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FIRST CLASS ORIENTATION & GENERAL INFORMATION

Now that you've registered for class and are ready to have some fun training with your dog let's make sure you're fully prepared for class. Below you'll find all the information you'll need for class.

TRAINING LOCATION


259 1st St. E., North Vancouver, BC  “A Spot For Spot Dog Daycare”

Look for the RED door on the south side of the street.

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If this is your first time coming to the facility, don't forget to pack our phone number (CELL: 778-835-4357).

If you can't seem to locate the facility give a call and we'll help you with directions

 

GOOGLE ADDRESS LINK:   https://goo.gl/maps/TaZmT6SUQcR2

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PLEASE NOTE:  DOGWISE IS ONLY OPEN DURING SCHEDULED CLASS TIMES. If you need to get in touch drop us an email at dogwisedogs@gmail.com

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READY FOR CLASS EACH WEEK 


Make sure you let your dog potty before you come into the facility even if they just went at home.  Sometimes a car ride brings on the need to potty.  When you arrive, it can be easier to bring your training gear in first, and get your spot organized and then when you’re ready to put the focus on your dog, go and bring them in.  NOTE:  In the hot summer months please DO NOT leave your dogs in the vehicle.
 

HEALTH - In the event, your puppy or dog is not feeling well (diarrhea, vomiting, won’t eat or is coughing) they cannot attend class.  Please respect the well-being and health of the others in the class.  You are more than welcome to attend class WITHOUT your dog to watch what others are learning that week.  By all means, continue to practice at home until you can return to class.

 

DOG – DOG or PUPPY SOCIALS -   Please no Parking Lot Puppy Party Socials.  We want your dog/puppy to be focused on working with you as their main job, not at trying to get at their friend across the floor.  In addition, not all puppies or dogs are out-going, social butterflies.  Some puppies or dogs may be shy or not particularly appreciative of other dogs barging in to greet them.  To ensure the safety of everyone and that no one feels overwhelmed please respect the space of other dogs by not letting your dog barge or charge towards others.  Go DIRECTLY to your chosen spot.

 

BE AWARE - Remember to be aware of your dog or puppy at all times.  We want everyone to have a good experience.  Make sure you know where your pup's nose is at all times.  We all have an impact on the experiences of the dogs and puppies in class.  If your dog or puppy is looking worried or uncomfortable, move away from the situation and give them some distance to feel comfortable.  If your dog is a social butterfly we kindly ask that you do not meet and greet on the way in or out or even while you’re getting settled as we never know how the "new pup" in class may be feeling.  This will help ALL the dogs remain calmer, focused on you, and ready to learn.

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POTTY ACCIDENTS – Not to worry it happens.  It is your responsibility to clean-up after your puppy.  There are clean-up materials available.  Please DO NOT leave bags inside the facility.  They must be discarded after class OR placed in the "special bin" in the facility.

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WHAT TO BRING TO CLASS

Being prepared and on time for class helps you feel calmer and ready to work with your dog. 

 

Prepare a training bag you can just grab and go. 

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Arrive about 10 minutes before your class so you have time to potty your dog before

coming into the facility. 

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If you get to class and you've forgotten something you need,  let us know what it is and if we have it we'll be happy to provide a loaner item.
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  • COLLARS:  Flat buckle or martingale collar, front attachment harness or head halter
     

  • LEASHES: A 6 ft. leash is preferable, nylon or leather (NO extendable leads please)
     

  • SHOES: NO heels, flip-flops or slip-on type shoes, please. Appropriate shoes such as runners are a must. Your footing is important, we don't want you to trip.  Wear clothes that allow you to move comfortably. We can't be responsible if you fall.
     

  • WATER BOWL: A small water bowl for your pup - training is thirsty work.
     

  • CLICKER:  We use clickers in class. You will get a clicker on your first night.
     

  • MATS:  We will provide a mat but you can bring one for your little one if you like. 
     

  • STUDENT BINDER: You will receive your student binder on the first night of classes.

  • Bring it to each class each week. You need to be able to refer to your training sheets.
     

  • CHEW ITEMS:  During downtime, your pup may be more comfortable if he has a FOOD chew item to keep him occupied. A stuffed Kong is ideal. You can pre-stuff their Kong and use it if necessary, as a re-direction for whining or barking.  A bully chew stick is also a great item for them to chew on. NO balls, stuffed toys or tug toys please.
     

  • A HUNGRY DOG:  Avoid feeding your pup right before class. Feed them a little earlier or feed half their meal. Some dogs may do better if they are a little hungry. If you have a young puppy or dog with health conditions skipping a meal IS NOT recommended.  
     

  • YUMMY FOOD REWARDS:  Kibble IS NOT be a very good option for class. Remember what works to get your dog's attention at home may not work in the high distraction area of a new location, strange dogs and people. Make sure you bring a variety of small SOFT tasty, food treats, NO HARD COOKIES.  Suggestions: chicken hotdogs cut up, cheese sticks, cut up Rollover Rolls (lamb & rice blend).
     

  • TREAT POUCH:  If you have a treat pouch please bring it.  Treat pouches are available for sale at class for $30.  NO Ziploc baggies, unfortunately, they DO NOT allow for quick treat delivery and are hard to hold.
     

  • PAYMENT FOR CLASS:  Payment is required prior to the first class to reserve your spot. If you did not pay via PayPal when you registered then you will be asked to do an E-Transfer to:  Heather Lawson  dogwise@telus.net before coming into or attending your first class.
     

  • MOST IMPORTANT:  A sense of humour and a desire to have fun training and learning with your dog. 

DOG BODY LANGUAGE
Prior to attending your first class we'd like you to know a little bit about your dog's body language, so you can understand what they're saying to you and help them feel comfortable.

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REQUIRED VIEWING BEFORE CLASS

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In Canine Building Blocks or HEADStart Puppy the lessons are paced for the individual. This allows you to progress at your own personal speed.  You will learn the training skills you will need to teach any behaviours needed and your dog will gain the skills to learn the behaviours you need.  To help prepare and familiarize yourself with clicker training basics before class click on the links below.  Reviewing theses videos is a terrific way for you to maximize your learning and productivity during class time.
 

TRAINING VIDEOS - CLICKER SKILL BASICS

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TRAINING CONCEPTS               http://youtu.be/9tlhDpLYtvk
 

LESSON 1 - HOME BASE            http://youtu.be/BPp5qFGT3zQ

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LESSON 2 - TREAT DELIVERY   http://youtu.be/jMcO2L9qTw0

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LESSON 3 - TIMING                    http://youtu.be/tg_Iu8bltnY

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SHARKEY DOGS                         http://youtu.be/iOEVDX1t0jU

Colds, Flu, Sniffles & Covid-19

​​Masks are optional - totally up to you
Not feeling quite right - Please stay home or if you've been required to quarantine​

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