Policies
Please review the following before attending your first class. The following policies and procedures have been designed to keep our classes enjoyable for everyone.
You are welcome to come visit our facility and observe our training program before you register for a class. Please call us ahead of time to learn the best time to observe a class, and check in at the front desk when you arrive.
CLASS FEES
Payment in full secures your space in the class. Your registration in a class is not finalized until your spot has been paid for.
No refunds or transfers will be made after your class starts.
If you cancel or request a transfer at least 4 business days before your class is scheduled to begin, you will receive a full refund or transfer. For cancellations and transfer requests with less than 4 business days notice, refund and transfer availability will be based on if your space can be filled with another student.
In the event of class interruption due to COVID-19 orders requiring business closures, it is possible that your class format may be changed from in-person class to online learning.
Check here for FAQ about signing up for Competition Obedience classes.
WHO CAN ATTEND CLASS?
We strictly limit class attendance to one person per dog, this person must be an adult 18 years of age or older. This is to help both dogs and humans remain more focused, as well as adhering to the occupancy limitations of our facility. Please plan your schedule accordingly so this works for your family. Each week you will receive an email with video demonstrations and written information that you can share with others in your household. We will enforce this policy and ask additional people to wait outside in their vehicle.
Female dogs who are in season are not allowed to attend Beginning or Intermediate Obedience classes. Please contact us and we will work with you to reschedule you to online learning or to finish your session with a different group once your female is out of season.
Instructors reserve the right to excuse any dog/handler team which may be a danger to themselves or others, is not in control, seems ill or injured, or is disruptive to the class.
PLEASE leave sick dogs at home!!
COVID-19 STUDENT CONSIDERATIONS
PLEASE STAY HOME FROM CLASS IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING ARE TRUE:
You or anyone in your household has knowingly been exposed to anyone who is COVID-positive. We ask that even if you receive a negative COVID test result, please complete a full 10 day quarantine from the last known exposure.
You or anyone in your household feels sick with COVID-like symptoms.
You or anyone in your household is awaiting COVID test results.
You or anyone in your household has tested positive for COVID within the last 10 days.
We will be happy to catch you up, send you online lessons, or help you to reschedule your class if your absence is prolonged.
Please click here for more information relating to COVID-19 Precautions & Considerations for Students
EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
Dogs must be on a 4' or 6' leash at all times in Puppy Kindergarten & Beginning Obedience classes.
No retractable leashes allowed.
No clickers allowed in group classes. Experience has shown us that this tool is very disruptive is a group class environment. Instead, we encourage the use of Marker Words (like "YES!") to mark great behaviors in our dogs.
Dogs enrolled in Beginning Obedience classes will be required to have a leather leash & appropriate training collar (buckle, martingale, or prong) by the second week of class. We will discuss this equipment on the first night of class, and will have appropriate items available for your purchase if you choose.
Choke chains, Gentle Leaders, and harnesses will NOT be allowed in Beginning and Intermediate Obedience classes. Puppies enrolled in Puppy Kindergarten may wear harnesses during that class.
VACCINATIONS
Proof of vaccination is required before the first night of your class.
PUPPY FAST TRACK & PUPPY KINDERGARTEN - We require puppies to have had at least two boosters of Distemper and Parvovirus vaccinations before they attend class. Many puppies are too young to have had Rabies before their class starts, that's OK. Please send us proof of their Rabies vaccination when they receive it.
BEGINNING & INTERMEDIATE OBEDIENCE - We require adult dogs to be up to date on their Distemper, Parvovirus, and Rabies vaccinations before attending class.
PLEASE leave sick dogs at home!!
DURING CLASS
Please potty your dog when you arrive, before coming into the facility even if they went just before you left home. You are responsible for cleaning up after your dog, both inside and outside. Use the designated dog potty area only; do not allow your dog to potty on the landscaping and grass directly around the building.
Doors will be designated Entrance and Exit Only. Please respect this guidance.
Classes involve walking & running, and require appropriate footwear. No flip-flops or sandals allowed.
Please advise us of any food allergies or intolerances that your dog has. We use food treats while training the dogs. We encourage you to bring small soft treats that your dog likes and tolerates well.
Please be respectful of other students by keeping your dog as quiet as possible so that all may hear class instruction. We will help you learn how to keep your dog quiet.
Instructors reserve the right to excuse any dog/handler team which may be a danger to themselves or others, is not in control, seems ill or injured, or is disruptive to the class.
CAN MY DOG PLAY WITH OTHER DOGS?
Our obedience classes are focused on your relationship with your dog in a public setting, not on social time with other dogs.
We have always encouraged all students to prevent their adult dogs from visiting with one another, for their own safety. Some dogs come to us with behavioral issues and do not like to visit with other dogs. Many adult dogs do not like puppies and may bite them. Keeping your dog to yourself will keep him safe.
Keeping your dog to yourself will help him learn to focus on you, rather than becoming overexcited by other dogs.
MISSED CLASSES
If possible, notify us ahead of time if you are going to miss class.
If your dog is sick or has had surgery, please leave him or her at home. You are encouraged to attend class without your dog, so that you can see what was covered in class and practice at home when your dog is well.
If you are sick, please stay home!! We will be happy to catch you up, send you online lessons, or help you to reschedule your class if your absence is prolonged.
At this time we do NOT offer in-person makeup classes, but we are more than happy to share the lessons with you via online videos and handouts.