Before You Come To Class

Thank you for registering for one of our Group Classes.  Please read this entire page, as it contains important class information.

For In-person Group Classes:

  • For the first session of BASIC TRAINING ONLY, we meet WITHOUT DOGS. All other classes, dogs will attend session #1. 
  • Vaccination requirements:
    • All dogs must be current on rabies, distemper, and parvo vaccinations. We DO accept titers for distemper and parvo.
    • For puppies, we need age-appropriate vaccinations, so if they have not had their full set of vaccinations yet, including rabies, that is ok!
    • You might also consider bordetella for kennel cough but we DO NOT require it. (Much like the flu vaccines for humans, they work with certain strains but do not guarantee your dog won’t contract a strain not covered by the vaccine.)
  • Equipment you will need for class:
    • OPTIONAL: We encourage you to try clicker training. We sell clickers/wrist coils for $2 or you may bring your own. For more information on clickers, click here.
    • Six-foot or eight-foot leash. Retractable or flexi-leads are NOT allowed in class.
    • Properly fitted flat buckle collar, martingale collar, head halter or harness. NO choke chains, prong or electronic collars.
    • Three or more kinds of treats. SMALL, SOFT and SMELLY are best. See ideas on this page. 
    • For high-quality healthy treats, we offer our Peak Power Treats that we source directly and produce ourselves.  They can be purchased from our website or directly from us in class.
    • For Puppy Preschool, bring 2-3 different toys. A food-filled Kong, chewing bone or similar toy is recommended for at least one of these toys for your puppy to work on when we are between exercises. 
    • For Basic Training or Juvenile Delinquents Class, if you have a dog who has trouble sitting still, you might also want to bring a food-filled frozen Kong or chew item for between exercises.
  • Please give dogs space in class and only allow dogs to greet with permission from both people. Remember, not all dogs are ready to say hello right away. Err on the side of giving everyone some extra space until you have permission to greet. Some dogs are gung ho to say hello, but we also want them to learn how to be polite and not rush up to others without permission.
  • If class is near your dog’s mealtime, you might want to wait until after class to feed your dog. For some dogs, especially if they tend to get carsick, you might feed a small amount but not a full meal.
  • Please do not bring a sick dog to class. However, we do recommend that YOU come to class if possible so you don’t miss anything.
  • We encourage the entire family to participate. Your dog benefits if everyone in the house is consistent. However, we ask that small children who will not be able to sit still stay at home. For kids able to sit still during class and/or participate, please bring them along!
  • Dress appropriately, including shoes that will not easily fall off. Weather and daylight permitting, most classes will be held outdoors. We recommend layers as weather can change quickly!
  • In the case of inclement weather, we reserve the right to postpone a class. If this happens, you will be contacted as soon as possible, and the class will be rescheduled.
  • If you know that you will not be able to attend a class, please let us know as soon as possible.
  • For those who have purchased access to Client Corner, our online library of handouts and video clips for the exercises in this class, you will be given access within a day of the first class session.
  • Please note there are NO MAKEUPS for missed sessions. If you know you will miss a session or two, we recommend purchasing the Client Corner so you can review all materials missed. If you will miss too many sessions, you might want to wait for the next round of class.

For Online Live Streaming Classes:

  • If you have not used Zoom before, don't worry, it's very easy! No need to pre-load the Zoom app in advance.
  • The link and call-in numbers for the class accompany your payment receipt.  Please check your email for that information.
  • Plan ahead where you will set up your device (computer, laptop, iPad, phone) so you can easily see/hear AND also have space to work with your dog.
  • If the weather is nice and you want to work outdoors, go for it! Just make sure you have good internet access wherever you choose to work!
  • Depending on your dog and where you are training, you might or might not want to have your dog on leash. If so, make sure your dog is equipped and ready to go before class begins.
  • Have your tasty variety of soft, small and smelly treats ready to go.
  • Please make sure your microphone is on mute during class. Only unmute it when you need to ask a question (you can also type a question into the Chat function on Zoom) or if the Trainer asks you a question or wants to observe you working with your dog through video/audio.

We look forward to seeing you at class!