This page has important details about what to have ready for your class, etc.
*Our first week of class will be just for humans!* Please leave your dog at home so you can fully listen, learn, and be ready for the following weeks of class where you and your dog will be working together. We will be going over a variety of topics including how to properly brush your dog and clip their nails without hurting them, what equipment is appropriate for your specific dog based on their coat type and texture, how to read their body language so we know how they’re feeling about the work we’re doing, and talking about the specific issues you may be having with your dog so the class can best meet your needs.
Class structure
This is a series class, meaning each Care and Grooming class has a fixed start and end date (unlike our Puppy Kindergarten or Intermediate Manners classes which are rolling admission). This structure means that your dog will have time to get to know their classmates since it will be the same dogs each week. The downside to this format is that Care and Grooming classes have less flexibility than our ongoing classes since you can’t swap in and out of class dates.
Please download or view the following:
- Ahimsa Dog Training Manual – 100+ page PDF with step-by-step instructions on tips for teaching many of the behaviors we’ll cover in class, in case you need some extra help!
- Directions to the training center
Before class:
- Vaccination records. Email us your vaccination records (a picture is also fine) or contact your vet to have them fax us proof of vaccinations (Distemper, Parvo, Rabies, etc., this is usually a receipt) to (206) 866-6786. Have them write “Ahimsa Dog Training class” on the first page or cover sheet.
Bring to class:
- Lots of tiny treats (you may feed something like 100 to your dog, so small is good).
- Comfortable shoes (with backs) on your feet. This is an especially active class, so you’ll need to make sure your shoes can stay on your feet and you won’t hurt yourself moving quickly in them!
- Brush/Comb/Nail Clippers/etc. to practice with during class. We will go over what items are appropriate for your dog and their coat type during the first week of class and do have items here available to use, but it’s best for the dog to learn on the items you will be using at home.
- Rug, towel, thin dog bed, or mat to practice relaxing on in class. We have loaner towels, but having your own bed is best.
- Clicker (optional, will be provided in your first week of class)
- Treat pouch – some way to easily access your treats.
- Your dog on a harness, head collar, or a regular buckle/snap collar. If you’re used to using a correction collar (i.e. slip/choke chain or prong collar), please talk to your instructor about whether a harness or regular collar is a safe alternative.
- A regular 4-10 ft leash, preferably soft nylon, cotton or leather. Please don’t bring your dog to class on a retractable leash. Many nylon and chain are painful on your hands and flexi-leashes are often disasters in class.
NOTE: This class is not a good first training class, and is not for dogs who growl, bark excessively, or are otherwise ‘reactive’ to other dogs or to people. If your dog has reactivity issues, please contact info@doggiezen.com to see if the Growly Dog class is more appropriate. We can apply your class fee to those sessions if you contact us with enough notice before your class starts.
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.
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When you first come into the classroom, please find a spot to sit, then calmly massage your dog or work on training. Please do this instead of having your dog meet other dogs.
We look forward to helping you and your dog have a wonderful class experience and a great relationship!
