WHERE:
Your class will be held at Discovery Park
Please arrive at the training site on time.
We may be on the move within a few minutes of class starting, and you may have a hard time finding us.
When you arrive, you can either wait in the car with your dog until we get started, or you can unload and start working on keeping them calm and attentive. If your dog is a little bit calmer after they’ve had some exercise, feel free to arrive early and play with them! If we’re teaching another class, please give the students plenty of space to limit the distraction. To work specifically on focus with your dog, check out our blog post Marley to Lassie in seven days for an example how to increase their attention.
WHAT TO BRING:
Treats. Bring lots of tiny treats. There will be other people and dogs in the class that might distract your dog, and probably squirrels and crows! Bring a variety, and make sure to have some that are extremely tasty to your dog. You will want at least one full sandwich baggy, and we recommend bringing some “jackpot” rewards like Easy Cheese (the spray cheese in a can), cream cheese, hot dogs, baby food, or liverwurst.
Clicker. You will receive a free clicker in your first class. Please remember to bring it to all your classes. If your dog is afraid of a clicker or is unable to hear a clicker please feel free to use a verbal or visual marker.
Treat pouch. It will keep your treats easily accessible while keeping your hands free.
Harness. Please bring your dog on a harness, a regular collar, and/or a head halter if necessary.
Leash. Preferably soft nylon, cotton or leather leash about 6’ long. No retractable leashes please!
Long leash. Preferably soft nylon or leather leash about 10 – 15’ long. No retractable leashes please!
Comfortable shoes. Please do not wear high-heeled shoes, open-toed sandals or flip-flops. Sneakers or boots work best.
Your dog’s favorite toy(s). Bring something that you can play with your dog with, like a ball, Frisbee, or tug toy.
Water & bowl. Since we’re working outside, it’s a good idea to have water for yourself and your dog available. We may be walking away from the parking area, so portable is better!
Backpack (optional). If you’d like to bring a backpack to keep your gear handy, great!
We will be working outside, so bring appropriate clothing like rain gear, gloves, umbrella, sunscreen, or sunglasses.
WHAT TO KNOW:
If you haven’t done so recently, email or have your vet fax us proof of vaccinations (Distemper, Parvo, Rabies, etc.) to Fax (206) 866-6786, or email to admin@doggiezen.com.
Kids in class. Please keep in mind because this is an outdoor class, we will have less control over the environment. We love for kids to attend and learn these training skills, but safety is very important to us – that of your kids, of the dogs we’re training, and for the general public. With that in mind, if a child will be doing the leash handling, please bring a second leash that can be attached to your dog’s harness that an adult will be holding at all times.
Please do not let your dog, child or self greet other dogs without the permission of the owner. This is a good rule to follow even outside of class!
If your dog is not feeling well, please do not bring him/her to the class. You are welcome to attend the class without your dog to keep up with the lessons so you don’t fall behind. Please click here for more information on absences and course cancellations.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
See you in class!
___________________________________
