Training Tips

Our goal is to train you to train your dog. While you will be the dog’s teacher, both of you will be students. It is our goal to show you how to make your dog a better member of society, to have fun while both of you are learning, and to develop a lifetime of trust, respect and friendship between you and your dog.

There are many ways to motivate and instruct your dogs. We all train our dogs differently and different things work for different dogs. If you feel your dog is not responding to one method, please feel free to speak to your instructor or assistant about using alternative techniques.

Because all dogs are different, they will learn at different paces. Do not judge your dog’s progress by comparing it to other dogs in the class.

How successful you and your dog are will depend on your willingness to take instruction, be open to new ideas, and your ability to spend about 5-10 minutes per day practicing that week’s lesson.

Regular class attendance is a encouraged, for each week’s lesson builds on the previous one. If you are unable to attend a class, let your instructor know.

It’s a good idea to wear casual clothing and comfortable shoes to class. (Tennis shoes or soft-soled shoes are requested.) No flip-flops or high heels.

Do not leave your dog unattended or allow your dog to sniff and/or visit other dogs. Be respectful of dogs in crates and do not approach.

Please clean up after your dog. Baggies are located by the doors and outside in the black mailbox. Should your dog have an accident inside please use the buckets on the gates to clean it up.

Children who are not the handlers should observe from the sideline preferably with an adult and remain seated. A child may be the handler per the instructor and director of obedience's discretion. Please do not allow children to visit with other dogs or get near kenneled dogs or play on equipment. This is for both your child and the dogs safety.

Refrain from feeding your dog before class. Your dog will be less likely to have an accident in the building or your car. We will be using food as a reward, and a slightly hungry dog will be more likely to work for their meal. You can then feed them when you get home after class or use their dinner as part of your treats.

Bring treats. What works one night might not work the next time. Small, soft treats are recommended.

Most dogs are stressed on their first few visits to our building. It is a new environment with strange sights, sounds, and smells. Your dog may begin to scratch at his/her collar, pant heavily, bark, pull to get at the other dogs and not respond to rewards. This is normal; do not get discouraged. Take the skills you have learned in class and practice them in low-distraction environments, gradually increasing the distraction level. Typically your dog will be far less stressed after a few visits and able to work with you in class. Don’t give up!

No dog will be allowed to participate in class without proof of vaccinations by the first night of class.