Private Group Overview
Private Group Classes are available for small groups with four or more dogs in need of training. These classes are similar to my private lessons, in that they focus on the skills that your dogs need and don’t waste time on things they do not. If everyone already knows sit and stay, but some dogs need leash manners, some need work ignoring other dogs, some need recall… Whatever the dogs in this group need is what the class is built on.
These classes are great for a group of friends, family members, neighbors, co-workers, or any other small crew of dog owners. It’s a great way to get the training you all need, without spending a ton of money or going through courses you don’t need or want (you don’t need to spend six weeks and $175 on puppy social time, I promise). Each dog will get an evaluation, where we will go over their background, prior training (if any), behaviors and skills they know, and behaviors and skills they still need. From there, I create a custom training course for all dogs, where they will all learn the skills that they all need to be successful.
This option is excellent for new puppies and/or dogs who have not received effective training prior, and can be taught either in-person, or via video chat (Skype or Zoom). Locations can even rotate, so different group members can host from week to week, if they so choose.
What You’ll Need
- Appropriately fitted flat or rolled collar, with ID tag securely attached.
- Nylon, leather, or similar flat leash of no more than 6′ in length. Euro or over the shoulder leashes are acceptable.
- Bungee or retractable leashes are not permitted.
- Appropriately fitted training collar (prong or P-chain), step-in harness, or Y-front harness.
- Please no front-cinch harnesses, martingale, or head-collars. These are easy to escape and are not safe, effective training tools.
- Training treats or kibble.
- Proof of vaccination provided by your veterinarian.
- Rabies, distemper, parvovirus, bordatella, and leptospirosis.
- If vaccination is medically inappropriate for your dog, please provide a letter from your veterinarian stating such.
- If your dog is aggressive or reactive, your dog must wear a Jafco style muzzle, as well, so they are able to participate fully and safely.
Preparing for Training
Train First, Food Later
Not only is a full puppy not going to be excited for their lesson, but too much activity following a meal can be bad for digestion or even cause bloat, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical treatment. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with bloat here.
Avoid Elective Surgeries During Training
Surgeries require healing time, and can mean a break of anywhere from two weeks to two months where no training can be done; we may have to do additional lessons to catch your dog back up before proceeding with our lessons. Additionally, elective surgeries like de-sexing significantly alter the hormonal balance of your pet, and can trigger lethargy, aggression, inappropriate sexual behaviors, and other unwanted effects, particularly in the weeks immediately following such a procedure. During this time, your dog is not learning at their best, may be unpredictable, and may not retain their training as well. Should you choose to de-sex your dog, please refrain from doing so while we are training. I advocate for delayed or alternative altering, with respect to the current research that shows significant health risks associated with de-sexing, particularly in immature dogs, as well as my personal experiences with dogs who are intact, de-sexed prior to maturity, and de-sexed once mature. As many shelters require it be done within a certain period of time from your dog coming home, please be sure to mention this prior to beginning training, so that we can most effectively work around it.
Potty Before Training
Young puppies need frequent potty breaks, but the more breaks we have to take, the less learning we can fit into a lesson. A short walk or some time in the yard a half hour before a lesson helps keep us training through your whole session.
Don’t Double-book Yourself
To get the most out of your lesson, please make sure to schedule your appointments during a time when you can be present and focused on your dog’s learning. I understand emergencies happen, but having the housekeepers, cable installer, or other unusual visitors to your home during the lesson can be distracting to both you and your dog. That said, family members and friends are always welcome to join us for training! Anyone who is involved in your dog’s life is invited to participate in our lessons together.
Transport Is Your Responsibility
I do not drive students, nor cover the costs for bus, cab, rideshare, or other fees. Getting to and from lessons is your responsibility, please plan accordingly.
Minors Must Have A Legal Guardian Present
Kids/teens and their dogs are always a blast to work with, and I’m happy to do so! However, a guardian who can care for them in case of an emergency is required to be on site at all times.
Policies
Payment is Due In Full At the Evaluation
Payment can be accepted via cash, Zelle/QuickPay, and CashApp. If payment is not made within 24 hours of your dog’s evaluation, your dog will be unable to participate in the class.
There are No Make-up Classes
If you are unable to make a class, you may schedule a private lesson for $40 to get your dog caught up with the rest of the class. Please commit to your dog’s training as much as I do, and arrive for every class.
No Refunds
The success of training is dependent on owner follow through; remember that I only see your dog for one hour out of 168 in a week. Practicing with your dog is your responsibility, and is where you will get lasting results. Because of the necessity of a dog owner following through and practicing, and the fact that we are working with a live animal, I do not guarantee results nor offer refunds at any time, for any reason.
FAQ
“Can my kids come?”
Yes, but they absolutely mus remain with you at all times, and must never be permitted to approach other people’s dogs. It’s great to have your kids work with the dog, but an adult must hold the leash at all times for safety.
“I have two dogs, can they both attend together?”
Absolutely! That said, each dog must be handled by a separate adult. It’s nearly impossible to safely and effectively train with two dogs at the same time in a time limit.
“My dog has issues with other dogs, but muzzles make him look like a bad dog.”
I hear you. The stigma around muzzles is strong, but ill-deserved. Muzzles are, like any other training gear, a tool, not a mark of a “bad dog”. Muzzling, just like kenneling, is a safety measure that allows your dog to have a full, happy life, without needing to worry about the potential for a bite. As safety is always my number one priority, aggressive and reactive dogs will need to be muzzled. If this is disagreeable, please inquire about private lessons, instead!
“I did a group class and it didn’t work. Why should I try you, instead?”
The majority of my clients have been through training before, and still needed to hire a private professional to get the job done. Unfortunately, the training industry is a bit of a mess; anyone can get into it with no experience at all. There are numerous supposed service dog trainers who have never once successfully trained a single service dog. Fly-by-night trainers waste people’s time, energy, and frequently make dogs worse than they were prior to training. This leads to many people giving up or thinking that their dog is hopeless, or losing faith in the training industry as a whole. Who can blame them? When supposed professionals rip you off and fail you, it’s hard not to lose hope.
When you work with me, you work with thirty years experience that have helped thousands of dogs become well-trained, confident, happy members of society. If my word isn’t enough, let my clients tell you. Reach out and I’ll gladly send you references from graduates and current clients alike.
In short, the problem isn’t the dog, and it’s usually not the owner. When you work with a professional, you’ll know the difference.
Inquiry Form