WELCOME to the Kalamazoo Dog Training Club obedience classes!!
- As stated on our registration form, since our class fee is small and there is competition for entry in our classes, we CANNOT make refunds for classes missed or to those who may drop out.
- Being the owner and trainer of a loved and cherished pet, you will have taken him to your veterinarian already for the proper puppy and rabies inoculations. We do require that you have this done before entering your dog in our classes for the protection of your own dog as well as other dogs he comes in contact with. We feel that the very young puppy must have at least one DHLP inoculation before coming in contact with other animals (Always ask your veterinarian what inoculations she recommends.
Please do not bring animals other than those registered in the classes. Also, if your dog develops symptoms of illness during the week – coughing, diarrhea, mange, etc. – please do not bring her to class until she is well.
If your bitch comes in season, please check with your instructor; if he asks you to leave the dog at home, attend class yourself so you can learn the new lesson and work with your dog at home.
Necessary equipment: chain, leather or nylon training collar and a 6-foot leather or web leash. The training collar is the correct size if it slips over the head and has 2-3 inches (no more) excess when in place. Puppy class dogs normally need only a buckle collar unless the instructor advises you to use something else.
YOU are responsible for cleaning up all messes made by your dog inside and outside the building. Equipment is readily available for clean-up.
Feed your dog in the morning or just after class. Feeding before class is apt to make her less alert and may lead to messes. Adequately exercise your dog before you leave home and just before you come into the building.
Aggressive dogs will not be tolerated. If your dog exhibits aggression toward people or other dogs, KDTC reserves the right to require the dog to be muzzled or to be excused from the class, if necessary (see Aggressive Dog Policy).
Dogs must be on leash, quiet and under control at all times. Exception: Dogs working on off-leash exercises. KDTC reserves the right to discontinue the training of a dog that barks excessively or otherwise disrupts the class.
- There will be absolutely no hitting, kicking or other abuse of dogs. If you find yourself losing self-control, drop out to the sidelines and wait until you regain your composure.
- Wear comfortable clothes. Slacks or pants that are excessively baggy are distracting to the dog. Wear shoes without slippery soles. Clog heels or flopping soles may intimidate a shy dog.
- Please LEAVE VALUABLES at home.
- Make every effort to obey the rules for the proper use of the building and surrounding grounds. Special attention must be given to the signs requesting that dogs refrain from abusing the plants and shrubbery. There are certain areas of the building where dogs are not allowed.
- Prompt and regular attendance is important. Please check the ATTENDANCE ROSTER each night of class. Wait outside or in the entry hall with your dog until your assigned hour to prevent disruption of on-going classes. You may, however, enter ahead of class time to sign the attendance roster.
- Class time alone is not enough practice for your dog. You should train him at home at least 15 minutes each day. Two or more brief sessions may be advisable for some dogs. Do not repeat the same training exercise more than three times in succession. Develop and maintain a pleasant attitude during class and practice sessions.
- An ideal place to train is sometimes difficult to find. Use parks, school yards, parking lots and other locations with noise and distracting influences. Don’t confine your training to only the home environment.
- Standards have been set for you and your dog to successfully complete our classes within each session. Try to keep up with all your lessons as you receive them, but ask for help when you need it. We will issue Graduation Certificates to those students who achieve the required performance level. WE WANT EVERYONE TO GRADUATE WITH HONORS!!
- If you have an interest in reading about obedience training, the instructors can suggest worthwhile books and articles.
KDTC’s obedience classes, featuring puppy training through all phases of advanced AKC/UKC match and trial classes, are scheduled four (4) times yearly. Ask your veterinarian for a current CLASS REGISTRATION FORM, or phone 344-0434 for further information or check out Class Information.
