Questions about Group or Private Sessions? or call (508) 892-3275.
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Obedience Class Overview
You MUST clean up after your dog. Failure to do so could result in our not being able to use the facility, so please come prepared with pooper-scooper or paper towels and small trash bags.
Dogs must remain a MINIMUM of 3 feet apart during class. Your dog may react differently in a crowd and become distracted, timid, stressed, or even agressive. Dogs will become socialized more smoothly if they have a little space.
Dogs are to remain on-leash at all times. There are homes nearby and my agreement with the facility reauires that dogs remain on-leash. Distance commands are taught using a 15- to 20-foot longline. We are not the only users of the facility and cars come and go quite often. Please stay within the marked area with your dog, except when entering and exiting the lot.
Absolutely no chain leashes! Too easily, they can get wrapped around another dog or person. No retractable leashes...they are not appropriate for training.
Dogs must be at least 14 weeks of age to attend a group class, and must have had all their shots. This prevents the spread of some serious and fatal diseases. Puppies are especially vulnerable to these quickly spreading epidemics.
Orientation (1st wk) is without dogs. This is so that the trainer can review general techniques, rules and equipment list and conduct a question-and-answer session about current concerns owners want to begin addressing at home (i.e. housebreaking, barking at the door, digging, etc.).
No choke collars without express permission and good reason. Haltis / Gentle Leaders are the best solution for a too-strong or out-of-control dog, or one that pulls too much. (If you MUST use a choke collar, I will show you the correct way to use one...you do NOT let the dog pull against it.)
No damaged or frayed equipment. If your dog has a tendency to aggressively chew a leather and/or nylon leash, try using Bitter Apple or Bitter Break spray on the item. You MUST spray this directly in the dog's mouth before you use it for the first time, so the dog will be very turned off by the taste and avoid chewing items that have the smell on them.
Please transport dogs to class in a dog crate or use a harness that attaches to the seatbelt. Crates are the safest and can also be cross-tied in the back seat or in the back of a truck. It may save the dog's life, especially if someone has limited time to "rescue" the dog.
NEVER LEAVE A DOG UNATTENDED IN A VEHICLE IN DIRECT SUN, HOT WEATHER OR FREEZING TEMPERATURES!...the temperature inside a vehichle can get over 100 degrees in 10 minutes, and dogs can't sweat.
To act as a handler in a group class, children must be at least 12 years old and not physically overpowered by the dog. Children under 16 must have an adult teammate. Children under 12 OBSERVING a class must be supervised by a non-participating adult.
AT THIS POINT IN TIME, CLASSES ARE HELD IN LEICESTER, MA, AND THERE IS NO INDOOR FACILITY AVAILABLE. Class will be held if the weather is not too bad, but not if it is raining steadily, or snowing hard or if the weather is dangerous for driving. I will call you if class is cancelled, but if in doubt, call Terry at (508) 892-3275 to find out if class is being held. I try to post cancellations in the "Announcements" section of the Forum, unless I'm not able to get online...so if nothing is posted there, contact me...if I DID post a cancellation, that is reliable.
The trainer reserves the right to prevent an animal's return to class until defective equipment is replaced or if the trainer believes the dog is dangerous or seriously ill. IF YOU EXPECT YOUR DOG TO HAVE SERIOUS ISSUES WITH OTHER DOGS, please call me when you sign up so we can discuss safety precautions and techniques until he is cured of his problem. Every situation is different.
If you prefer to arrive a few minutes early to practice privately with your dog, please do so away from the class already in progress.