How to Prepare for Your Class

To ensure a safe, productive, and enjoyable experience for everyone, please follow the guidelines below before attending your training session:

1. Feeding Your Dog Before Class

  • Your dog should not eat for at least 4 hours before class.
  • If your dog is timid, anxious, overweight or easily distracted, we recommend withholding food for 6 hours.
  • It’s best to skip one meal on the day of your session to keep your dog food-motivated and avoid overfeeding.

 

2. Bring High-Value Training Treats

• Bring plenty of soft, high-value treats cut into small pieces (the size of your little finger nail) that your dog loves, such as: any cooked meat, cheese, sausage, meatballs, K9 Natural Green Tripe, Prime100 or other dog food roll diced into small pieces etc.

  • The larger your dog, the more treats you’ll need—enough to last the full one-hour session.
  • Please do not bring kibble or any dry treats from pet shops, as they are usually ineffective in a group class with distractions. While they may work at home, they are not suitable for use in this setting.

 

3. Leashes and Equipment

  • All dogs must wear a well-fitted collar or harness and be on a standard leash (noretractable leads).
  • All training is conducted on-leash.

 

4. Attendance Requirements

• A maximum of two people per dog may attend.

  • Children under 7 years old are not permitted in class for safety and focus reasons.
  • All attendees must be able to follow the trainer’s guidance and remain engaged in the session.

 

5. Vaccination Requirements

  • All dogs must be vaccinated and up to date.
  • Proof of vaccination may be requested on the day.
  • All dogs must be on parasite control and healthy when attending classes.Puppy School:
  • Puppies must have received at least their first vaccination (given at 6 weeks old).
  • Full vaccination is not required as classes are always held in private, disinfected spaces, not in public areas or outdoors.Other Group Classes:
  • For other indoor group classes (teen and obedience classes), at least two vaccinations are required.

 

7. No Reactive Dogs in Group Classes

• For safety and effectiveness, we do not accept reactive dogs in group classes and reserve the right to remove dogs not suitable for group classes without a refund.

  • This includes all dogs that bark, lunge, growl, or show signs of fear, anxiety, arousal or aggression toward other dogs or people. Please note that dogs can be reactive even due to over-excitement, it is not all fear or aggression-based, but it is all reactivity that requires behavioural training, not group obedience classes.
  • If your dog is reactive or has a history of aggression or anxiety, please contact us to arrange private behavioural training tailored to your dog’s needs.

 

8. No Dog-to-Dog Interaction

  • Group classes are for training, not free play or socialisation.
  • Do not allow your dog to approach other dogs unless directed by the trainer.
  • Some dogs may be anxious or in training; giving all dogs space supports their learning.
  • No pulling or lunging will be allowed and will be addressed through positive, distance- based techniques.

 

9. Positive Training Policy
We are a force-free, positive reinforcement-based training service.

The following are not permitted in class:

  • Prong collars, choke chains, or slip leads
  • Leash jerks, physical corrections, or rough handling
  • Spray bottles, shaker cans, or startling noises
  • Any form of intimidation or punitive techniques

We focus on building trust, confidence, and cooperation through kind, evidence-based methods.