Congrats on signing up for a training class with your dog!!

Below is a list of tips I have compiled for a training class student.  I am sharing these to help make learning fun for both you and your dog - and class for teachers a little saner. Please dress comfortable. Wear sneakers or comfortable shoes.

1.  Bring a hungry dog.  If your class is at 6pm, skip dinner.  A good rule of thumb is to not feed your dog for at least 4 hours prior to class.  A hungry dog is a MOTIVATED dog, in most cases.  This is probably the most important tip of them all. 

2.  Bring soft treats of different varieties - already cut up in appropriate size.  Do not bring milk bones.  Combine some of your dog's normal meal kibble with delicious treats that are pea-sized.  The softer the treat the quicker you can train because there is little to no chewing involved.  Some favorites of mine are chopped up chicken breast, dog food roll cut up small, cheese, and any other leftover meat that is safe for dogs.  Do not assume that because your dog eats whatever it is at home he will necessarily have interest in it amidst a distracting, exciting environment.

3.  Collar. Use a regular buckle collar. (NO chains, pinch or e-collars permitted) You may use a head halter (gentle leader etc.) or a no-pull harness.  If you have a small breed dog a regular harness will work.

4.  Ditch the flexi-lead.  They are dangerous.  Dogs can get tangled around each other quickly and easily.  The stop feature on Flexi-leads has, can, and will break - you never know when; hopefully it won't be in class.  Other reasons to not use a flexi-lead include risk of amputation (it is written all over the package) and erosion your loose-leash walking practice.  Instead, bring a 4-6' standard leash leather, or nylon.

5.  If your dog isn't super-foodie, as we say, bring something that does motivate him.  If it is a tennis ball, bring that.  If it is a favorite stuffed toy, bring that.  Squeaky toys are okay. but if your training class has more than one squeaky toy fanatic, which there is bound to be, you might have an issue on your hands.

6.  You must clean up after your dog inside the facility as well as outside on the property.

7.  Don't show up more than 5 minutes prior to class unless instructed to do so.  Humans are great at waiting for things, dogs are not.

8.  Tire your dog out before class.  Spend some extra time playing fetch or tug so his energy tank is emptied more.

9.  Wear a bait bag.  They make ones that don't look really terrible now - I swear.  Even if you end up wearing a fanny pack, we won't tell.  Your secret is safe with us.  My favorite bait bag is the Gentle Leader bag, but there are other types out there in all colors and patterns.  You will thank me later.

10.  Don't greet other dogs in the class prior or during to it (without permission from the instructor)!  In some adult classes not all dogs are dog-friendly - that is why they are on-leash classes.  Maintain appropriate learning distance for your dog and the dogs around you.  No dogs will be allowed off leash at any time with the exception of puppy playtime.

Enjoy class and Happy Training!!