Class Policies

Policies are meant to keep everyone safe and happy in class. Please take the time to read all of them, I believe you will find them very helpful. If you have questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Thank you.

• All dogs must be non-agressive, in good health, physically sound and protected from disease. If your dog is acting sick, please don't come to class that day but send an email or call to let me know.
• Sorry, there are no makeups for classes that you miss, but you can schedule a private lesson if desired or participate in another class (same level) that is active.
• Registering only does not secure your place in class, payment is needed to be fully enrolled. Be sure to get payment in a least a week before the first day of class. Payment can be in the form of check or credit card. Credit Cards are accepted via PayPal but there is an additional 4% fee added on to your payment to cover costs. Cash is accepted for Private Lessons only.
• Classes are held outdoors, and inclement weather may cancel class. If classes must be canceled due to weather, you will still receive the number of lessons you paid for, but just stretched out over another week or so as needed. Be sure to check your email before you leave if you are even unsure about the weather. Classes will be canceled 1 hr before it is to start if needed. I do not carry my cell phone when teaching so you may not be able to reach me by phone.
• NOTE: There are no bathroom facilities for use - please plan ahead. There is a public park about 1/2 mile away that has bathrooms.
• You will be asked to bring/sign a Waiver on your first visit that indicates that you take full responsiblity for your dog. (this is only required one time / year)
• We ask all owners to be aware of their dog's behavior at all times. All handlers are asked to not allow their dog free access to sniff another person's dog at any time.
• Any dog which, in the opinion of the instructor, is uncontrollable, unpredictable, or aggressive may be removed from a general enrollment class and referred for private instruction or specialty behavior classes. Refunds are not given if this occurs.
• Dogs should NOT be allowed to play with each other on or off leash as this gives the dog good reason to 'flip you the paw' once off leash.
• Female dogs in heat may attend class but should wear protective britches at all times, except when in the toileting area of the facility.
• Harsh corrections of any kind are not permitted in class. (Hitting, jerking, alpha rolling, etc.).
• All owners must clean up after their dogs when on the premises. Please do NOT let your dog potty on any of the equipment, buildings, trash cans, etc. Repeated violations may be reason for dismissal from classes.
• Please arrive 5 to 10 minutes before class is to begin. This gives you time to potty your dog and ready to start class on time. We DO start on time - if you are late and you feel you've missed something, you are welcome to discuss with instructor once class is over, if there is time before the next class starts.
• Please make sure you gather up ALL your belongings after class. I cannot guarantee the safe return of any equipment or clothing left on the property.
• Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a non-participating adult at all times while on the premises.

• Group Classes (4 week) are fully refundable up to 5 days before the first class. After this time, no refunds will be given.
  If, after your first session of any Group Class (other than the Test Drive workshop), you are completely dissatisfied and do not wish to return to the Group Class setting, please notify your instructor before you leave. Your class payment will be refunded minus the first class fee ($25), and your enrollment cancelled. If after first session of the course and you did not communicate any dissatisfaction with Instructor, you will be obligated for the entire course and expect no refund.
• Test Drives are fully refundable up to 48hours before class. After this time, no refunds will be given.
• Private Lesson cancellations require at least 24 hrs notice (except emergencies) No shows, late cancellations, will be charged. (sorry, but I schedule my day to accommodate as many people as possible and when you make a last minute change, it means that someone else will not be able to fill your place that quickly).

• A tight fitting flat buckle collar (no pinch, choke, prong or electronic collars) Please remove all tags from collars when working equipment for dogs safety. Halti's are okay but be sure you have a buckle collar as well.
• Six foot strong nylon or leather leash small enough that you can gather up in your hand (no flexi's, chains etc)
• TREATS - 3 to 4 cups of at least THREE different types of high value meaty treats such as bacon, steak, chicken, string cheese, food rolls or Deli meat. Cut the treats into small dime sized pieces ahead of class time.
• Fanny pack or treat pack. Please no plastic baggies! (just something you can put your treats in so they are handy or you can just put them in your jacket pockets as long as they are not falling out!)

WHAT TO WEAR

• Wear comfortable clothing that you can run in and don’t mind getting dirty!
• You must wear NON-SLIP athletic shoes such as trail running shoes or sneakers. Please no dress shoes, sandals, clogs, bare feet, etc.

• Do not feed your dog a meal before coming to class. He will be getting plenty of food in class.
  If your dog is highly excitable, I suggest exercising your dog at home a bit just before coming to class so he is more manageable.
• Keep in mind that this class is to learn about agility and is not about your dog socializing with other dogs. Be respectful and do NOT let your dog approach other dogs. Please keep plenty of distance between you and other teams.

• Do bring plenty of soft pea sized treats that won’t crumble (otherwise your dog and others will spend alot of time looking on the ground for treats and flipping you da paw!)
• Do wear comfortable clothing and shoes designed for running
• Do keep your dogs from visiting with each other before, during and after class
• Don’t get on the equipment without your instructors help
• Don’t have more than one handler per dog
• Do minimize the barking while waiting your turn or learning
• Do have the family come to watch, it is always a fun class
• Do try to get to class a few minute early to let your dog potty beforehand
• Do use a leash that is small enough to gather up into one hand when needed
• Don’t have any training type collars, halties, or slip leads on your dog
• Do be sure that your dog's collar can’t slip over his head
• Do tell your instructor if your dog is sensitive to being touched by strangers
• Don’t worry about using verbal cues in the beginning as the dog may not be performing the obstacle correctly and you will be giving a name to a performance you don't want.
• Do give your dog some extra space by moving away from other teams if he seems overwhelmed or over stimulated at anytime (ie: barking, lunging)
• Don’t rush or push your dog to go faster - Accuracy and safety is first and foremost - speed will come with comfort and confidence.
• Do be patient and let your dog tell you what he is ready for and what he isn’t