FAQs
Do I have to start with the Foundations Class or can I just begin with the basic class ?
While the foundations class is not a requirement, we strongly suggest starting all dogs with the foundations class. In the foundations class, we will discuss any and all problem behavior that you may be having with your dog and we begin foundational obedience. Foundational obedience teaches your dog commands using only positive reinforcement. The foundations class does not make your dog obedient, but It makes it much easier for your dog to learn commands before being exposed to distractions and pressure. The basic class will make your dog obedient.
What if my dog goes into heat during an dog obedience class ?
Most dogs go into heat for 2 to 3 weeks. You should leave your dog at home for at least two weeks and come to class without your dog so that you can get the lesson for the day. Work your dog at home and when you get back to class, you should not have fallen behind. If you decide that you are behind, then you will be able to attend an entire new basic or advanced class at no cost.
Can my child participate in a dog obedience class?
The youngest a child can be to participate in a group class is 13 years old. If you have a child that is younger than age 13 and you still want your child to participate, contact us and we will discuss a private class option for you.
Can I start with the advanced class since my dog is already obedient thru other training classes or training I have done at home?
It is possible to begin with an advanced class without attending a basic class, but we will need to evaluate your dog before enrolling your dog into an advanced class to make sure your dog is at the correct obedience level on leash. You can not expect your dog to become obedient off leash if your dog is not already obedient on leash. A couple of tests that you can do at home to check your dogs obedience:
- Check to see if your dog will walk nicely next to you on your left side even if another dog is walking past you at 10 feet or less.
- Put your dog in a down position and tell your dog to stay. Have someone else walk past your dog at 10 feet or less.
If your dog stays, you may be ready for an advanced class. If your dog does not stay or will not lay down with another dog present, you need to attend the basic class.
Can I make payments to attend any of the classes or pay after the first day of class?
While we generally don’t accept payment plans, exceptions are occasionally granted. If you need to pay after the first day of class, please Call us and we will discuss this option
Do I have to use the training collar that is recommended?
You can use any collar that you choose, as long as it is not a choke chain. We do not allow choke chains on our training fields. We generally do not allow harnesses on the training fields, but some exceptions are granted.
Can I bring cash or a check to the first day of class?
We prefer the registrations and payment is done ahead of class time but if that is not an option for you, payments and registrations will be accepted on the first day of class.
Can I attend a class if my dog is aggressive with other dogs or people?
Most dogs are allowed in class with some serious precautions in place. Please call us to discuss your dogs situation so that we can insure everones safety.
My dog has bitten someone. Can you train my dog not to bite or be aggressive with people in the future?
If your dog has injured a person, we generally do not train these dogs because while there is training that can be done, we can not guarantee that your dog will not bite someone.
How old does a dog have to be to attend training?
We prefer to start dogs at 4 to 5 months old after the dog has had their 16 week shots.
Is my dog too old to train?
Older dogs can still be trained as long as they don’t have a mental or physical disability due to their age. Older dogs sometimes take different training techniques then most of the dogs in class. Please contact us ahead of time to discuss your older dogs situation to make sure we optimize your dogs training plan.
What if I miss a class?
Missing one class usually is not a problem. Let us know ahead of time so that we can discuss the following weeks lesson plan. If you miss two weeks in a row, you might get too far behind. Contact us to see what we can do to help you catch up.
Where and when do our classes meet?
Group basic and advanced classes begin every other month. The start date and times for these classes can be found at the class descriptions page for each class. Foundations, and all private classes are by appointment. Classes are held at 5962 W. County Line Rd. Springdale, AR. 72762
What is the difference between a therapy dog and a service dog?
A service dog is trained for a specific disability such as a seeing eye dog. A therapy dog provides comfort to the handler or the public. Therapy dogs can provide emotional support to those people who are grieving, have anxiety, PTSD, or other types of emotional needs.
What does it take to earn a therapy dog title?