Frequently Asked Questions

Classes

How long are classes and what do they entail?

Each class is one hour long. During the hour, you will be shown how to do certain exercises and practice them with your dog. We will guide you so you are doing them correctly. Weekly lesson sheets are provided with most classes. You will work on these exercises over the week so you are ready for the next class. There are discussion periods to help you understand your dog and question & answer periods to address issues. Puppy Kindergarten is off leash - training is interspersed with play. There are short playtimes in Puppy Jr. Each dog receives a personalized certificate on graduation night.



Can I come and watch a class before registering?

Most definitely!! We encourage you to observe a class before signing up. Check the schedule on our home page to see what nights and times classes are running.



How do I know what class to take?

First, read over the class descriptions, particularily age requirements and prerequisites. If you are still unsure, please contact us either by email, facebook message or phone. We will help you determine which class best suits you and your dog.



How many dogs will there be in the class?

Generally, there is a maximum of 6 dogs in each class. This allows us to give more one-on-one attention to each student. Focus & Control is limited to 4 dogs.



What do I need to bring to class?

We use lure and reward training so you will need treats that can be broken into very small pieces. They must be something your dog really likes. You will also need a collar or harness and a 4 to 6 foot leash ( no retractable leashes). NOTE: We do not allow choke or prong collars. Bring your positive attitude, dress comfortably and be prepared to have some fun!



Can you suggest what type of treats to use?

First and foremost, they must be something your dog likes. You also want to consider the fat content. For the first couple of weeks, you will be using a lot of treats. Keep them small - about half the size of your pinky fingernail. Your dog will be somewhat distracted by the activity in class and may need something enticing. These would be considered high value treats. Dried liver treats work particularily well. Boiled chicken is also good. Weiners and cheese tend to be of high value to dogs but use them sparingly. Some dogs love carrots, cucumbers or apples so you could cut some into tiny pieces. Check at your favourite pet store for good quality soft treats that you can break into pieces. Dogs will work for kibble when they are hungry and is a good option when you are training at home without distractions. You can use part of their daily food allowance.



Registration

How do I register for a class?

There are a couple of ways to register. 1. You can preregister by sending us an email, messaging us on our facebook page or giving us a call. Check the Contact page for contact info. 2. You can attend our registration night which is generally held a week to ten days before the next session starts.



What do I need for registration?

You will need to supply your dog's most recent vaccination (or titer) records as well as any discount coupons you may have. Payment is due upon registration. This can be done by e-transfer or by attending our registration night. We accept payment by cash or cheque (payable to The Doggie Bag)



Why should I preregister?

By preregistering, you assure yourself of a spot in the class. Additionally, you receive a discount off the price of the class. This also helps us determine what classes we should schedule to meet the demand.



Do you give refunds?

Only under certain circumstances will we give you a refund. Examples: injury or illness (you or your dog), you are called away for work or a family emergency We will give you a Credit for an upcoming session if your female dog goes into heat. Please understand that we are holding a space in the class for you and may have to turn other clients away if the class is full.