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More Information
Listed below are
the questions we get asked most frequently. If you have a
question that's not addressed below or needs clarification, please
call us at 650-557-1583 or e-mail us for more
information. |
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1.
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How old does my dog need to be?
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Puppy Classes: Puppies need to be between 10 and 18 weeks old on the first night of class, and current on DHPP vaccinations (have had the most recent vaccination within 2 weeks). Adolescent and Adult Dogs: We'll take any dogs over 5 months, and don't let anyone tell you that you can't teach an old dog new tricks - we've had great success with dogs as old as 11! |
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2. |
How much does class cost, and what payment methods do you accept? |
Prices below are per dog: - Puppy Manners: $175
- Doggie Manners I and Small Dog Manners Class:
$170
- Doggie Manners 2: $150
- Growly Dog Class: $275.
NOTE - Growly Dog class
requires a $100 deposit to reserve your space.
Payment can be made in
the form of cash, check, money order, or credit card*.
You may either mail your payment to us, drop it off at Pacifica Pet Hospital, or bring it to the first night of class. *Currently, we can only accept credit cards if you pay in person at Pacifica Pet Hospital prior to coming to class or pay through the website on our Register & Pay page.
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3. |
How many dogs are in each class? |
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We limit our Doggie Manners Classes to six dogs and our puppy classes to 10 to ensure that you get the personal attention you
need to succeed. Also, there are usually two class assistants
in addition to the trainer,
a ratio hard to find elsewhere! |
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4.
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What are the pre-requisites for all classes?*
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- Adult and adolescent dogs must
be current on rabies and distemper/parvo vaccinations, puppies need to be current only on the distemper/parvo and owners
must be able to show proof of vaccination.
- Large dogs who are are aggressive towards people
may not participate.
- Large dogs with dog-dog aggression or reactivity
will be decided on a case-by-case basis. Call or e-mail for
more information.
- Even if the dog is the primary responsibility of
a child in the home, an adult 18 or older must accompany every dog
to each class.
- We only allow one dog per person in
class.
- All family members are welcome and encouraged to
attend.
- We do not allow choke, shock, or pinch collars
in class. If you have difficulty controlling large, excitable
dogs, many new tools on the market (such as the Gentle Leader,
Sensation Harness, and Easy-Walk Harness) are both more effective
AND more humane.
* Please note that some classes may have additional pre-requisites - please see the Class Descriptions Page for more information. |
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5.
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May other family members attend class with me?
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Absolutely!
In fact, we recommend it...you will see better results when the
whole family is getting the same message and is training in the
same way, consistently. It's less confusing for the dog this
way! There is no additional charge for extra family members,
but there is an additional charge to bring a second dog to
class. Call or e-mail if you'd like to register
two dogs for the same class. |
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6.
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What do I need to bring to class? |
The first night of Doggie Manners 1 class is Orientation. This night is for people only.
You will learn about how dogs learn, we will discuss what will be
covered in class, and will give you exercises to practice at home
before Week 2 when dogs attend for the first time. You only
need to bring payment (if you haven't made a deposit) and proof of
your dog's vaccinations.
We will brief you on Orientation night about what to bring to
class therafter. For Doggie Manners 2 and Puppy Manners classes, dogs attend with you on the first night. Be sure to also bring your payment, proof of vaccinations, a 6 foot flat leash (no retractable leashes), plenty of small, easily consumable treats, and a bag to carry them in. |
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7.
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What will we learn?
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You will learn how
to train your dog; your dog will learn a variety of obedience
commands. The techniques you learn in our class can be used
to teach your dog anything you would like him or her to do.
Specifically, you will learn how to teach your dog to: sit,
lay down, stand, stay, wait at the door, pay attention, settle,
leave-it, walk on a loose leash, and most importantly to come when
called. Some simple behavior problems may be addressed in
class, but we don't have the time available to address complicated
behavior problems. These problems often require private,
one-on-one consulting. If your dog has a specific behavior problem, contact our behavior consultant for assistance. More information on Private Consulting can be found on our Behavior Consulting page. FYI: Our Adult Dog classes do NOT often get the chance to socialize
off-leash. When the class dynamic allows, we may do some
off-leash play time, but this decision is up to the trainer
depending on the dogs present. Safety of all dogs in class is
our primary concern. This said, attending a class in the
presence of other dogs can sometimes be a good first step for dogs
who are under-socialized. If you have questions about
socialization please contact us. |
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8.
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What type of training methods do you use in your classes?
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We believe
strongly in being benevolent leaders for our dogs. This means
that we use only non-aversive techniques such as lure-reward and
clicker training.
We feel, strongly, that you can have a well-trained dog without
punishment or hurting the dog, and that FUN is important!
After all, if you and your dog don't enjoy training, you'll be less
likely to do it, and will be less likely to have a happy,
well-behaved companion. We know that you will find our
methods fun AND effective! |
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9.
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How do I register for class?
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You may sign up
for our classes one of four ways:
- Fill out the
online registration form (see the tab marked "Class Registration ")
- Call us at
650-557-1583
- E-mail us
- Fill out a
registration form* and mail or deliver in person
to:
Pacifica Pet Hospital 4300 Coast Highway Pacifica, CA
94044. |
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