Because our classes are limited to 8-10 students per class, classes frequently fill weeks in advance. Last minute cancellations and transfers can wreak havoc with the balance of the class registrations. Please check your calendar carefully and plan to attend the class you sign up for.
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The First Class:
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Puppy Pre-School,
Kindergarten or Headstart:
THE FIRST WEEK ORIENTATION CLASS IS FOR OWNERS ONLY!
"Properly
trained, a man CAN be a dog's best friend."
We train the human end of the leash week one. We'll introduce exercises you
can practice at home so your dog will be ready to join us for the second week.
If your dog is shy and would benefit from an extra class exposure, or your dog
would be comfortable working with the instructor and has "demo potential"
please contact us about bringing your dog week one.
(Dogs will attend the first week in classes beyond entry level - Prep, Finishing School, Fundamentals, Take it on the Road, Performing Arts & beyond, dogs DO attend week one.)
Who to bring:
Family consistency is extremely important. We encourage interested
family members to attend. Older, well-behaved children
are welcome - those who will take an active part in the dog's class training.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Please, no bare feet, thongs, or high-heels - for comfort's sake, wear low-heeled walking shoes. You're welcome to bring a blanket or small mat for your dog's use in class. In wet or snowy weather, bring a towel for drying your dog's feet and fur. In warm weather, bring an unbreakable bowl so your dog can have a drink.
Week
two:
Bring your dog hungry
and well exercised.
Remember that we will be using food rewards in class - if he's just polished
off a big meal, he'll be less enthused about working. Bring enticing
treats to class as you will be competing for his attention in a rich and
novel environment! If your dog isn't motivated to work for food, these two articles
may help: Work to Earn and Motivation.
Equipment:
You will need a snug-fitting buckle or Premier type collar, or
whatever collar you are currently using; a 4-6 foot leash: leather is best,
nylon is o.k. - NO CHAIN LEASHES,
choke chain collars or retractable Flexi leads, please. Your instructor
may recommend an alternative training collar or additional equipment during
your class. We will help you select the most appropriate equipment for your
particular dog. Collars, leads and other pet supplies are available onsite.
Motivators & Rewards:
Experiment at home with different types of foods to find good
motivators for your dog - bring a variety and generous amount of small,
soft, extra wonderful food treats with you to class each week. Cut down (or
eliminate) your dog's dinner on class night!
Clean-up!
Bring a baggie (or two!)
for clean-up. Please be fastidious in picking up after
your dog. A potty area and disposal bucket is provided on the south side of
the building. Do not allow your dog to use buildings or shrubbery as pee posts
and thank you for keeping your pups off our neighbor's lawns. Our thanks for
respecting our neighboring businesses and their customers.
TRANSFERS, CANCELLATIONS AND MAKE-UPS
Because our classes are limited to 8-10 students per class, our classes frequently fill weeks in advance. Last minute cancellations and transfers can wreak havoc with the balance of the class registrations. Please check your calendar carefully and plan to attend the class you sign up for. Should an emergency or illness occur, please notify us by email as early as possible to make arrangements for transfer to a future class.
Transfers must be taken within 60 days. No refunds after week 2.
IF YOU MUST MISS A CLASS OR HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE
CONTACT YOUR INSTRUCTOR (as stated on the online class
schedule) by phone or email - see below - or call 328-6959.
Instructor contact list:
