Returns
Once a boarding stay has begun, the originally reserved dates remain payable if your trip is shortened or you return home early.
If I need to arrange an early pickup because your dog can no longer be safely or appropriately cared for in my boarding environment, the originally reserved stay also remains payable. This may include significant behavioral or safety concerns, destructive behavior, information about your dog that was not disclosed before the stay, or care needs that cannot be safely managed.
This does not apply if I am unable to complete your dog’s stay for a reason unrelated to you or your dog.
Repeated Cancellations
Clients with a history of repeated cancellations may be required to pay a 50% nonrefundable deposit when reserving future boarding dates.
Not necessarily. Interaction with other dogs is not a requirement of boarding. Whether your dog spends time with another dog will depend on the individual dogs, their comfort levels, and whether I feel an interaction is appropriate.
Dogs are introduced or grouped only when I believe it is a good fit. If your dog is more comfortable having their own space, I can often manage their stay separately. Any boarding arrangement is considered on a case-by-case basis.
K9 NOSE WORK® CLASS INFORMATION
K9 Nose Work® at the Canine Co-Op
Classes are held at the Canine Co-Op in Lacey. Please review the information below before coming to class so you know where to park, where your dog can potty, and how we give each dog the space they need while arriving, waiting, and leaving.
Canine Co-Op
8450 30th Ave NE, Unit E
Lacey, WA 98516
Parking & Arrival
Because dogs attending Nose Work classes may have different comfort levels around people and other dogs, thoughtful parking and arrival routines help give everyone the space they need.
Where to Park
Please park only in the areas marked in blue on the parking map. These spaces are designated for Canine Co-Op visitors and help us avoid interfering with parking for the neighboring businesses.
If your dog is sensitive to noise or likely to bark while waiting in the car, please park on the street. This helps minimize disruption to the neighboring businesses and gives our fellow Nose Work dogs a little more space and quiet.
Arriving for Class
When you arrive, please leave your dog comfortably secured in your vehicle while you check the area around you. Before bringing your dog out, make sure there is enough space to avoid close encounters or direct eye contact with another dog. Dogs should not greet one another in the parking lot.
Please maintain at least 6–8 feet of distance from any vehicle with a dog inside, even if your own dog is not with you. For some dogs, having a person approach or pass closely by their vehicle can be stressful.
Once you are parked, please use coverings or visual barriers so your dog cannot see out of the vehicle. This applies to every dog, even dogs who are comfortable around other dogs and do not typically bark or react. A dog visible through a car window can add unnecessary stress or distraction for another dog who is walking into the building and preparing for their turn.
If another team is moving through the area, give them time and space to get settled before getting your dog out. This helps every dog move between their vehicle and the building with as little social pressure as possible.
Parking Map
Potty Areas
Please use only the designated potty areas marked in green on the parking map. Areas marked in purple are no potty zones. Please clean up after your dog and be mindful of other teams when moving to and from the potty areas.
Waiting During Class
Dogs take turns working individually during Nose Work class. When it is not your dog’s turn, your dog will wait securely in your vehicle.
Handlers are expected to come inside and watch the other teams work. Much of the learning in Nose Work happens through observation. Watching different dogs search gives you an opportunity to see different problem-solving strategies, handler choices, and how each dog works through the environment.
If your dog is not comfortable waiting alone in the vehicle, you are welcome to bring someone who can stay with them. The handler participating in class should remain inside to observe the other teams while their dog is waiting.
What to Bring to Class
Treats for Your Instructor
Please bring one Ziploc bag of high-value treats labeled with your dog’s name for the instructor to use during class.
Treats should be cut into approximately pea-sized pieces and should be soft enough to eat quickly. Think chewy rather than crunchy. Avoid treats that crumble easily, and please do not bring raw meat.
Due to an instructor allergy, please do not bring any treats containing peanuts, tree nuts, or nut-based ingredients or flavorings to class.
Treats for You to Carry
You will also need plenty of high-value treats readily accessible while you are working with your dog. Keep treats loose in a treat pouch or pocket.
Please do not work out of Ziploc bags, treat bags, or food packaging during your search. The noise can be distracting, and these containers make it difficult to access reinforcement quickly when it is needed.
The same treat guidelines apply: treats should be high value, approximately pea-sized, soft and chewy, and not crumbly. No raw meat.
Please do not bring treats containing peanuts, tree nuts, or nut-based ingredients or flavorings.
Leash
Please bring a 6-foot leash that feels comfortable in your hands.
The leash should be simple, without attachments such as poop bag holders or other items clipped to it. Retractable leashes are not permitted.
Harness
Dogs should come to class wearing a well-fitting harness with a leash attachment point on the back.
The harness and leash will be part of your dog’s working equipment during Nose Work, so please choose equipment that is comfortable for both you and your dog.
Vehicle Coverings
Please bring whatever you need to fully block your dog’s view from the vehicle while they are waiting. This may include window shades, fabric coverings, or another secure visual barrier. Coverings should be in place after you park, even if your dog is not typically reactive or barky. This helps reduce unnecessary visual pressure for both your dog and other dogs moving between their vehicles and the building.
During Class
Only the dog currently working should be in the search area. Dogs enter and work one at a time. When it is your turn, please wait until your instructor lets you know it is okay to bring your dog into the building.
While Another Dog Is Searching
Please keep conversation and unnecessary noise to a minimum while a dog is working. Avoid interacting with, calling to, reaching toward, or otherwise distracting another person’s dog.
Entering and Exiting During a Search
If another dog has started their search before you make it back inside after returning your dog to the car, please wait outside until that dog has finished and exited the building before coming back in. Opening the door or entering while a dog is working can interrupt their search.