Dogskool FAQ's Center

When does your next class start?

All classes are continuous entry format, which means they are ongoing and meet every week at the same location, with 2 exceptions: 1) if it is raining the hour of class, we will cancel because classes are held outside; 2) Holidays: the Saturday, Monday and Tuesday of any major holiday; if you're not sure, check out the information page on our website: www.DogSkool.com

This format also allows you to miss a class for any reason and make it up at your convenience since the class is offered every week.

Once enrolled, you may audit any location to complete your course.

If I can start any week, how will I catch up to the rest of the group, and won't I be a problem for everyone else?

We have found that the best learning comes from observing others at different levels, both for you and your dog. Each week all lessons are taught. You will learn and practice your first weeks lessons during class. In the second week you will learn the remainder of lessons, then by the third week you are working on distraction training with the rest of the group. Your newness to the class provides the best distractions for everyone else.

What information is taught in the puppy class?

Puppy class covers: socialization (learning how to interact with strange people and strange dogs); group recalls (calling the dog to you and away from other dogs that they are playing with); problem solving (biting, chewing, digging, jumping, stealing, barking and housebreaking); motivational training (teach heel, sit, down, stand, recall, finish and send out using toys, praise and play as a reward); boundary training (teaches the dog not to run into the street; it can also be used not to run out the front door, the garage, or to stay out of certain rooms in the house); and a little grooming, first aid and nutrition.

What information is taught in the basic obedience class?

The commands in the basic obedience class are: heeling or walking on a loose leash, there are five turns associated with heeling; sit, down, and stand; stay in all three of these positions with distractions (such as people, toys, other animals or anything that can cause a dog to break the command); recall (dog runs to you and faces you); the finish (dog moves from a front sit to your left side); figure 8 (where you are able to move in and around obstacles, with the dog in the heel position on your left side, without sniffing the obstacle or taking a short cut).

What information is taught in the intermediate class?

The commands in the intermediate obedience class are: introduction of off leash heeling; sit, down, and stand out of motion (you walk or run, give your dog one of the three commands, and the dog will freeze in that position as you move away); down on a recall (you call your dog to you and as the dog is running to you, give the down command and the dog freezes in the down position); down out of play (the dog is in an excited, playful state and drops when you give the down command); introduction of send out (dog runs away from you to a pre-designated spot); off leash recalls (dog runs to you from across the yard and passes another dog who is running to their owner, and sits down in front of you).

What information is taught in the advanced class?

All of the above commands in an off leash environment with as many distractions as possible.

How many dogs are allowed per class?

Due to the nature of the continuous entry format, attendance varies week to week. But I find that on average, 6 to 8 people attend on a regular basis.

Is problem solving covered in the group class?

In puppy group classes, all problem solving is covered, including: biting, chewing, digging, jumping, stealing, barking and housebreaking. If you have an older dog, problem solving is usually covered in private or 'board and train' lessons.

How old does my dog have to be?

Puppy class - 10 weeks to 6 months

Basic - 6 months and older

A dog is never too old to learn obedience.

What equipment do I need?

6-foot leash -- leather, nylon, or cotton

Training collar - flat collar, choke chain, pinch collar or halti head collar

The choice of the collar is up to the owner and the temperament of the dog.

Do you have references?

Yes. Please call or write for references.

How long have you been a trainer?

My parents raised and bred show dogs while I was growing up. It was a natural progression to turn the hobby into a profession.

How long does each course last?

We usually run an 8-week program in the group class and private lessons, but a combination program can be designed to meet individual needs.

What is a 'board and train' and what is covered?

The boarding school is a 3-week training program in which the dog stays at a facility. During their stay, we cover all the formal training commands that are covered in the 8-week group class. The commands in the basic obedience class are: heeling or walking on a loose leash, there are five turns associated with heeling; sit, down, and stand; stay in all three of these positions with distractions (such as people, toys, other animals or anything that can cause a dog to break the command); recall (dog runs to you and faces you); the finish (dog moves from a front sit to your left side); figure 8 (where you are able to move in and around obstacles, with the dog in the heel position on your left side, without sniffing the obstacle or taking a short cut). The three-week program also comes with 2 private lessons to ensure the transfer of the training. Shorter classes or combination classes can also be offered depending on your needs and goals.