Advances in Animal Behavior logo with dog in half circle

Frequently Asked Questions

Irish wolfhound lies down with speech bubble above its head

You may fill out our online application and pay by credit card online.  Or you may fill out our application, print and mail it in with your payment.  Please note online payments are processed the same day.  If you  mail in your form with payment we won’t cash the check until the class starts.

When a class fills, we’ll put a note on the website next to the start date.

Yes, we do.  We find that it is the fastest method for teaching a dog a new behavior.  However, we do not insist that our clients use any tool.  We simply ask that you try it. You’ll be amazed.  And you won’t have to have a clicker with you to ensure that your dog listens.

No, you should take the class that is appropriate for your dog’s age.

Due to the pandemic we can only have 2 people per dog in our group classes.

Yes you may, when it’s available.  However we recommend that you do everything you can to not sign up for a class knowing that you’re going to miss  a week.  Because “Life Happens”, you may have to miss another week and then you’ll miss 2.

We require that you get your homework via email or  stop in and pick it up.  Missing one class is the equivalent of one week so it’s imperative that you not fall behind.

Good question, the adolescent class has more focus on impulse control, teaches go to your mat, and affords the dogs the opportunities for off leash play. Basic 1 spends more time on obedience exercises and dogs are not allowed to visit.  Because all of the dogs in adolescent are so immature, it is the more difficult of the two.

If you feel that your dog did not do really well in its last class, we recommend that you start with Basic 1. But feel free to call us and discuss.  If you end up in a class that’s too easy for your dog’s level, we will try our best to present you with individual more challenging exercises/goals.

 

Yes, you should call for an appointment for a private lesson.  During the private lesson, we will assess your dog and try and determine why it’s  barking/lunging and create a treatment plan for you to implement.  You may need more than one private lesson to get ready for your group class.

We recommend 30 minutes daily broken up into 5 to 10 minute sessions.  Also throughout the day you should be implementing “Nothing in Life is Free”.

If  your dog’s age is appropriate, please sign up for puppy kindergarten or adolescent dog class. If it’s older than 8 months try Obedience for Agility or Into to Agility or private lessons.

Absolutely, please let us know ahead of time and please do not bring your dog.

Dog should be able to run through a 15-foot curved tunnel, go over a four foot A-frame, through a low tire, over 3 jumps in a row, targeting, go to mat, go to crate, come when called through toy/dog/food distractions.  Sit stay while handler removes leash and collar.

After the first class, if you want to reschedule to another session (different day/time) we will try our best to accommodate for a $25 rescheduling fee.