Preparing for an in-home dog-training visit

Trainers solve the behavior they can see, so help them see it: take short phone videos of the problem behavior (door reactivity, leash pulling, counter surfing) during the week before the visit — safely, without provoking a serious incident.

Have ready: your dog's vaccine records, current food and treat details, the gear you actually use (leash, harness, crate), and a one-paragraph daily routine — feeding, walks, alone time. Note exactly when the problem behavior started and what has changed since.

Decide who should attend: everyone who handles the dog should hear the plan firsthand. And ask the trainer beforehand whether they want the dog exercised or rested before session one — different methods start differently, and a good trainer will tell you their preference.