Dancin’ Woofs General Training Information 

Before Coming to Class

An exercise session before class will ensure that your dog will be more focused. Stop at a park and throw a frisbee or ball for 15-20 min. This will also give them a chance to relieve themselves outside. Also, some dogs seem to be more attentive without a full stomach.

Please Keep All Dogs Three Feet Apart

You are responsible for your dog’s behavior in class. This is a training situation and it is a social skill for dogs to learn that they don’t always have to greet every dog they see. Appropriate dog boundaries facilitate more focused learning.

Training Gear:

• Comfortable clothing will allow you and your dog to play, cuddle, massage and get down on the floor together. Chairs will be provided if it is hard for you to work from the floor.
• Covered, rubber-soled shoes work best.
• 6-foot leather or nylon leash. Width of lead should correspond to size of dog and comfort in your hand.
• Training collar: Martingale or limited slip collar made of nylon.

Training Treats:

Use high-grade treats without byproducts or preservatives, and lots of different kinds. Variety keeps interest high.

Attendance: 

Please do your best to come to class on time. Classes are progressive, each skill building upon the next; consistent attendance will give you the opportunity to refine your skills each week with quick results. In a 6-week class there are only 6 1/2 hours to teach basic skills. If you miss a class, keep teaching the skills you have learned and add additional distractions until the next class. If illness/injury/personal challenges force you to miss a class or drop out, call the trainer, as you might be able to re-take the sessions you missed in a future class. Only one make-up class is allowed, or one retake of entire class.

Basic is Just the Beginning: 

A basic companionship class is the foundation to providing your dog with basic life skills. I compare it to elementary school. Real life is full of endless distractions. A large variety of diverse, new and interesting things greet your dogs every time they go outdoors. Most dogs need continued education up to a high school level. Continuing your dog’s education in an intermediate class will help to build and refine basic skills with increased distractions and duration. Our goal at Dancin’ Woofs is for your well-trained dog to be welcomed everywhere.