Welcome & Thank You for choosing POTC!
Please take a few minutes to read the following rules and tips to help make your dog training experience more successful.
The course you have enrolled in is designed to teach you how to train your dog. While you will be the dog’s teacher, both of you will be students. It is our goal to show you how to make your dog a better member of society, to have fun while both of you are learning, and to develop a lifetime of trust, respect and friendship between you and your dog.
The training program will be progressive, and is very successful and effective for the majority of dogs enrolled in our classes. There are many ways to motivate and instruct your dogs. If you feel your dog is not responding to one method, please feel free to speak to your instructor or assistant about using alternative techniques.
Because all dogs are different, they will learn at different paces. Do not judge your dog’s progress by comparing it to other dogs in the class.
How successful you and your dog are will depend on your willingness to take instruction, be open to new ideas, and your ability to spend about 15 minutes per day practicing that week’s lesson.
- Be prompt for class. Regular class attendance is a must, for each week’s lesson builds on the previous one. If you are unable to attend a class, let your instructor know.
- Enter through the Main Door (closest to handicapped parking) and Exit through side doors at either end of building. Do not congregate inside the Main door and move out of the way of incoming handlers and their dogs.
- Wear casual clothing and comfortable shoes to class. (Tennis shoes or soft-soled shoes are requested.) No flip-flops or high heels.
- Do not bring a sick or a female dog in season to class. Attend class without your dog so you can keep up with the lesson and still continue to practice at home.
- Do not leave your dog unattended or allow your dog to sniff and/or visit other dogs. Be respectful of dogs in crates and do not approach.
- Please clean up after your dog. Baggies are located by the doors and outside in the black mailboxes, and there are two metal trashcans outside for refuse.
- Children who are not the handlers should observe from the sideline preferably with an adult and remain seated. A child twelve years or older who can prove that he/she is able to control the dog is welcome to participate in class. The class instructor will determine this. Do not allow children to visit with other dogs or get near kenneled dogs or play on equipment.
- Do not attempt to use any of the equipment, jumps, or agility obstacles.
- Refrain from using your cell phone (text or calls) in the training ring. Your focus is on your dog at all times inside the ring.
- Bring treats AND toys or different types of treats. What works one night might not work the next time.
- Bring your own bowls for water. You may use our water or bring bottled water from home.
- Bring a clicker if you clicker train. If you want more information about clicker training, ask your instructor.
- Let instructors know if your dog has food allergies or is reactive to people or dogs.
- No dog will be allowed to participate in class without proof of vaccinations (Rabies, Parvo, and Distemper) by the first night of class.
- Class cancellations will be broadcasted from our website, WEEK-TV, WMBD, and our Facebook page.
- Please ask questions! Have fun!
- EQUIPMENT :
6’ Leash
YES = leather, nylon, or biothane
NO = chain or retractable leashes
Collar Choice of….
YES = flat buckle
YES = Limited Slip or No Slip Collars aka Martingale or Checkmate
YES = Front-Clip Harness / Head Halti
UPON INSTRUCTOR APPROVAL = Slip/Chain or Prong
NO = Plastic Clasp Collars on dogs over 30#, Back-Clip Harnesses, Shock Collars
- Some equipment can be purchased through us on registration night or throughout class time.
- Do not travel here or home with specialized training collars on. Use a flat buckle collar only for traveling.
If you have any questions or issues you’d like to discuss with our Director of Training, please contact trainer@potcdogs.com
Revised 4/2019