Please cancel your private appointment as soon as possible; we prefer 48-hours notice so we can schedule other clients who may be waiting for an appointment. If a client no shows for an appointment or our trainer arrives to the appointment at your home and you have not notified them that you are unavailable then the appointment rate will be charged.

This question will depend on your dog’s age, experience, previous training history, your goals, schedule, budget and family situation. We have a dog training program for you that offers the training you need, when you need it.

Contact us today for a FREE Email Consultation & learn more about how we can help you.

• A mask
• For the first class you will need to provide your dog’s vaccination records, although ideally email them to LoveDogs@CourteousCanine.com ahead of time.
• Soft and small treats, size of a fingernail – we recommend chopping up low fat hotdogs, string cheese or any other soft treat that agrees with your dog.
• A hungry dog. Please don’t feed your dog for at least 4 hours before class. If you have a highly food-motivated dog then your trainer may advise you to give them half their food rations before class.
• Bringing a mat or your dog’s bed may also be very beneficial to give your dog a “station”.
• A standard (non-flexi) leash and nylon collar or body harness. **Please no choke, prong or shock collars.**
• If you are already using a Head collar then bring that too. If you are planning on using a head collar please do not put it on your dog for the first time just before class. Your dog will spend the first session feeling uncomfortable and trying to remove it.
• A squeaky toy that can be used to get your dog’s attention. You can also bring a tug toy.
• A water bowl and water. Training makes a dog thirsty. A stressed dog can also get thirsty and don’t forget water for yourself too.

Our trainers are experienced in handling noisy dogs and provide visual barriers and food stuffed toys to minimize barking. Please do not be embarrassed, all our dogs have funny quirks! WE recommend using epecially delicious treats like hot dog and cheese help to keep dogs focused and quiet

Select the ideal group class for your dog by setting goals for your dog’s training and then browsing our site. If you are interested in basic manners, control and obedience our Basic Manners class will be ideal. If you are looking for training for your puppy, sign up for our AKC Star Puppy Kindergarten group class.

If you are interested in Pet Therapy we offer a class for the AKC Canine Good Citizen that also includes Pet Therapy information.

If you just want to have some fun or increase your bond with your dog consider one of the many dog sports we offer:

• Agility
• Dock Jumping
• Fun Scent Games
• Lure Coursing
• Trick Training
• Disc Dog

If you have a dog that is being reactive barking, lunging or being unruly around dogs or strangers, sign up for our My Dog Has Issues program or schedule a behavior consult!

If you are still not sure please contact us for a FREE Email-Consult

For any of our puppy classes, puppies must be up-to-date for their age, with at least the first set of DHLPP shots, usually given between 6-8 weeks of age. Because socialization is so important and needs to begin as early as possible we do not usually recommend waiting for the full three sets of puppy shots. Veterinarians will suggest different guidelines for your puppy, so please take their advice into consideration. If your veterinarian tells you that your pup must have ALL vaccinations before attending a puppy class then he or she may not be current on the latest protocols for puppy socialization and vaccinations. We also require bordetella, lepto and flu shots.

At Courteous Canine, Inc., we agree with the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior’s Position statement -“In general, puppies can start puppy socialization classes as early as 7-8 weeks of age. Puppies should receive a minimum of one set of vaccines at least 7 days prior to the first class and a first de-worming. They should be kept up to date throughout the class.”

For non-puppy classes all dogs must have:

• the full sequence of DHLPP (usually an annual booster for adult dogs)
• Rabies vaccine
• Bordetella
• Leptospirosis
• H3N2 canine influenza vaccine

Your dog’s shot records may be anything from a vet receipt to a shot-vial sticker to a note from the breeder or a checked-off list with the shots on them. We have to work a bit on the honor system, but we do want to make sure the puppies are all safe

For Behavior and Training consultations we have a 48-hour notice cancellation policy. Drop in group classes do not require cancellation notices.

We do offer private dog training classes. Private dog training lessons are available in individual lessons or as packages. If you have a dog behavioral problem such as fear, anxiety, dog aggression, human aggression, resource guarding or other problem behavior, your trainer will make an initial appointment to conduct a full behavioral consultation. After the initial consultation your trainer will be in a better position to advise you on the Behavior Change Program needed and how long it will take to reach your goals.

If you cannot make it to class then please contact your trainer directly. Unfortunately we can’t offer make ups as classes are in high demand. If you or your dog is sick we can freeze your group class and restart you when you are better. We can also freeze your attendance if you have an emergency. You can pay an extension fee for an extra class session for puppy class and basic manners. Please speak with your instructor directly.