Class Information and What to Bring
For Basic Obedience and Puppy Manners
Keep this for your reference
Hello Obedience Class Students,
Directions: Location is Horizon Pet Supply conveniently located on the
Maple Valley Highway (highway 169) 30741 3rd AVE, Ste 115 Black
Diamond 98010. . . across the highway from CJ’s Bakery. From Maple
Valley, drive south on highway 169, From Enumclaw, drive North on 169
(speed limit is 35 mph in Black Diamond and enforced)!
Please arrive 10-15 minutes early, allowing enough time for your dog to
potty outside before entering. Empty out dog’s bladder! Do not feed a full
meal before class. 1/3 of normal portion should suffice. A hungry dog is
more attentive.
1. Bring a treat pouch or nail apron (pockets or fanny pack will work also)
and lots of tiny, soft treats of high value, cut up the size of a small pea for
large dogs or tic-tac size for small dogs (Natural Balance beef in a tube is
one brand dogs love and available at Horizon, it must be cut up). Even
better is Ziwi Peaks Treats. Thick zip bag or plastic container. Lickety Stick
by PetSafe is a good alternative to tiny treats, it is a rollon lick 500 licks per
bottle. Keep open bags out of reach of other pups during class (they are
sneaky!). Do not feed someone else’s dog without permission, they could
have a food allergy and you could be teaching them to beg.
2. Water and dish for dog if desired, though group water dish will be
provided.
3. Clean rug, pad, blanket or thick towel (size of your dog) for him to lie on
during class. I recommend a rectangular flat pad the size of your dog lying
down. A bathroom rug (rubberized on bottom can be used).
4. 5 ½ - 6 foot leash (cotton web or leather preferred for comfort and grip) -
NO retractable “Flexi” leads for training. Appropriate leashes are available
at Horizon.
5. Please bring your dog wearing a flat buckle or plastic snap collar. If you
have used a training collar/halter, bring that as well. We will discuss
collars/harnesses during class week 2 or 3 and individually work out the
best collar for your dog at this stage of his training. You do not need to
purchase a training collar prior to class. Young puppies should wear flat
buckle/snao collars.
6. Bring paper and pen to take notes. I will provide homework and
educational handouts. Please read these and commit to working with your
dog between classes.
7. Registration form and payment if not already turned in (this would be for
last minute signup).
8. Dog doo pick up bags (can be purchased at Horizon)
9. For Agility Class, you may want to bring a light weight short leash (such
as a puppy or kitten leash to drag) or an old leash you can cut short. This
is so you can catch your dog if he/she takes off while negotiating obstacles.)
Please let me know if you will miss a class. I will make an extra effort to send
you homework and let you know what we covered. You can send an email
gina@onegooddog.org and I can email you the lesson instructions. Every
class will be different , so missing one week if necessary, wont mean you’ll
be lost! I give every student private instruction during class so, you can ask
me to clarify what you missed. You can make up a missed class the next
class series.
Your dog should always wear an ID tag, even if micro chipped. Many people
who find dogs won’t bother with or don’t know about the microchip. ID tags
can be made instantly at Horizon. Put your name and two phone numbers
on the ID, not your dog’s name. Please contain your dog in a crate in the
car or a harness and seat belt or a dog booster seat. Behind a fence in the
back of an SUV or station wagon is ok too. You will not regret it in an
accident! I have heard the horror stories of dogs ejecting out windows or
being a missile and hitting a human in the head. Also, a dog in a crate is
much less likely to get stolen out of your car! Theft is on the rise.
Please put your dog on leash from car to inside store so he/she doesn’t run
off or disturb other people outside. Bring lots of patience and a sense of
humor! The first class may seem a little chaotic. Your dog will be very
excited and distracted. :O) Stay calm and have fun. Remember, we are
training you to train your dog. Most of the canine learning will occur
between sessions, at your home and in less distracting environments. If
you have time to exercise your dog before class, he will be calmer during
class (even if it is a day before class that he/she gets extra exercise).
Please keep dogs at least 4 feet apart during class. This is for safety and to
help your dog concentrate on you. If appropriate, we will have play time for
the dogs. Please let me know if you have any concerns about your dog
playing with other dogs off-leash. If you have questions prior to class
starting, you may email info@OneGoodDog.org I am looking forward to
seeing you and your dog in class!
Horizon Pet Supply is family owned and very gracious to allow One Good
Dog to use their facility for classes. Please support this local business by
purchasing food, toys, treats, or equipment from them. If they don’t carry
something you need, they can usually order it for you, please ask the
cashier. :O)
If your dog is shy or timid bring him into Horizon a few times before class
starts and bring him early the first week to get acclimated to the
environment. Also, purchase Rescue Remedy for frightened or nervous
dogs. Four drops before leaving for class and four drops upon arrival. It is
natural and takes the edge off of nerves. I have informational brochures on
this product available.