FAQs
I’m not sure if a group class is right for my dog?
Dogs participating in our group class-training program must be friendly or neutral toward unfamiliar dogs and people. If your dog lunges, barks, and/or growls at other dogs, check out our Feisty Fido class or in home training options - it is specifically designed for dogs that behave this way. If your dog shows aggression toward you or other people, contact us for a referral for private behavior modification. Dogs who are disruptive during class will be managed with visual barriers at the discretion of the trainers. If you are at all concerned about your dog's suitability for group classes, please contact us before enrolling.
Multiple people want to be involved in training our dog?
You can bring as many people as you would like to class. It depends on how your family learns and who will be doing the training. If everyone would like to be involved we have no problem with everyone attending. We just ask that only one person trains the dog at a time, everyone is welcome to take turns in class, and that no one “back seat trains” and criticizes the person training the dog.
Can my children be involved in the training?
Yes, absolutely!
Our general policy on children in class is children under 6 years old may attend class if an adult other than the person handling the dog is also present to supervise them.
Additionally, children under 6 may not handle the dog in class. Children ages 6 to 12 may attend class without a second adult present and they may handle the dog under direct adult supervision.
Children ages 13 and older may attend class as the principle handler of the dog if they have written permission from an adult. No more than one child, regardless of age, may handle a dog at the same time.
Children should not interact with a dog other than their own without permission from their parents/supervisors, as well as the dog’s owner and class instructor.
Children must be seated during off-leash playtime in the puppy classes and small dog playgroup.
Can I attend class without my dog? Can I observe class?
Absolutely! We just ask that you email us at info@yourcourteouscanine.com and let us know that you plan to attend so if we have a cancellation due to weather, class enrollment or emergency we can let you know. This is a great way to determine if our training program is for you.
How many dogs and trainers are in each class?
Classes are staffed with one lead training instructor.
How do I prepare for my initial (in-home or office) consultation?
We will schedule your Initial Consultation. We will email you your initial consultation, please complete it and return via email at least 48 hours prior to your consultation. Depending on time and the extent of the issues at hand, training may or may not occur during this first session. I recommend completing a Client History Form prior to our appointment, to save time and help me prepare for your consultation. Please prepare a list of questions, concerns, or anything else you wish to address. Include people in our training sessions, if they will be involved in the daily training or management of your pet. If everyone can not attend, plan a time to review my recommendations and plan with them after each session. A summary will be provided to you after our appointment, but taking your own notes is always recommended.
For in-home session: If your pet is aggressive toward strangers, please have them completely secured when I arrive (ex: on leash, in a crate, in another room, in the yard, etc.) so they are unable to reach me. We will review and discuss the history you sent and the behavior concerns you are experiencing. We will discuss the plan for managing and addressing the behavior concerns. Consults are very informal and conversational – don’t be nervous! There is no test, no right or wrong answers, no “stupid” questions. If you aren’t sure, please ask! I will make recommendations for going forward – following them is entirely your decision
For in-home consults: Please present your home in an “every day” manner and make no changes on my account. I am coming to assess your pet – not your housekeeping or parenting style. I need as accurate a picture of everyday life as possible
Preparing for Your Follow Up Session: Please read and review the notes from our prior session. Please respond via email so that I know you have received them. Please prepare a list of questions, concerns, or anything else you wish to address. Please restrict pet’s feeding for at least 4-6 hours prior to appointment, in case we need a hungry pet to train. Also have your pet’s favorite things handy (snacks, toys, etc.). A summary will be provided to you after our appointment, but taking your own notes is always recommended.