Lesson #1 Details
Once you have been confirmed that you are in the class, please take the time to read all the details below, as it is important for Lesson One.
Please note: Workshops and Seminars information is listed at the bottom of this page.
WHAT TO BRING:
1) Dogs can be on a buckle collar / martingale collar / head halter / harness (prefer no-pull harness). We proudly teach without choke chains, prong (pinch) collars or shock collars and do not allow the use of them in our buildings. Thank you .
2) A regular nylon or leather leash, not retractable. Available at our training centres.
3) Semi-moist treats are best. We do carry appropriate treats at our training centres.
4) Waist pouch to hold treats. It is far easier to have a waist bag that holds your dog training items such as treats, clicker (if used) and extra pick up bags. We do have waist bags available at each of our locations.
ATTENDANCE: Class attendance is important. If you miss a class, please call. You can then follow along in your class workbook and see us at the beginning of the following class for a few tips.
EXERCISE AND FEEDING: It is best for most dog’s to exercise before classes (don’t overdo it!) You may choose to give your dog a smaller meal or biscuit before class and feed him later on, just for his class night.
YOUR CLOTHING: Comfort is a must. Running shoes are ideal (high heels are tricky). You may find many of your dog's classmates jumping and having fun during the class, so casual pants are also suggested.
**Please bring an extra pair of dry shoes to wear in the training hall during the winter, or inclement weather. We do not allow outdoor boots to be worn in the training halls. Thanks.
WHO TRAINS? Our classes are designed to teach you how to teach your dog. With this in mind, it is best to have a maximum of 2 family members work with the dog during a class. It is important that both handlers know the lessons. Please do not send in a handler in your absense that has not been in attendance at the lessons. Some exceptions apply, so please feel free to contact our office to discuss.
We do ask that any young people under
the age of 12 please be spectators only for the classes. We would love to have them come and watch, and would encorage them to do so.
Kids training kids is not always the best combo. If you have a very keen and dedicated pre-teen, please feel free to discuss this policy with your instructor. A second adult should accompany very young children and no children under 18 years of age are to be dropped off alone.
Intermediate classes and Sports require that the handler/dog team be consistent (only one handler should be involved), as many of the exerices are handler skills that require practice.
STOOP & SCOOP: Please be responsible for you own dog, both inside and outside of our training building.
EQUIPMENT: We will be happy to help you choose the training equipment that is right for you and your dog (collar, no-pull harness, head halter). If you are unsure as to what training equipment would suite you and your dog, please wait until you join us on lesson #1 and we will be happy to assist. Most of the equipment is available at our locations for a reduced cost.
TIME: We will ask you to come and settle in before your class starts. Coming 10 - 15 minutes early is perfect. For classes held at our Parliament Street location, it can get a bit crowded in the retail area of Urbandog, so it is best to judge your timing accordingly. Thanks.
We will ask that you wait until the class before yours is finished before entering our training hall. Please come directly into your class 10 minutes before your start time and socialize your dog…and yourselves!
LOCATION and PARKING: You can check the details (address, parking, entrance way) by clicking onto "locations" at the top of this page.
BAD WEATHER ? : If you think your class might be cancelled in the winter due to a storm, please call our office 2 hours prior to your scheduled class (1 hour on Saturday mornings) for an update. Most of the time, class will be held.
WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS : Please read the above for general details and information.
For Reactive Rover and Puppy Seminars - As much as we would love to meet your dogs, these are people-only seminars. A notebook and pen might be handy.
For Total Recall - you need 2 things...a helper to hold your dog, and tons of tasty treats!