Instructions – Puppy Elementary

This is a series class, meaning each Puppy Elementary School class has a fixed start and end date (unlike our Puppy Kindergarten classes which are rolling admission). This structure means that your puppy will have time to get to know their classmates since it will be the same puppies each week, and that you’ll have a chance to build on the skills learned in previous weeks. A drawback to this format is that Puppy Elementary classes have less flexibility than our ongoing classes since you can’t swap in and out of class dates and there are no makeup classes.

Motivators!

We’ll be teaching your puppy using a lot of positive reinforcement, so you’ll want to bring them to class ready to work for what you’ve got! That means bringing a variety of high-value treats, toys and your best goofy puppy voice, and making sure that they haven’t just eaten a meal or completely tired themselves out.  It may be helpful to give them a moderate amount of exercise before class so that they aren’t too excited, but overly tired puppies can be cranky with each other.

Please review the following files:

Your class will be held at the training center for Ahimsa Dog Training. Click here for directions. The phone number is 206-364-4072.

Absences & Course Cancellations:  If your dog is not feeling well, please do not bring him or her to class.  Click here for more info on Missing Class. Please also read our Cancellation Policy, if you haven’t already.

Here’s what to bring:

  • Vaccinations (in advance). Contact your vet now to have them fax us proof of vaccinations for Distemper, Parvo, Rabies, etc. to (206) 866-6786. Have them write “Ahimsa Dog Training class” on the first page or cover sheet. You can also email a receipt from your vet to admin@doggiezen.com
  • Please bring your dog into the training center ON LEASH in a harness or flat collar.
  • Many different kinds of treats, especially small or easily breakable, stinky treats – string cheese, Real Meat treats, Zukes Z-Filets, Etta Says freeze-dried liver, Baa-Baa Q’s lamb lung, deli meat, etc.  You are often trying to compete OFF LEASH with other dogs!
  • Treat pouch – some way to easily access your treats. Preferably an official treat pouch or a fanny pack, something you can get treats out of easily.
  • Tug / squeaky toys – we do have several at the training center. Most dogs prefer other dogs’ toys, but some dogs prefer their own.
  • Bring your clicker if you have one. Your instructor will give them out if you don’t have one.

Please do NOT let your dog, child, or self greet the dogs without permission of the owner. Some of the dogs in your class may be shy and it would be scary to get too close, even if your dog is the friendliest dog on the planet.  When you first come to class, please find a spot to sit, then calmly massage your dog or work on training.   The idea is to teach your dog to pay attention to you and relax in the presence of other dogs.

Please let your vet know that you’re taking a class with us (Ahimsa is pronounced Uh Him Suh)!  Ask him or her if there is anything in particular that your dog should work on in class or at home.

We look forward to helping you and your dog have a wonderful class experience and a great relationship. Please contact us if you have any questions.

See you in class!