SCHEDULING
"Can I drop my dog off or pick them up rather than you coming to pick them up from my house?"
For the safety of the working dogs in our care and to adhere to the safety/privacy policy in the contracts we have with their handlers and companies, we do not publish our address on our website and do not have the community out to the ranch. This also allows us to keep our day moving with the dogs without interruption so we can focus on activities and training. We provide roundtrip transportation for your dog's visit for no additional fee. Please view our location privacy policy prior to scheduling for more information.
"Can I schedule a tour of your facility?"
We operate out of our home, located on a private, 50-acre ranch and are not a commercial facility. While we share our home and ranch with our canine visitors, we do not offer or schedule tours for human clients. For the safety of the working dogs in our care and to adhere to the safety/privacy policy in the contracts we have with their handlers and companies, we do not share our location publicly and do not allow clients to come to our property. This also allows us to keep our day moving with the dogs without interruption so we can focus on activities and training. We provide roundtrip transportation for your dog's visit for no additional fee.
You can find information about our family on the About Us page of our website and can read about our location privacy policy prior to scheduling. Thank you for your understanding.
"How far in advance should I schedule?"
Long story short, contact us as soon as you know you may need services with potential dates.
We operate out of our home on a 50 acre ranch, just outside of town. We operate Misfit Ranch Rescue from the property as well as a full training schedule for both our clients and our personal dogs. This includes events and travel that may block out dates in our calendar. We also have family obligations that may block out certain days in our calendar. If you have dates that you may need boarding, please contact us as soon as possible so we can check our calendar for you. The sooner the better. You can always secure dates you may possibly need and cancel at a later time if need be. We do not charge a cancellation fee unless we are at your door trying to pick up your dog as requested and you cancel on the spot or no-show.
"What are your hours?"
We head into town once daily for pick ups and drop offs, Sunday through Friday. This is for all of the services we offer. We do not have have incoming or outgoing visitors on Saturdays.
We give a three hour window of when we can be expected to arrive, which is 3-6 pm on most days. Working with dogs can be unpredictable and traffic heading into town can be as well. This time frame allows for us to cover the entire valley and change course if need be.
"Are you able to pick up or drop off my dog if no one is home?"
If the times we have available for pick up and drop off do not work for you because you have to leave earlier that morning or will be returning home later in the evening, we still may be able to help. A good number of our regular clients provide a spare key to their home or a door code. This allows them the freedom of doing things in their own time, without having to worry about pickup or drop-off times meshing with their schedules.
If your dog has already been with us before and is a returning visitor, providing a door code or a spare key may be a good solution for you. You'll still get texts to let you know when we're about 5 minutes away and also that your pup has returned home safely.
If your dog has never visited with us, we'll need to schedule a meet-n-greet or an overnight stay with you present at home for pick-up before we're able to schedule one without you at home. This also gives us the opportunity to pick up your spare key or learn where your keypad and dog's crate are and go over how pick-ups and drop-offs go with you when you won't be home.
"Do you have days you are closed or not available?"
Boarding is available 7 days a week but we do not have incoming or outgoing visitors on Saturdays. Our Saturdays are dedicated to property maintenance and advanced training for our own pack.
We have family obligations that block out certain days in our calendar for incoming or outgoing visitors. If you are requesting boarding pick up or drop off on one of these days, we will let you know and offer scheduling alternatives.
We board over the holidays but do not transport on the holiday itself. Holiday boarding pickups will be scheduled prior to the holiday with drop off in the days after.
• New Year's Eve
• New Year's Day
• Easter
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Halloween
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day
"I left you a message. When can I expect a response?"
The AOK9 phone is checked for text messages, emails and voicemails once a day (Su-F, between 8a-6p).
SOCIAL MEDIA - If you send us a message on any social media platform, there's a good chance you won't get a response. We only get alerts from accounts we follow and we don't schedule services through social media. We have a social media managing app that sometimes marks messages as read even though we haven't seen them so just because it says your message was seen, doesn't mean it actually was. We also have family who help out with social media monitoring who if they happens to see your message, will ask you to text us directly since they don't handle scheduling or client communication. If you have a question or need to reach us for any reason, please send us a text or email instead.
FORM SUBMISSIONS - We receive all submitted forms as an email. We usually check our email once a day Sunday through Friday but sometimes other commitments take us away from the computer for a day or two. If you've submitted a form through our website and are awaiting a response, you can expect to hear from us within 72 hours. We do not check our business email on Saturdays, holidays or on days we are closed due to family obligations.
TEXT - We try to respond to all text messages within 24 hours when possible (Su-F), with the exception of dates we are closed, but sometimes it may take a bit longer. We'll get back to you as soon as we're able and appreciate your patience. If its been more than 48 hours since you have sent us a text message, please follow up with an email to ensure we received it. Our ranch does not have cell service and we rely on WiFi for all texting. If we experienced an internet outage when you sent your text, we may never receive it.
CALL/VOICEMAIL - If we can be completely honest with you... The amount of dogs we have in our care on any given day make it impossible to have the time to answer the phone when it randomly rings or to sit and have a phone conversation when it wasn't scheduled in advance. It's best to text or email if you'd like a quicker response. However, if you need to speak with us by phone, please leave us a voicemail or text/email to request a call and we'll get back to you as soon as we're able. Return calls are usually made from the road during our 3-6pm transports.
We appreciate your patience in receiving a response to a message you've left us.
PREPARING FOR YOUR DOG'S VISIT
"What do I need to send with my dog?"
If your dog is boarding with us, please send enough food for your dog's entire visit plus a couple of extra meals in the event your dog's stay gets extended due to unforeseen circumstances. Flight delays, road closures, illness, and family emergencies have happened more times than you'd expect and while we have no problem feeding your dog whatever food we happen to have available, it is an extra fee and unfamiliar food can cause GI upset. We hope to keep your dog comfortable for their entire visit.
If your dog requires prescription medication or supplements with their food during their visit, make sure to send them in their original bottle/packaging with instructions.
Other than food and medication, we have everything that your dog will need. Personal items will be left at home.
We use slip leads exclusively while working with all dogs in our care. For the safety of the dogs and to adhere to insurance guidelines, personal items (collars, leashes, etc.) will not be used and will be left either at your home during pickup or in our truck until they are ready to go home.
We have a variety of insurance-approved toys, chews, and bedding for dogs during daycare and boarding with us.
Tracking devices and collars, such as Airtags/SmartTags/Tile/Fi, etc., are strictly prohibited to protect the privacy and safety of our clients. We have working dogs in our care 7 days a week and security contracts that prohibit the tracking to/from their residence and the location of their dogs. Sending a tracking device with your dog's things puts us in direct violation of our contracts and puts the privacy and safety of AOK9 clients in jeopardy. Should a tracking device be discovered in your dog's things once they are in our care, the device will be immediately disposed of and based on the nature of the discovery, could prevent AOK9 from offering services to you and your dog in the future. Should you send a tracking device with your dog that is not caught and left with you during pickup, you will be willfully surrendering the device for disposal. AOK9 is not responsible for the reimbursement or replacement of the tracking device.
"What vaccinations are needed for my dog's visit with AOK9?"
We specialize in working dogs and most of their handlers choose to titer rather than repeat vaccination boosters so it’s not something our license and insurance classification requires. However, up-to-date rabies vaccinations are required for everyone and a minimum of two rounds of Parvo for puppies under 6 months of age.
Regardless of our legal requirements, we do recommend the full vaccination schedule for all standard (non-working) boarding and training visitors. This includes the canine flu vaccination when available.
Once you have services scheduled, you can email proof of rabies vaccination and any other vaccinations you’d like add to your account prior to your scheduled pick up day to info@alloutk9.com or ask your vet office to send them to us at that email address. If you have them handy at home, you can also send photos of the vaccinations records by text. You just want to make sure that your photos are not blurry with your dog's name and dates of vaccinations clearly seen in the photo.
If we haven't received them when it's time to send your reminder text the day before pick up, we will request them at that time. If you're unable to provide proof of rabies vaccination, your pick up will be canceled.
"Are there things I should do or should avoid?"
Please make sure your dog has had a chance to go to the bathroom just prior to our arrival. Our pickup schedule is usually full so your dog may be with us in the truck for a bit before getting back to the ranch.
To ensure your dog has a pleasant visit with us that is full of activity, please avoid giving them high-protein treats and new foods or treats in the 72 hrs prior to their visit with us. High protein treats and the introduction of new foods frequently result in diarrhea. Our license and insurance policy require us to separate dogs experiencing GI upset (diarrhea, vomiting, etc.) while in our care and restrict their interaction with other dogs. We're also required to limit activity, regardless of the suspected reason for the GI upset, in the chance that it could be illness-related. We’d rather have your dog visit us to enjoy playtime and activities rather than be separated, especially since most of the dogs coming to us are here for social interaction and play.
If your dog experiences multiple episodes of GI upset during their visit, we are required to transfer their care back to you, your emergency contact or preferred veterinarian for the safety of all of the dogs in our care.
"Will I get a reminder for services scheduled in advance?"
You'll get a reminder text the day before your dog's scheduled visit. If you need to cancel or reschedule you can text us at any time leading up to then or you can respond to your reminder text to let us know.
"Is there a cancellation fee if I need to cancel?"
We do not charge a cancellation fee if you book boarding services and text to cancel prior to the pickup day or respond to your reminder text to cancel. However, if you cancel in response to the five-minute heads-up text of our arrival, we arrive and you cancel in person or we arrive and no one is home we do charge a $20 fee that will be added to your account and must be paid prior to scheduling additional services with us. Gas is pricey and additionally, canceling the day of prevents us from filling the spot with someone from our waitlist. It prevents another client from obtaining services they need and costs us money so the no-show fee is to help offset those costs.
Training program deposits are non-refundable but should you find the need to cancel your dog's training program prior to their scheduled pick up day, a credit will be applied to your account to be used towards boarding services.
Ranch Camp scheduling fees are nonrefundable. Should you find the need to cancel your ranch camp reservation, your payment will be converted to a donation to Misfit Ranch Rescue and you'll be issued a donation receipt.
"My dog has not been feeling well. Should I reschedule?"
Our license and insurance policy require us to separate dogs who are experiencing GI upset (diarrhea, vomiting, etc.) while in our care and restrict interaction with other dogs. We're also required to limit activity, regardless of the suspected reason for the GI upset, in the chance that it could be illness-related and transfer their care to your emergency contact or preferred veterinarian for multiple episodes. We’d rather have your dog visit us to enjoy playtime and activities rather than be separated, especially since most of the dogs coming to us are here for social interaction and play.
A guide that you can use when you receive your visit reminder text from us the day before your dog's visit...
• If your dog has not been acting themself and you suspect an illness or injury, please have them seen and evaluated at your preferred veterinarian's office prior to their visit for clearance. If testing is done and you have to wait for the results, your dog's visit should be canceled or rescheduled until the results have come in and they are cleared for a boarding visit.
• If your dog has experienced vomiting or diarrhea in the 72 hours prior to your reminder text due to an unknown cause, please cancel your visit with us and consult your veterinarian.
• If boarding is required during episodes of GI upset caused by a known source, please respond to your reminder text to inform us of the issue, what the cause of the issue is and to let us know that you'll still need to send them so that we are properly prepared for their visit.
• If boarding is required during episodes of GI upset caused by an unknown source, please contact your veterinarian for boarding services. We are unable to care for your dog if they are experiencing GI upset from an unknown source or contagious illness. It will be more cost effective to you if you cancel with us and contact your vet for services than if we have to interrupt your day/travel to let you know that we've had to transfer your dog's care to emergency veterinary services ($$$) due to GI upset. Please just cancel your visit with us and consult your veterinarian for boarding assistance. Once your vet has cleared your dog, feel free to contact us for future service needs.
"My dog experiences chronic issues (lack of interest in food, loose stool, upset stomach, skin/coat problems, constant itching, yeasty paws/ears, infections, behavioral problems, etc.) and I heard you can help. What do you offer?"
Mrs. Parker is a Clinical Pet Nutritionist and Pet Master Herbalist offering food and environmental intolerance/allergy testing with diet evaluation for any dog who needs it, regardless of whether they schedule services with us or not. Reasons for the testing could be due to lack of interest in food, frequent vomiting or loose stool, skin/coat issues, yeasty paws/ear and even behavioral problems. Some people just want what is best for the dog and would like them to be tested. Whatever the reason, we're here to help. This testing is done through a private lab, is more accurate and precise than the blood tests offered at the vet and is a fraction of the cost. Visit the Nutrition and Wellness page of our website for more information!
"Do I need to wait for you outside for pick up?"
You do not need to wait for us outside but you can if you'd like. We'll text you when we're about 5 minutes away. Please make sure that your dog has gone to the bathroom just before our arrival. Our pickup schedules are generally full, which means your dog could be with us in the truck for a bit.
"My dog gets car sick. Will you still pick them up?"
It's common for dogs to get car sick, especially if they're not used to being in a car or truck or if it makes them anxious. We have no problem picking them up for a visit but we ask for a heads up on this issue so we can be properly prepared for multiple stops with dog-friendly cleaning supplies, if needed.
"How and when do I pay?"
• Payment for ranch camps are due at time of scheduling and can be made online through your account. You'll be sent a link to your account at time of scheduling and directions on sending a Zelle payment can be found in the payment section of your account as well.
• Standard boarding payments are due prior to your dog's drop off back at home and can be made online through your account. Directions on sending a Zelle payment can be found in the payment section of your account as well. You'll receive the link to your account at the time of scheduling and then again with your reminder text. You can also pay cash in person at pick-up if cash is your preferred method of payment.
• Long term boarding (visits scheduled for more than 14 nights) require a 50% deposit prior to pick up with the remaining balance due prior to your dog's return home. Payment can be made online through your account. Directions on sending a Zelle payment can be found in the payment section of your account as well. You'll receive the link to your account at the time of scheduling and then again with your reminder text. You can also pay cash in person at pick-up if cash is your preferred method of payment.
• Training deposits are due at the time of scheduling to secure your dog's pick up date and time. Once your dog has completed our training program and drop-off back at home is scheduled, your remaining balance will become due. The final payment will have a due date of the day before their scheduled return home. You'll receive a link to your training account at time of scheduling. Payments can be made at any time and applied to your account leading up to their pick and return home.
DURING YOUR DOG'S VISIT
"Do you have cameras so I can watch my dog?"
We do not have live streaming cameras at the ranch. We do take pictures when we have the time to do so and will post them to IG when our schedule allows. Besides, you're sending your dog to us so that WE can watch them so you don't have to.
"I see you have off-leash hikes for some of the dogs. Can my dog go on these adventures too?"
Off-leash adventures are something we do regularly for dogs who have completed the off-leash portion of our board and train program. These dogs have excellent recall and obedience and have developed a trusting relationship with us so we are confident in having them off-leash solo or in a large pack for some fun and well-deserved freedom. We only include dogs whom we have developed this relationship with and trust their off-leash behavior. If your dog has not completed our program, they will not be permitted to attend an off-leash hike, even if they've completed a program elsewhere. If you'd like to have an obedient dog with a trusting, off-leash relationship please visit our TRAINING PAGE to learn more about our training programs.
"My dog is fearful and shy when around other dogs and doesn't really interact with them. I've been told they need to be socialized. Can you help with that during their visit?"
If your dog is not showing any signs of aggression but is just withdrawn, fearful, or shy when around other dogs then we can work with them during their visit if we happen to have compatible dogs with us during that time. We regularly socialize shy dogs to get them more comfortable in multi-dog environments and encourage them to play. This takes time and is not something you'll see a noticeable difference in within a few visits. But please know, that not all dogs want to be social. Actually, most are not. Most dogs are more independent and focused on their humans. There's nothing wrong with that. They should be able to coexist in a space with other dogs without issue but that doesn't mean they need to play if they don't want to. We don't force dogs to interact if they clearly have no interest. You wouldn't want to be forced to play nice and share space with someone you clearly didn't want to, right?
Proper socialization to build confidence and reduce fearful behavior encompasses many things and is not limited to sharing a space with other dogs. This takes time and dedication and may be difficult for people who already have full schedules. If your dog is withdrawn and fearful, that's not something easily or quickly fixed with occasional boarding. However, our board and train program allows us to work daily on these issues and building confidence is a core part of our program for dogs. Please visit our TRAINING PAGE for more information.
"My dog has shown aggression towards other dogs and I've been told they need to be socialized. Can you help with that during boarding?"
There are many reasons a dog will become reactive to others and the main concern should be figuring out the cause. You can't fix an issue without knowing what the root of the problem is and behavior doesn't just rectify itself without intervention. If your dog shows aggression towards others while in our care, we cannot socialize your dog during standard boarding. They will get lots of human interaction, exercise, and activity with the family while they're with us but playtime with other dogs while in our care will be put on hold until they've completed a training program to rectify the problem. We'd be happy to discuss training options with you. Visit our TRAINING PAGE for more information.
"Will I get updates during my dog's visit?"
BOARDING - You're welcome to text at any time to check in and see how they're doing. You'll receive more information about updates during boarding after you've schedule your visit with us. If our schedule allows while your pup is with us, we will take pictures of playtime and activities and post them to our Instagram.
TRAINING - You'll receive a weekly update on how your dog is doing and what we're currently working on. You're welcome to text at any time to check in and see how they're doing.
"There haven't been any pictures posted during my dog's visit. Can I get a picture please?"
We understand that you'll miss your dog while they are with us and we're thankful you chose us for their visit. We do try to get welcome photos for all new visitors, when possible, and post them to Instagram when we're able. This means that if we're able to capture a welcome photo of your dog during their first visit, it may not be actually posted to Instagram until after they've returned home.
Pictures that are captured are only posted to Instagram, which auto posts them to our Facebook page. We do not send picture/video updates through text or email. If we offered to text pictures to one client, we'd have to do it for everyone. We are not a "facility" and do not have a "staff" so I'm sure you can understand that if we took the time to stop and text everyone pictures, we wouldn't have the time to provide the dogs in our care the attention they deserve so its not a service that we offer.
Our focus and priority are interacting with and caring for the dogs in our care so pictures and social media only happen when there's time. While we aim to get cute photos when possible and enjoy being able to capture them, our training schedule and other business/personal schedules don't always allow the time for pictures and posting. If there is time for taking pictures, they will be captured and posted. If we aren't posting pictures on a particular day or in a particular week, it's because our schedule or other unexpected things didn't allow the time to capture them.
YOUR DOG'S RETURN HOME
"What happens if I don't make it home in time to meet you?"
If we have the ability to move on with our transport schedule and circle back around to your home, we definitely will. If our schedule does not have the flexibility to allow for that and you will not be home within 10-15 minutes of our arrival, we unfortunately will have to move on and reschedule your dog's return for the next available day that we have transport ability. You will be responsible for the additional boarding fees.
"Why is my dog drinking so much?"
There are a wide variety of reasons why a dog may drink more water than usual after returning home from a visit with us.
Spending time with us for boarding, even dogs who are repeat visitors, experience a heightened level of excitement, physical activity and mental stimulation during their stay. This will cause a natural decompression period once they return home, which often requires extra hydration. It is common for dogs to need 48-72 hours to return to their normal routines, schedules and behavior. They may even be a little clingy to show you how much they missed you!
While we provide every visitor 24 hour access to clean drinking water, the excitement of having other dogs around and experiencing new activities can sometimes cause dogs to eat and drink less than they normally would. That is a normal response to boarding anywhere away from home and is expected, especially for new visitors. However, this sometimes means that upon return home an overstimulated or anxious pup may require extra hydration. This is also common and expected.
In all honestly, the most common reason your dog may be needing extra water is the truck ride home. Our transportation schedule is fully booked on most days, meaning that your dog is sharing the truck with 4-5 other dogs. While they are all crated, sharing a space with an unfamiliar dog may be a cause of increased stress or anxiety. This is especially so if it happens to be on a day that we are transporting one of our working dogs that is more vocal than what your dog may be used to.
"Why is my dog sleeping so much?"
Spending time with us for boarding, even dogs who are repeat visitors, experience a heightened level of excitement, physical activity and mental stimulation during their stay. This will cause a natural decompression period once they return home, which often requires extra sleep. It is common for dogs to need 48-72 hours to return to their normal routines, schedules and behavior. They may even be a little clingy to show you how much they missed you!
"Why isn't my dog eating?"
While it is a less common reaction to boarding away from home, dogs who have anxiety or are not used to being away from home and family may experience upset stomach or GI issues that don't show up until the excitement of returning home. . The unfamiliar environment, changes in routine, and overstimulation mean your dog is likely just decompressing and needing a moment to recover. To help your dog adjust, re-establish your normal at-home schedule right away and give them plenty of quiet space to rest if needed. They'll be back to their normal self in no time.
"Why is my dog dirty?"
During your dog's visit with us it is likely they experienced a variety of adventures that they are not used to at home. This may include hikes and walks to explore the property and off-leash play. Accidents happen and sometimes play time can be over the top, resulting in a mess that requires a bath. In those cases, we most definitely will bathe your dog during their visit because we want to keep all of the dogs comfortable and happy. However, if your dog has some dirty paws or other signs of a good time while visiting the ranch, we focus more on activities and leave the grooming up to you once they have returned home.
Dog Supplies Outlet has complimentary bathing stations that include shampoo and blow dryers. You'll need to provide your own towel or purchase one from them while there.
TRAINING
"What kind of training do you offer?"
We offer puppy, basic obedience, advanced obedience, service dog certification and special skill training. Each of our training programs starts with a consultation, so we can discuss your training concerns and goals with you. Every dog is unique, as are their needs. While our programs are designed to conquer all training needs, the training within the program is unique to the dog being trained.
Our training programs cover everything from leash manners and learning basic commands to reactivity and other behavioral needs.
If your dog has special needs or your family has special circumstances and you'd like a call to discuss them, just reach out to let us know and we'll schedule a call with you.
"Is there a type of training you don't do or can't help me with?"
We do not offer competition or personal protection training at this time.
"What breeds do you train?"
We train all breeds. Our training clients have ranged from a 5 lb Chihuahua who was not a fan of her new pack mate to Cane Corsos and Dogo Argentinos with reactivity to people and other dogs. The breed of your dog is not a concern to us and neither is whether they have been fixed or are still intact. What does matter to us is whether our style of training is a good fit for you and your dog and that is what our in-home consultation is designed to find out.
"What is the difference between your session training and your board and train programs?"
Do you want to be taught how to train your dog? Or would you prefer to have us train your dog and then teach you how to handle/work with them? That is the biggest difference between the two and the simplest explanation. The type of training we'd recommend is dependent on quite a few factors and is something we go over during the in-home consultation.
With session training, one-hour sessions are scheduled to train you how to train your dog. This is perfect for people who have the time to work with their dogs daily but just need guidance on how to accomplish goals. This is a great program for dogs who only need to work on the basics or in a problem area. Dogs who are successful in session training are very responsive to their owners, confident, and eager to please.
With board and train, we train your dog in our home and then let them show you their new set of skills when they've completed the program. This program is recommended for dogs who need more in-depth training, whose owners don't have the time to dedicate to training themselves, dogs who aren't responsive to their owner's attempts at training, dogs lacking confidence and socialization, and dogs with behavioral and social issues.
"How long does your board and train program take?"
There are four stages to a basic obedience board and train program that most dogs naturally pass through. Dogs that start confident and ready to learn naturally take about one week to pass through each stage. This is why experts agree that a four-week board and train program, regardless of the trainer, is the best starting point and estimate for ensuring the average dog’s success. Our board and train program was designed with the four weeks and four stages in mind.
There are things that affect the time it takes a dog to pass through each stage. Some are confident and eager to learn so they move quickly and finish the program early. Others lack socialization, are fearful, are a naturally stubborn breed or have reactivity issues that can make the program take longer for them. Most of our training clients return home in the 4-6 week time frame. Regardless of the time your dog is in our program, our pricing stays the same. There are no hidden or additional fees if we discover a problem area or if your dog is struggling a bit and needs a little extra help.
Every dog is unique as is their training journey.
"Do you take payments or offer payment plans?"
Session training fees are charged per session and are due the evening before your scheduled session. Your payment confirms your appointment for the following day.
All board and train programs require a deposit to schedule a pickup date. The remaining balance is due the evening before your dog's scheduled return home. You can make payments to your account in any amount at any time leading up to the day that it is due, which gives you the flexibility of developing your own payment plan. If you'd prefer we auto-draft a specific amount on specific dates, we can set up an autopay payment plan for you. Just let us know. Regardless of the pay plan method you decide, your account's balance is due in full prior to your dog's return home. This prevents the issue of nonpayment and the potential for theft of services. Our priority is to help dogs and their families and our training clients receive assistance from us for the life of their dog so our goal is to maintain a positive relationship without the stress of failed promises to pay. With that in mind, many of our clients schedule their dog's training pickup a couple of months in advance so that they have more time to make payments to their account.