Important information to read before a Group Class with ABC Dogs
Class Structure
- Classes have 4-6 dogs of varying ages and sizes, and last 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Each class teaches you games, behaviours and activities to try with your dog, which you then practice at home and in different environments.
- The most important part of the class is what you do between sessions – just a few minutes a day makes a big difference.
- If your dog hasn’t been to my field before, the first session or two may focus mainly on settling in and getting used to taking food in a new environment, particularly for the beginner class.
- All training is positive and force-free, using mainly food and treats (we can adapt to toys if your dog prefers).
- My approach teaches concepts that help you and your dog in real-world situations, not just cues like “sit” or “down.”
- Dogs are kept spread out during sessions, moving closer over time if appropriate. This isn’t a playtime class, though a short supervised play session may happen if it feels right.
- To keep seeing improvement, it’s a good idea to continue training after the course finishes.
- If you have to miss a session, please let me know in advance where possible. Unfortunately I’m not able to offer makeup classes, but I’m always happy to help you catch up on what you missed via WhatsApp.
- If your female dog is in season, please let me know before class – she’ll need to sit that session out for the comfort and safety of the other dogs.
- It’s a good idea to follow my social media pages (links below) before signing up, to make sure this training style is a good fit for you – see our Terms & Conditions for the cancellation and refund policy.
Things to bring
- Plenty of your dog’s food/treats – more than you think you’ll need! Bring both:
- high value treats (e.g. chicken or cheese)
- low value treats (e.g. kibble or carrot)
- A treat bag or pockets, so you can access treats easily and quickly
- Harness (ideally) or collar, and a lead – no retractable leads, slip leads or choke chains
- Poo bags
- Water, for you and your dog
- If your dog is over 20kg: please note that under Andalucian law, dogs over this weight must wear a muzzle and be on a non-extendable lead in public spaces. Please bring a well-fitted muzzle in case we’re training somewhere this applies.
- If your dog has any food allergies, please let me know in advance. Please don’t offer treats to other people’s dogs without checking with their owner first, as some dogs may have allergies or sensitivities
Before Class
- Give your dog at least an hour after feeding before the start of class.
- Wear appropriate clothing and shoes – the ground can be dusty or muddy, so don’t wear your best shoes!
On arrival
- Park outside my house in front of the wall (to the left of the gate as you look at it) and wait in your car until someone comes to meet you.
- There may be a class running before or after yours, so please give people space to arrive and leave.
- Once instructed, make your way to the training field with your dog on lead.
- If no-one has come to meet you with less than 5 minutes to go before the session starts, please message or phone me.
- Please shut any gates you pass through, and keep spaced out from other students and dogs as you go through them.
- Head to your assigned bed/platform to start.
- If your dog is a little nervous, let them have a sniff around the area, or scatter some food on the floor for them to sniff out and eat.
During class
- Please don’t let your dog on any agility apparatus.
- Break away when needed for water or toilet breaks (please pick up any mess) – there’s a toilet for owners to use too.
- Ask questions any time. If your dog, or someone else’s, gets over-excited (barking or zoomies), keep calm and carry on!!
At the end of the class
- I’ll walk you out – please stagger your exit so you’re not all leaving at once.
- Take note of your homework, and ask any final questions.
After class
- Do your homework, and share a video on the group WhatsApp.
- Ask me any questions during the week before the next class.