Artwork copyright Kim Parkhurst.
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Submitting an application indicates you have read and agreed to all Guidelines and conditions. Please download the complete FAQs, Class Descriptions, and Fee Structure and read them carefully before you submit your application. If you have any questions about the Guidelines, please feel free to contact me.
The FAQs, Class Descriptions, and Application are in pdf format. If you do not have the latest Adobe Reader, download it here
Please see the Class Descriptions for detailed information about the various classes.
Beginning Manners class is open to all puppies or dogs who are non-aggressive and are 17 weeks or older.
The Family Dog class is for dogs approximately six months or over who can meet the prerequisite skill levels.
Club Canine is for behaviorally sound dogs approximately twelve months or over who successfully completed my Family Dog class and my pre-admission evaluation.
Guidelines
Class Size. Most classes have an average of four or five dogs enrolled. Classes are limited to six dogs. However, I will allow additional people to observe and attend without dogs if their dogs are not able to participate in a class. I sometimes have interns or other observers.
Children and Families. Family members, including well-behaved children, are welcome to observe all class sessions. However , children under 12 may not hold the leash, manage, or work your dog during class or while moving from the parking lot into the class or from class to the parking lot. Please make childcare arrangements for younger children (under 6) and for older children who are unable to sit quietly through the class. You are responsible for keeping your child from handling or greeting other dogs and for keeping him quiet during class.
While I try not to restrict the number of family members who attend, no more than two adult handlers may work with the dog during any class session. Because of classroom size restraints, I may restrict the number of family members attending if the class is full. Under most circumstances, I do not recommend enrolling more than one dog from the same home in the same class. However, if you enroll more than one dog in a class, each dog must have a handler present. Littermates living in the same home may not take the same class. I will be happy to explain the rationale for these recommendations if you have any questions.
Health/Safety. Because my focus is on family companions, dogs over six months of age should be spayed or neutered (or scheduled). Exceptions will be made for health reasons, when your veterinarian will not spay or neuter before an older age, or you have recently adopted your dog and have not yet had a chance to schedule the surgery. Exceptions may be made for dogs under one year old who are being considered for trial or show, if the dog/puppy is of otherwise sound temperament.
Age appropriate vaccinations (or appropriate titer levels) are required.
Dogs who are aggressive to dogs or people are not permitted in classes. Dogs that bark lunge, growl, snap, or bite when a dog or person approaches, when someone tries to reach for or handle the dog, or tries to remove food or possessions are potentially dangerous to other dogs or to people in the class. While some barking is normal, dogs that bark and/or lunge constantly at other dogs or are aggressive toward strange dogs create a stressful environment for other dogs and will be removed from class. These issues cannot be handled properly or safely in a class environment. If your dog has issues with people or other dogs or you have any questions about your dog's ability to interact with other dogs or people, please call me to discuss it.
Classes
I provide all Beginning Manners handouts/lessons/assignments on a CD in PDF format. This is a comprehensive training and care guide. If you do not have access to a computer with a CD drive, you can take the CD to a local office supply store and have it printed out.
My techniques rely on gentle, positive methods. I believe that reliable behavior is a function of a well founded relationship with our dogs. I do not use choke, shock, or prong collars or harsh physical punishments. I do use rewards including food. If you are not comfortable with this approach, please ask your veterinarian to refer you to a different instructor whose philosophies are more in line with your own.
Class Dates/Attendance. All starting dates are tentative, subject to change, and depend on interest/enrollment. Because of my speaking/travel schedule, some classes may not meet six consecutive weeks so check the schedule carefully. I sometimes need to adjust the schedule after it is printed/posted. If the exact class dates are important to your schedule, please contact me to confirm the class dates before you register.
Because my classes are so small, your attendance is important to the continuity of the class.
Applications/Enrollment. Advanced registration is required. Registration closes four days prior to the first day of class.
A Private Session is available at special pricing for currently enrolled students and their puppies/dogs. Please see the complete FAQs and Class Descriptions for details.
The application packet consists of the Class Descriptions, the FAqs, the Fee Structure, and the Application. Please download and read the complete Class Descriptions and FAQs carefully and in their entirety before you submit an Application.
Thanks for your interest in my classes. If you have any additional questions, please contact me at 717.671.4800.