This page has important details about what to bring to class, etc.
Recommendations before attending this class:
- Be familiar with set ups, either from Growly Dog classes or private sessions.
- If you need to change your reservations, you can log in on our website to view your current reservations and the possible options for swapping them. You can use your 6 Growly Dog clinic reservations for any Growly Dog clinic class within 3 months of your first reservation.
Your class will be held at Discovery Park
For Growly Clinic we park on the street at 36th Ave W and W Lawton St, which is quite a ways north up 36th from the Discovery Park entrance. Park on the side of the street opposite the homes, not in front of a home. If it’s your first session, once parked, please leave your dog in the car and walk through the empty parking lot and up the white railing stairs to get to the upper parking lot. If we’re not there we’ll be around the building on the grassy hillside. It’s not as confusing as it sounds. 🙂 Watch out for your classmates. Your instructor will be looking for you either by the cars or up at the practice site. They should have provided a phone # if you have any doubts, or should be able to receive an email.
For your remaining sessions, please make sure it is clear, and then you are welcome to bring your dog right up to the practice site when you arrive. When walking around the space with your dog, always keep an eye out for other students or passersby and give them plenty of space. The session is set up for you to spend most of the hour doing a set up with other students, but please feel free to take breaks as needed for you and your dog.
We will be working outside, so bring appropriate clothing like rain gear, gloves, umbrella, sunscreen, or sunglasses.
Items to bring with you:
- 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.
- A second leash or a 10-15 ft long line to practice long leash skills during Growly Dog clinic. (Optional)
- An obscene amount of small, amazing treats. You will need about one *full* sandwich bag of treats, maybe more if you have a large dog. We recommend having a mix of very high value treats (basically anything that will have your dog asking, “What did I do to deserve this?” like deli turkey, steak, stinky sardines, string cheese, Real Meat treats, Zukes Z-Filets, Etta Says freeze-dried liver, Baa-Baa Q’s lamb lung, etc.) and low to moderate value treats (dog biscuits or kibble).
- Clicker (optional)
- Muzzle (if you’re ready to do close-up work and have already gotten your dog comfortable wearing a muzzle) Basket muzzles are best for this type of training. We recommend the Baskerville Ultra, though for some dogs with very long noses it may not fit as well. Muzzles for short-nosed breeds like boxers are available at dogmuzzle.com. Watch Chirag Patel’s video on muzzle training for some guidance on introducing your dog to the muzzle. Starting training that as soon as you can.
- Water and water bowl, especially in the summer. It’s important to keep your dog (and you!) dog cool and hydrated during your sessions.
Absences & Course Cancellations: If your dog is not feeling well, please notify your instructor asap and do not bring him or her to class. Please also read our Cancellation Policy, if you haven’t already.
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If you haven’t done so recently, have your vet fax us proof of vaccinations (Distemper, Parvo, Rabies, etc.) to (206) 866-6786. 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!
