Pooper scoops and poop pots are provided for solid waste removal.
An EXERCISE AREA has been provided on the west wooded side of the building. Upon arrival,please use this area for it's intended purpose. DO NOT LET MALE DOGS URINATE ON THE BUILDING, PLANTS, or TIRES.
ACCIDENTS INSIDE THE BUILDING: Instructors are accustomed to holding dogs while the owners clean up in the building. We provide disinfectant which must be used for health purposes, and to eliminate marking behavior.
ALL DOGS MUST BE ON LEASH AT ALL TIMES and kept out of other dog's space. Retractable leashes are to be used only when instructors tell you to use them in an exercise. Do you walk your pet in public on a retractable lead.
SHOT RECORDS must be on file in the office before your dog gets out of the car.
AGILITY EQUIPMENT IS OFF LIMITS....even just to try once.
SMOKING is not allowed anywhere on the farm.
FAMILYMEMBERS are encouraged to observe and learn along with the handler. However, it is important that there be a consistent trainer for a single class.
PARTIAL REFUNDS will be granted through the beginning of the second class.
TRAINING FIELD USE can be arranged, see agility page for info.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
Proper fitting buckle collar in good condition
4' or 6' cloth or leather leash, long line or flexi for recalls. Never use a retractable leash to walk you pet with while training at Dog Works.
Warm dress in winter, building is not heated. We follow Henderson county school closings, (flood and snow).
During warm weather we might be outside, requiring sun block and maybe bug stuff.
Dog training requires comfortable sports shoes and casual dress.
A REWARD IS SOMETHING YOUR DOG LIKES, NOT SOMETHING YOU THINK HE LIKES. Bring 3 or more different food rewards that are soft, small, and makes your pet drool! This excludes milkbones, any hard type treats, puperonies, etc. If you would not give it to your child, don't feed it to your dog! We suggest cheeze sticks, frozen biljack, meat, left over pizza, etc. Milkbones may work at home, they will not motivate your pet in a group class.
OUR CLASSES TRAIN YOU TO TRAIN YOUR DOG.
Concentrate on training technique rather than being overly concerned with your dog's response. As your technique improves, so will your dog's response.
We ask you to spend at least 10 minutes 5 days a week training. If you miss hometraining, come to class anyway, we understand some weeks are better than others. The results you get will depend on the time you invest.
Your VOICE & ATTITUDE are your most important training tools. Your voice can encourage, excite, reinforce or stop your dog. Work with your dog in a conversational tone. Never shout at your dog. Remember to verbally reward all positive behavior AS WELL AS CLICKING , FOLLOWED BY FOOD RIENFORCEMENT. The dog should easily be able to distinguish a praising tone from other tones of voice. If you demonstrate enjoyment and pleasure in what you're doing, the dog will pick up your attitude and will be a happy, enthusiastic worker. A happy attitude is communicated to the dog by praising him verbally as well as physically by petting and scratching him.
A POSITIVE ATTITUDE on your part will help insure success. Patience is a key factor in training - never lose your temper or work with your dog when you are angry or upset. Your feelings are easily picked up by your dog. If you become disappointed or angry over what you perceive to be a shortcoming on the part of your dog, he will not understand why you are upset. He will become anxious and learning will be impeded. A dog should never be physically punished when he is trying to learn what it is you want him to do. It is your job as the trainer to determine if the dog is confused or knowledgeable.