What Happens During Social Saturdays?
A 2-hour professionally supervised group session where demo dogs model appropriate behavior, handlers actively manage interactions, and you learn alongside your dog.
How the First Part Works: Arrival Protocol
When you arrive for your session:
- Text us: Send a text to (720) 534-5189 with “Arrived + [Dog Name]”
- Wait in car: Stay in your vehicle with your dog until a staff member comes to greet you
- We’ll come get you: A handler will escort you and your dog directly into the facility (no waiting in lobby with other dogs)
- Decompression: Brief 5-minute calming period before joining the group
Why this matters: Prevents barrier frustration at the front door, allows us to greet each dog individually, and sets a calm tone from the start.
Session Flow: Two Hours Hour by Hour
Arrival & Controlled Entry
Dogs arrive individually (no mobbing at gate). Each dog is greeted by a certified handler who performs a brief stress assessment. Dogs wait in a calming area until they’re showing relaxed body language before joining the group.
Demo Dogs Set the Tone
Our highly trained demo dogs enter first. They model calm greetings, appropriate play invitations, and healthy self-interruption. New dogs watch and learn before participating.
Structured Introductions with Consent Testing
Handlers guide each greeting. Every interaction includes a consent test: one dog is briefly held while we observe the other’s choice to re-engage. This teaches dogs they control proximity. Owners learn what genuine consent looks like.
Supervised Free Play (45 minutes)
Handlers maintain 10-foot proximity at all times. Demo dogs remain in the group as appropriate role models. Real-time intervention before over-arousal escalates. Brief “time outs” for dogs who need reset. Regular consent tests throughout.
Individual Coaching Moment
Each dog gets 5 minutes one-on-one with a handler. We practice specific skills that need work: threshold management, recall away from play, or calming exercises. Owners observe the techniques to practice at home.
Gradual Cooldown & Documentation
Dogs are separated gradually to prevent frustration. Each dog receives a brief stress signal check. Session notes are recorded in your dog’s file. Written report emailed within 24 hours with video highlights.
Meet Our Demo Dogs: Canine Teachers
Two male Chocolate Labradors—highly trained with extensive socialization and service-dog-for-dog training
Both demo dogs are resident dogs trained specifically for C-SIP work—meaning they respond appropriately to social signals, respect boundaries, never escalate conflicts, and actively teach other dogs through modeling.
Muzzle Training: An Option, Not a Punishment
Muzzle training is a safety tool, not a sign of failure. Some dogs may be required to wear a muzzle during initial sessions until they demonstrate consistent impulse control. This keeps everyone safe while learning.
Our philosophy: We don’t trust any dog 100%—even our highly trained demo dogs. That’s why we maintain high-pressure hoses, stringent pre-evaluation, and continuous supervision. Safety isn’t about trust, it’s about protocol.
Physical Safety Equipment
On-site: High-pressure hose for emergency intervention, catch pens for separation, first aid kit, hemostatic agents, pressure bandages
Why the hose: Most effective emergency intervention tool—allows handlers to separate dogs without putting hands near mouths. Required equipment for any professional group socialization program.
Why We’re This Cautious
Canine socialization carries inherent risks. Even well-intentioned dogs can cause injury. Our stringent protocols (evaluation required, muzzle option maintained, high-pressure hose present) aren’t because we expect failure—they’re because we respect the reality of canine behavior.
Zero Level 4+ bites in 3 years isn’t luck. It’s engineering.
What You’ll Do During Sessions
- Text “Arrived” to (720) 534-5189 when you pull in
- Wait in car until handler comes to greet you
- Bring dog on secure harness and 6-foot leash
- Complete brief behavioral questionnaire
- Position at designated observation area
- Watch and listen: handlers narrate what they see
- Ask questions during handler breaks
- Do NOT intervene unless handler directs you
- Stay for full 2 hours
- Receive verbal handoff report at end
- Text “Arrived” to (720) 534-5189 when you pull in
- Wait in car until handler greets you
- Brief check-in on arrival (2-3 minutes)
- You may stay and observe anytime (encouraged!)
- Return for pickup at session end (12:55 PM)
- Review written report in client portal within 24 hours
- Video clips of your dog’s key moments included
- Graduation consultation after 6 sessions
Hard Questions From Dog Owners (We Welcome Skepticism)
That’s exactly what the evaluation day is for. If your dog shows us they’re not ready for group, we’ll tell you honestly. We’ll recommend C-SIP stay-and-train instead. We won’t place your dog in a situation that sets them up to fail.
Not a failure: Some dogs need individual work first. That’s appropriate, not shameful. We’ll never blame you or your dog.
We prevent this through evaluation, careful matching, and constant supervision. But here’s the honest answer:
If a fight occurs: Handlers intervene immediately using least-invasive methods. Both dogs checked for injury. You’ll be notified within 5 minutes. Incident report filed within 24 hours. We’ll discuss whether your dog needs C-SIP before returning to group.
Medical: We have canine first aid kit, hemostatic agents, pressure bandages. Emergency vet on speed dial. Fully insured. Zero Level 4+ bites in 3 years.
We’ll be honest about what your dog needs. If we recommend C-SIP, we’ll explain exactly why and provide a clear cost estimate.
No pressure: You can decline C-SIP and pursue individual training elsewhere. The $175 evaluation is a standalone service—you’re paying for professional assessment, not a sales pitch.
Package deal: If you enroll in C-SIP after evaluation, we’ll credit $75 of the evaluation fee toward your program cost.
Board-and-train creates handler-dependent dogs. Your dog learns to respond to our handlers, not you. Then you pick up a trained dog and have no idea how to maintain it.
Our model: We teach YOU to be fluent in your dog’s language. That skill transfers to walks, vet visits, and your home. It’s harder upfront but creates sustainable, long-term success.
High-pressure hose is the most effective emergency intervention tool—it allows handlers to separate fighting dogs without putting hands near mouths. Required equipment for any professional group socialization program.
We don’t spray dogs: It’s used in emergency fight situations only. Far safer than reaching into a fight. We never use it for punishment or control.
Ready to See It In Action?
All dogs start with evaluation. Then you’ll know exactly what track fits your dog.
First-timer tip: Most owners are nervous. That’s normal. Our handlers are trauma-informed and will guide you through every step. You and your dog are safe here.
