Q: We just got a new
puppy. How old do they have to be before
we start classes?
A: Puppies must be 12
weeks of age to start a STAR PUPPY class and must be up to date on their
vaccines. Rabies vaccines are not given
until 16 weeks, so they are not required until that time.
Q: I’d like to sign up
for a class, but I don’t know what class to take?
A: If you have a young
puppy you will want to start with STAR PUPPY.
This class is for puppies 12 weeks up to 24 weeks of age. If your puppy is 6 months old, they would
start with our JUNIOR BASIC for puppies up to 18 months of age. If your dog is 6 months old or older or if
your dog is older but has never had an obedience class, you must start with our
BASIC OBEDIENCE class.
Q: How long will it take
to train my dog? Is one 6-week session
enough?
A: All dogs and students
learn at their own pace. Our classes
require students practice the behaviors taught in the class during the
week. While some dogs will move up
after taking 1 session others may benefit from repeating the class.
Q: The classes that I
want to sign up for are all full.
A: Our STAR PUPPY and BASIC OBEDIENCE
classes fill very quickly. You should register
as soon as you know that you want to start to train your dog with us. We do not have a wait list. All registrations are based on space
availability Payment for the class is
required at time of registration to hold your spot.
Q: How do I sign up for
a class?
A: The best way to register for a class
is through our website, DTCSP.ORG. One
the home page clicks on the “CLASSES” tab.
You will see our classes, Puppy, Obedience, Agility, etc. Click on the type of class you are looking
for and information will come up. In the
box you will see the classes with start dates and times. Only classes with space will show up in this
box. Select the class your interested
and follow the prompts to register. All
classes must be paid for at the time of registration for your spot to be
held.
Q: Do you offer private
classes?
A: We do not offer
private classes. We are a volunteer run
organization and only offer group classes.
Q: How many weeks are
your classes and how many dogs are in each class?
A: Are classes are
approximately 50 – 60 minutes long, one day a week for 6 weeks. Our classes have a maximum of 10 dogs unless
otherwise stated.
Q: I’ve trained my dog
at home or at another facility, and my dog already know how to sit. Can I skip your Basic Obedience class?
A: All dogs and students new to our Club
must start with our BASIC OBEDIENCE class.
This is a pre-requisite for all our other classes.
Q: Can I attend classes
with my dog if there is a history of aggressive, reactive, or fear-biting
behavior?
A: For the safety of
students, dogs and our volunteers, aggressive dogs are not allowed in our
classes. We recommend considering other
options.
Q: What is your REFUND
POLICY?
A: Rescheduling and cancellations must
be made 7 days prior to the first class for a full refund. After the second class no refund will be given,
but the student may be transferred to another class with their dog or given
credit to attend another session.
Refunds or credits will not be issued for students who miss class
because of vacations or dropping out.
Q: What do I do about
class when my dogs in heat? Can she just
wear panties?
A: Dogs in heat may NOT attend classes
as it can be too distracting to other dogs in the class. If your dog comes into heat during a session,
we’ll be happy to move you to a later session.
Q: How can I stop my dog
from barking and lunging during class?
A: Out of control, disruptive behavior
such as barking, and lunging means your dog is not ready for an indoor group
class environment. Gradually, expose
your dog to crowds and other dogs to lower his arousal. Find another activity that causes less stress
for your dog.
Q: What type of collar
and leash should I use for class?
A: A flat buckle collar or martingale
and a 6-foot leash should be used in training class. Please no bags or treats hanging off the
leash. If you regularly use a harness to walk your
dog, please bring a regular collar to use
in training. Harnesses do not provide a
good means of controlling your dog in a training ring. If your instructor feels another type of
collar would be beneficial, they will discuss this with you.
Q: How do I know my dog
is ready to attend a group class?
A: Most dogs are ready to attend a group
training class and enjoy the interactions.
However, if your dog is very nervous or reactive (lunging and or
barking) to other dogs or people they may need a few sessions with a private
trainer first. Any training you do with
your dog will help enhance their confidence.
Q: Will you train my dog
for me?
A: Training Class is a place for people
to learn. We teach you how to train and
help your dog become a well-behaved member of your family.
Q: Do you offer CGC
(Canine Good Citizen) testing?
A: Yes, we offer testing following the
completion of one of our Advance Basic/Beginner Novice Class. On occasion we will offer a CGC Prep Class
with testing following the completion of the class. Please check our website for dates.
Q: What is the AKC ACT
program?
A: The AKC ACT (Agility
Course Test) is an entry level event designed to introduce and welcome
beginning dogs and their handlers to the AKC sport of agility. We hold 2 or 3 events per year.
Q: What class should I take first
if I want to do agility with my dog?
A: You must successfully complete a
Basic Obedience class. We recommend that
you consider advanced obedience training before beginning Agility
training. The more obedience training
you and your dog have completed the easier agility training will be.
Q: What classes do you
have that are drop-in?
A: We offer Drop in classes isn Novice, Open and Utility We also offer
for those interested in competing in the obedience ring. Please check our website for days and
times. We asj students to sgin up on our website in advance. Please check our website for the current schedule.
Q: What are your office
hours?
A: We are open Monday, Tuesday, and
Wednesday evenings 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
The office is also open on Tuesday mornings from 9:00 am to
12:00 pm. Please call the office to
confirm before coming for a visit.
Q: How do I become a
member? What are the benefits?
A: If your interested in becoming a
member you can obtain an application in the office. You will need 2 sponsors from existing Club
members to sign your application.
Usually, this will be one of your instructors. After submitting the application, you will
need to attend 2 Club general meetings which are held every other month on the
third Thursday. If you are already
volunteering, these hours can be used in place of one meeting. After completing the requirements, you will
be voted in by the general membership at one of the meetings. As a member you may receive discounts towards
your training classes. Additional
information is available in the office.
Q: How can I get more
information?
A: Email us at dtcsp.org or call us at
727-527-5568. We will get back to you as
soon as possible.