FAQs

What kind of payments do you accept?

We accept cash, check or VENMO @Kathy-Forthman

Do you offer a free initial consult?

No, but you are welcome to observe a group class one time (without your dog) before signing up. Please ask us when would be a good day to observe.

Do you offer a refund?

We do not offer refunds once the session has started.

What tools can I use in dog training sessions or classes?

We allow flat collars, nylon martingale collars, harnesses, head halters, and 4 or 6 foot leashes. We do not allow: retractable leashes, prong collars, choke collars, e-collars/stim collars.

Why do puppies have to complete puppy class by the time they are 16 weeks old?

Because the prime time for socialization is before the age of 16 weeks — when a puppy is most open to new people, places and things.  We include off leash play as part of puppy class because of this.  Beyond 16 weeks we do not feel including off leash play is as critical.

What vaccinations are required to participate in group classes?

For puppy class, we require at least the first set of distemper/parvo vaccine (DAPP) which is usually given at 6 weeks. We require this vaccine be given by a licensed veterinarian or reviewed by a veterinarian. Puppies need to have vaccines at least 5-7 days before beginning puppy class. For any other class, we require DAPP and rabies (or a titer test showing current immunity). Most veterinarians also highly recommend the kennel cough vaccine (bordatella) for dogs participating in group classes.

What is positive reinforcement training/force-free training?

This type of training rewards the dog when they get it right and redirects or teaches an alternate behavior for undesirable things like jumping on people. We do not train using any types of punishment (hitting, yelling, prong collars, e-collars) and instead use rewards to train the dog. Many, many studies have shown that reward-based force-free methods create a better bond between owner and dog, help dogs learn faster, and have less negative, long-term consequences (fear).

What types of dogs do not do well in a group class?

Dogs who present with severe fear about other dogs and/or people, or dogs who have aggression or reactivity towards dogs or people are not good candidates for a group dog training class. These type of dogs learn much more effectively in a private session. *Reactivity describes dogs who bark, lunge, growl at other dogs or people while on leash.

How can I reserve a spot in a group class?

By paying in full via cash, check or VENMO, your spot is secure. We do not offer online registration for classes. Review the Class Schedule to find open classes and then send us your Registration Inquiry form. Once we confirm the class with you, your spot is reserved with your payment.

Can I come to observe a class?

We are happy to have you observe one class without your dog before signing up, but please ask us when would be a good day to observe.

Can children attend group classes? How many humans can attend class with each dog?

Due to space constraints, we allow 2 humans to attend with each dog. We are happy to have children of the appropriate age attend with their dog. We have found children under the age of 7/8 cannot sit still for an hour long class and not be disruptive to their parent.

What is the normal progression through the different class levels?

If you bring a young puppy into your family, we highly encourage you to enroll in our Puppy Right Start class as long as he/she has had their first round of distemper/parvo vaccine at least a week before the first class. If you bring an older puppy or adult dog into your family, Basic Manners is the correct group class to begin with. Recommended progression:

Puppy Right Start (Preschool)

Basic Manners (Grade School/Elementary School)

Focus & Fun (Middle School)

Intermediate Manners (High School)

Community Canine (College)

Any Fun Class (Scent, Tricks, etc)

Can my dog attend a group class if she goes into heat during the session?

It depends on the reproductive status of the rest of the dogs in the session. If all the other dogs in the session are females or neutered males, then a dog in heat can attend with secure panties on. If there are any unneutered males also in the session, the dog in heat needs to stay home from classes until the heat cycle is over.

I want my dog to become a therapy dog, where do I start?

Therapy dogs bring joy and happiness to people while visiting locations like schools, nursing homes, hospitals. etc. (not to be confused with service dogs, who provide assistance to their owners to mitigate a documented disability). Therapy dogs are born and not made, the dog needs to be born with a temperament where they seek out and enjoy attention from humans other then their owner. If you determine that this describes your dog, I would recommend starting with Basic Manners. They will learn how to pay attention to your directions even when out in public around people & other dogs. They will also practice calmly greeting people, loose leash walking and “leave it”, all important skills for dogs visiting in the community. I would also suggest connecting with a legitimate therapy dog group who can educate you about the process to having your dog certified through their organization. There is no national therapy dog certification in the US, but each therapy dog organization has their own assessment.

I want my dog to become a service dog, where do I start?

Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks for someone with a documented disability. They can do things like: alert to low blood pressure or seizures, support someone who has trouble getting up and down from furniture, alert to important sounds for hearing impaired people, provide deep pressure for anxiety/panic attacks. In the US, there is no national certification for service dogs. You can adopt an already trained service dog from a reputable SD organization, or you can find an experienced SD trainer to help you train your own dog. If you decide to train your own dog, I highly suggest having a knowleagble trainer help you pick the dog out. Not all dogs are cut out for service work and can handle the rigors of working in public. Once the dog has been selected, starting with puppy class or Basic Manners should be the next step. Here is a great resource for those considering a service dog:

https://apdt.com/answers-to-common-questions-about-service-dogs/

https://assistancedogsinternational.org/main/looking-for-an-assistance-dog/