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Diamonds in the Ruff

First week orientation - for Beginning classes:  Preschool, Kindergarten & Headstart

Week one - don't forget!

 

Please remember to fill out your:

On-line Student profile & release form

 (the online registration form is not the student profile)
 


​If you haven't already sent it, please bring to the first class with you:

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  • Veterinary permission slip You have until week 2 to bring it since your dog doesn't attend week 1.)  

    Don't wait til the last minute to get this signed - take it to your vet right away!  
    You will be very disappointed if you find out you can't start when you planned because they are unable to sign your form!  There is a $75 transfer fee to switch to a future class if it's too late to fill your spot if you can't come.  The vet slip is a downloadable pdf for you to print and take to your veterinarian. Many vets keep blank copies at their clinic and some will even email them to us to save you a trip. 

  • Class tuition - If you haven't already mailed your check to DITR - 3400 N. Monroe, 99205 - be sure to bring your tuition payment with you to class.  Cash or check will be accepted at the training studio.  (We are unable to accept debit or credit cards at the training studio.  If you wish to pay via credit card, please do so here.)

WEEK ONE ORIENTATION - Preschool, Kindergarten and Headstart
The first week of the beginning classes is "people training" - pups stay home.

Why? Because the one doing most of the learning isn't really the dog, it's the trainer!     Week one is training for YOU!

​Your dog is reliant on you to teach him what he needs to know!  You are learning the lessons in class so you can practice and teach your dog at home.  We focus on 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, please contact us about bringing your dog week one. (Registering for an intermediate or advanced class?  Dogs DO attend week one.)

 

If you would like to volunteer your dog to be the demo dog for the first week orientation, please REPLY TO YOUR CONFIRMATION EMAIL to inquire if we are in need of a demo dog.


 

WEEK TWO  
- (or If your dog is selected to be a demo dog for week one) please:
 

  • bring your dog on a well-fitted flat buckle collar or harness and nylon or leather leash. (No retractable (flexi) leashes, chain leashes or metal collars. Absolutely no shock collars allowed on the premises.)  More information on equipment here: Equipment Choices

  • make sure your dog is hungry, well-exercised and well-emptied.

  • bring a non-squeaky pacifier toy to occupy him during lecture times.

  • bring a rug or a mat for him to lie on.  Be sure to practice during the week so it will be easier for your dog settle at your feet - here is an excellent video on teaching relaxation and how to settle.

  • bring high value, small, soft, smelly, tasty food rewards that your dog is "to die for" so you can reward him during class.  If your dog is on a special diet or is picky, you'll find some great suggestions here!

  • bring a bottle of water and unbreakable bowl so your dog can have a drink during class, perhaps a towel to wipe up spills.

  • Put all your supplies in a tote bag to make entering and exiting as easy as possible.  (You may wish to bring your supplies in first and select your seat and then go back out and get your pup!)
     

 

Next, please review:
Who & What to Bring to Class
Additional Tips for Success in the Classroom
Kids in the classroom
Make-ups

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Resources for New Puppy Owners

Please don't take your puppy to the dog park!

 

A good demo dog should be:

  • friendly, outgoing, comfortable with new people
     

  • food motivated, hungry and willing to take food from someone new
     

  • able to wait reasonably quietly during discussion or other dogs' demo time
     

A good demo dog need not be:

  • perfectly behaved - if your wild child jumps up, we can show how to teach him to keep four on the floor!
     

  • trained - the goal is to have dogs who don't know much, so the audience can see them learn

Georgies first day of school2.jpg

Safety first!
Make sure your dog is on a well-fitted collar or harness and leashed before you let him out of the car.  Hold the leash at all times.

Please keep your dog and children close to you. Avoid letting your dog or child wander uninvited into another dog or human's space or party when other dogs are trying to pay attention to their owners. Please respect the personal space of all the dogs, including the instructor's dogs. 

You are your dog's advocate. Do not force him to endure another dog or person's unwanted advances if it makes him uncomfortable.

For more information, visit our Behavior FAQ articles to help you between now and when class begins.

(c) Diamonds in the Ruff - all rights reserved

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