TRAINING AT REBECCA

TRAINING AT REBECCA’S CANINE ACADEMY

(FACT SHEET AND GENERAL INFORMATION)

LOCATION: Rebecca’s Canine Academy PHONE: 607-862-3131

2400 NY State Route 26 EMAIL: rletson@stny.rr.com

Endicott NY 13760

CLASS SIZE: At no time will enrollment in group classes exceed six dogs to allow for opportunity for individual attention and instruction. Private training is limited to one dog, Semi Private is limited to 2-3 dogs. Behavioral Modification is a private only consult.

TRAINING RATES: The following rates are effective 1/1/09.

Private Training: $25 for 30 minutes or $50/hr

Semi Private Training: $25/hr

Group Training: $20/hr

Behavioral Modification (Private Only): $75/hr

Practice Ring Time for Obed, Agil, or Rally: $20 per person/hr

REGISTRATION: Registration must be completed before the first day of class in person or by mail. If mailing send to address at top of this form. Registration is completed upon receipt of

1) Payment in full. No refunds will be given, except in cases of illness or injury to dog or handler prior to the start of the first class. You will be billed for time booked. A scheduled appointment is a commitment to attend.

2) A photocopy of your dog’s veterinary vaccination records for rabies and distemper for us to keep on file.

3) The completed two page registration form.

You are not registered until we receive payment, the registration form, and a copy of the vaccine records.

PAYMENT: Cash or Checks (made payable to Rebecca’s Canine Academy LLC) are acceptable methods of payment. Balance of payment in full is due before the first class when you register. Sorry No Credit Cards Accepted . In submitting payment you agree to attend all scheduled classes and understand that missed classes will not be refunded. Make up classes for missed classes are available but will be charged accordingly.

CANCELLATION OF CLASS: If classes are cancelled due to inclement weather or a personal emergency or illness of the instructor students will be notified by phone and email ASAP. A make up lesson will be provided at no additional charge.

ATTENDANCE: Classes are sequential in nature. To get the most out of the program you must attend all classes. Please arrive promptly as classes will not be delayed for latecomers and any material missed due to lateness will not be repeated.

POTTY TRAINING AND ELIMINATION: Arrive at least 15 minutes early to allow your dog a chance to empty his/her bladder and bowels outdoors. Do not allow your dog to urine mark on or near the training building as this is common courtesy in keeping the area clean. Grass elimination areas are available. Should your dog defecate you must clean it up immediately. Bags are available if you forgot yours. Any adult dog that routinely eliminates indoors or urine marks indoors including any area of the floors, walls, or equipment will be dismissed from training. We realize that “accidents” happen especially with young puppies. Feel free to take your puppy out to eliminate any time you think he has to go. If class is in session I will repeat what you missed when you get back indoors. We pride ourselves in offering a clean and safe environment for training and appreciate your help in this area.

REACTIVE OR AGGRESSIVE DOGS: Any dog that creates an unnecessary and ongoing disturbance in a group class will be removed from class and offered a more suitable training arrangement. All dogs and handlers deserve a training environment that they can thrive in. We will not “kick you out” only remove you from a situation that is not working and place you in one where you and your dog will succeed.

HOMEWORK: Attending class teaches you how to train your dog the commands and exercises covered. You must commit to working with your dog daily in order to prepare your dog to advance to the next steps the following week. YOU WILL GET OUT OF THIS PROGRAM EXACTLY WHAT YOU PUT INTO IT!!! If you have trouble remembering what you must work on feel free to bring along a pad of paper and a pen for note taking. Please ask any questions if you do not understand a procedure and feel free to call your instructor during the week if you run into a training problem with your dog.

WHAT DO I NEED FOR CLASS:

1) A Positive Attitude: No matter how bad a day you have had you must train with a positive attitude. We want training to remain fun for both dog and handler so come in with a smile.

2) A Leash: A four to six-foot leash made out of leather, cotton, or nylon is acceptable. Leather is easiest on your hands if your dog tries to pull away. Retractable flexi leads ARE NOT ALLOWED.

3) Collar: Please attend class with the collar you are currently using to train your dog with. As a minimum all dogs must wear a properly fitted buckle collar tight enough so that the dog cannot slip out and escape. A general rule of thumb is to be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck.

4) Plastic Bags: You must clean up after your dog if he or she should eliminate anywhere on the grounds.

5) Full Roll of Paper Towels: PART OF RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP IS CLEANUP. YOU MUST BE PREPARED TO CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR DOG SHOULD YOUR DOG ELIMINATE ON THE FLOOR. You may also need your paper towels should your dog become car sick.

6) Treats: As all training is done motivationally you must bring food rewards for your dog. Soft treats work the best as biscuits take a long time for the dog to chew. Treats should be cut into tiny pieces so that your dog does not fill up and you have enough to last the entire session. Suggested treats include dog jerky or pieces of cheese or hot dogs. You will have to have easy access to your treats so wear a fanny pack, bait pouch, or clothing with easy access pockets.

7) Toy: Bring along your dog’s favorite toy to serve as a reward.

8) Water and Bowl if Desired: Training is hard work for both you and your dog. Fill a bottle with water from your tap at home or purchase bottled water to share with your dog. While you may feel free to fill your dogs bowl with water from the sink at the facility be aware that dogs that are on a different water system at home may have digestive upset resulting from drinking unfamiliar water.

9) Notebook and Pen: For note taking if desired.

10) Most importantly bring your sense of humor: Anyone who has owned or worked with animals knows that they can and will embarrass you at the most inappropriate time.

11) First Aid Supplies: All handlers should have a pet/human first aid kit handy in their vehicle .

12) A CRATE TO SECURE YOUR DOG IF YOU ARE IN COMPETITION CLASSES AND DO NOT HAVE A HELPER TO HOLD YOUR DOG WHILE YOU WALK THE COURSES.

Pack all your training supplies in a duffel bag or backpack and they will be ready to travel.

SAFETY: Dog training is a physical and athletic undertaking not without risk of injury. Classes will involve direct contact with animals some of which may be difficult to control . Participants assume all risks of injury (to themselves, family members in attendance, or their dog) which may result from direct handling and training of dogs. To ensure everyone’s safety the following rules and regulations will be strictly enforced. Should you fail to comply with our safety policy you will be dismissed from training.

1) Wear Proper Footwear and Clothing. Rubber soled shoes such as sneakers will provide you with secure footing while protecting your dogs feet from injury should you accidentally step on him. Considerable time will be spent on the floor with your dog so wear comfortable clothing. (Do not wear your best clothes to class as remember you are training dogs. Expect to get covered with dog hair) and the occasional slobber!!!

2) Vaccination Records are Required Before Your Dog Will Be Allowed in Class. A photocopy of both the rabies certificate and proof of vaccination against distemper and parvo must be provided. These are easily obtained from your veterinarian. Titer results are acceptable as long as they have been documented within one year of the start of class.

3) Obey the NY State Leash Law. Your dog must arrive to and leave from class on leash. The leash must be held in your hand. Dogs will be leashed or restrained (crated) at all times unless they are working a skill set that requires off lead control.

4) Obey the NY State Pooper-Scooper Law. If your dog eliminates on the grounds of the training center including the parking lot, surrounding grass areas, and surrounding neighborhood you must immediately clean it up.

5) Handling of Dogs. Training class can be very stressful for dogs and for this reason dogs may act aggressively if you or your dog invade the space of another handler and dog team. Be aware at what your dog is doing at all times and keep your dog at least four to six feet away from other dogs. Class is designed to help you achieve a partnership with your dog. Play dates are important for dogs but inappropriate for class (puppy socialization is an exception during scheduled socialization time). I understand that your dogs best friends may be in class with him but it is still your responsibility to make it clear to your dog that class is work and play will only occur with you as the handler. Part of successful training is impulse control and your dog will benefit from you establishing rules in the presence of other dogs.

6) Children. Children under the age of five are not allowed in the training room. Children between the ages of five and ten are allowed to attend class but must be seated at all times and accompanied by an adult that is not training the dog. If your child does not remain seated you will be asked to leave the class. Children over age ten can participate in the training of the family dog along with parental supervision. These regulations regarding children are for their safety and will be strictly upheld.

7) Smoking/Alcohol. A No Smoking Policy is in effect inside of Rebecca’s Canine Academy. Handlers under the influence of alcohol or other illegal substances will not be permitted to train in class.