So, you’ve signed up for the first day of class and now you need to know what to bring and do! We have a little list of things that we would like you to do/bring that will help us make you successful at training your pup. Remember, we are training YOU so YOU can train your dog. We will show you how to do it but training you is just as important Bring questions to class and take what you learn and practice it at home!
- Do NOT feed your puppy/dog on class day, even if your class is in the afternoon. Instead, skip breakfast and bring it with you to class if you’d like. A hungry pup is a motivated pup. They can eat their meal as we train.
- Bring poop bags! We can’t stress this enough. We have been kicked out of places because of poop not being picked up. Even if your dogs poop in the weed, please pick it up. We see up to 100 dogs on a Sunday and we could
that place up quick and get kicked out. Please, pick up and place it in the dumpster, trash can or designated poop container! - A collar and leash. For puppies, we prefer slip leads and for larger dogs, we typically recommend prong collars. If you don’t have either or have questions, please bring what you use and we can discuss in class. First time puppies in our 0-6 month class will be provided a slip lead for use in class.
- Bring cash. We have training toys, treats, leashes, collars, ect. We prefer cash but Cynthia will also accept PayPal and Venmo. Cell reception can spotty where we are located.
- Bring treats! You can use any treat that you would like, but it should be something your dog likes. For some dogs, their breakfast works, for others, they need a higher “value” treat to get them excited. Most of our trainers like to use BilJac. It’s frozen dog food that is like a playdough texture. This allows us to make the treats as small or large as we want for the pups. Most of the time we prefer small treats as our pups can eat them quickly allowing us to practice more. At times, a bigger ball of treats is preferred for the task we are trying to complete. If you get a bag, simply thaw it out and about a cup into a sandwich bag. Place them all in the fridge and either the night or morning before training, remove a bag or 2 to bring to class. It takes about an hour or 2 to thaw out but even frozen is still good for the pups.
- Bring water! In the summer time, it’s hot and even in the winter dogs can get dehydrated. Remember, your feeding your dog mostly dry treats so they will get thirsty! If you would like to bring water onto the field for during class, that is totally acceptable. At the very least, please have some in your car and of course, don’t forget a water bowl.
- Bring a treat pouch! It’s really helpful to be able to use both hands for training. You’ll be using one or 2 hands to hold a leash, another hand for signals, and rewarding your pups when they complete a task! Having a fanny pack or some kind of treat bag on your waist helps tremendously. We all wear them so you’ll be in good company.
- Arrive early! Most classes are 45 minutes long. We have a lot of information to share in that time, so it is important to be early and ready to go. Also, when class is over, please hurry off the field so we can start the next class. All of the classes are back to back so time is precious.
Now that you have what you bring to class, lets talk about when you arrive. Upon arriving at the address, look for a gravel driveway to head down. During the summer, we train on the grass field by the road and during the winter, we train in the building. Parking will be at the bottom of the hill. Gather everything you need for class and proceed either to the field or building depending on the season. Please do not enter the building or come onto the field until directed to. We have a lot of dogs and people in each class. We need to be able to clear the field before the next class comes on. Again, please be quick to come on and off the field. We can’t wait to see you in class!