Class structure
This is a series class, meaning each Grooming for Puppies 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. The downside to this format is the classes have less flexibility than our ongoing classes since you can’t swap in and out of class dates. Please try to pick your Grooming for Puppies class so that you won’t have to skip class.
Play time
This class includes a puppy play time, which can be too stimulating for some puppies. We will work with you to make sure that your puppy’s social interactions are safe and positive for them and their social partners. If your puppy can’t be safely integrated into the play groups, we may have them work on self-control and relaxation during the play times.
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.
A link to this page should be in your confirmation email, so save that for future reference.
Please download or view the following files:
- Ahimsa Dog Training Manual (about 40 pages)
- Tips for Keeping Dogs Quiet in Class (you may want to read this, even if your dog isn’t a barker)
Your class will be held at the training center for Ahimsa Dog Training, located at 925 NW 49th Street, Suite C in Ballard, just off Leary Way. 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 (fax 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 bring them yourself and give it to the trainer at your first class (this is usually a receipt from your vet).
- Please bring your dog into the training center ON LEASH.
- 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. There will be plenty of time to play, and we also encourage you to set up play dates with your classmates outside of class.
Please do not have your dog in any sort of correction collar (pinch collar, choke chain, Illusion collar, etc.). These collars are not allowed in our training center.
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!
