Dog Training Client Intake Checklist: What to Ask Before Session One

A useful intake process gathers enough context to plan a safe, relevant first conversation without collecting information just because a form can. Adapt this checklist to your service, local requirements, and professional scope.

Before the first appointment

• People and logistics: primary contact, preferred contact method, household participants, location, access instructions, and scheduling constraints.
• Dog basics: name, age or estimated age, breed or mix if known, household animals, and who will attend sessions.
• Training goals: what the owner would like to change, what a useful outcome would look like to them, and which situations are hardest.
• History and context: prior training, current routines, relevant environment, and what has or has not been helpful so far.
• Safety and health: ask about bite or injury history, triggers, handling sensitivities, relevant health concerns, and veterinary guidance. Clarify that the trainer is not replacing veterinary care.
• Expectations: explain the service format, who should participate, cancellation and payment terms, and how progress or homework will be shared.

Review before you plan

Read the answers before the appointment. Identify missing details that affect safety or suitability, then ask only the follow-up questions needed to decide the next step. If the situation is outside your competence or requires medical assessment, pause and refer appropriately.

Keep the record useful and respectful

Collect only information you need to deliver the service. Tell clients how information will be used, limit access to people who need it for the work, and keep sensitive details out of general notes when a restricted record is available.

Copyable intake outline

1. Owner’s goals and preferred outcome
2. Dog and household context
3. Relevant behavior, handling, health, and safety history
4. Current routines and environments
5. Prior support and what the owner found useful
6. Service fit, next step, and agreed expectations

Use the checklist as a conversation guide, not a diagnosis or a substitute for judgment. See the evaluation workflow and public Help Center for related product guidance.

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