Teaching your dog to heel, sit, and to down are only preliminary to the basic objective.

Once he knows a few important commands, such as "heel" and "sit" he is ready to begin real obedience training: that is to obey the command immediately and in a specific way.  This takes patience, consistency, and dedication on the part of the handler.  Basic obedience is preliminary to any other special training such as companion dogs for the handicapped, guide dogs for the blind, field work, and protection.  To help yourself, your neighbor, and your dog, please follow these basic guidelines.

1. Come to class every week and be on time.

2. Follow instructions to the best of your ability.  Ask questions if you do not understand something.

3. Do your "homework".  The teacher will give you instructions on what to practice at home.

4. Do not smoke while you are training.  you need both hands and all of your attention on the dog.

5. Keep your dog on leash at all  times on the training grounds.  He may be well behaved, but other dogs may wish to fight with a loose dog.

6. You are responsible for controlling your own dog.  Aggressive behavior endangering other people or dogs will result in your dismissal from class.

7. Do not be embarrassed if your dog relieves himself.  The Club provides "clean-up" equipment.  IMMEDIATELY  make use of the equipment and do a thorough job.  FAILURE TO KEEP THE GROUNDS CLEAN COULD CAUSE US TO BE EVICTED FROM THE TRAINING SITE!.

8. Be sure your dog has had shots to protect him against parvo, distemper, and rabies.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Puppy-KPT Classes...Plain buckle collar. It should fit reasonable snug so that the puppy cannot slip out of it.

All Other Classes:.......Slip collar either chain or fabric.  FIT IS IMPORTANT.  It should be only long enough to fit over the dog's head.  Chain collars should have links giving them smooth action for quick release.  US or GERMAN steel are recommended.

Leashes......................A flexible leash approximately 6 feet long.  Leather is best, but some nylon or fabric leashes will do.  CHAIN or RETRACTABLE LEASHES ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.

For you, the handler, wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes (NO OPEN TOES, SANDALS, OR THONGS).  Be prepared to do considerable walking.  Have pockets or fanny packs for treats.

IMPORTANT REGARDING COLLARS: Slip collars (sometimes called "choke") can be dangerous if incorrectly used.  They should be used ONLY in a supervised situation (training and leash walking).  They can, indeed, choke your dog if he is wearing it in the yard and it catches by the live ring on the fence, furniture, or shrubbery.  AVOID A TRAGEDY: remove the collar immediately at the end of the training session!  Have your dog wear a buckle collar with his ID and license tags for all, but training and leash walking.

PLEASE BE THOROUGHLY FAMILIAR WITH ALL THE ABOVE INFORMATION BEFORE YOU COME TO THE TRAINING CLASSES!

If you have family or guests who wish to come and watch, we suggest you bring a folding chair.  Parking space is limited.  Please do not waste it by parking crooked.

Refunds will be given at the discretion of the Training Director.  Total refunds will only be given if notified before the FIRST CLASS.