FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What qualifications do you have as an instructor?
A: I have over four decades of dog training experience. I've worked in rescue and rehabilitation, private and group obedience classes. I breed shih tzus, Bichon frize, and Great Pyrenees dogs. I have also worked extensively with service dogs.
My training style is 95% positive, but I treat each dog and handler as an individual. As a special educator, I know that everyone, both dogs and people, have their own unique learning style. I have a large number of skills to draw on to help you and your dog achieve a happy healthy relationship.
I'm a certified AKC (American kennel club) instructor in the following areas.
-AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program instructor
--CGC canine Good citizen instructor / evaluator
-AKC Community Canine (the advanced level of CGC)
--Urban CGC evaluator
-Video Home Manners evaluator
--Trick Dog tests evaluator
-AKC Temperament Test (ATT) evaluator
Q: Will my dog and I have an opportunity to earn any of these certifications?
A: Absolutely! The entire class will be geared towards earning your star puppy and CGC certifications. By the way, having your canine Good citizen certification is widely considered the gold standard in dog training. It often entitles you to discounts on pet deposits and insurance. You will also have the opportunity to participate in both temperament test certification and trick dog training.
Q: What will I learn in this class?
A: You will learn about dog psychology, dog body language, if you have a submissive or a dominant dog, several ways to manage your dog during a "freak out", basic commands-sit, down, stay/wait, heel, come, off, leave it, and quiet. You will learn to use both a clicker and your voice to communicate with your dog. We'll talk about the three ways that you can tell your dog you like what s/he is doing and the four ways you can tell your dog you do not like what s/he is doing.
We'll also talk about potty training, crate training, house manners, greeting other dogs and visitors appropriately, and how to properly address nuisance barking. Throughout the class will be working on the 3D's (duration, distraction, and distance ).
Most importantly you can count on lots of individual attention for both you and your dog. We start each class by individually sharing our struggles and triumphs in training for that week. This will allow you to learn problem solving strategies for your individual situation in a timely manner. After taking my class, you will not only have the tools you need to train this dog, you will take home the knowledge you need to train any dog you partner with in the future.
Q: How long are your classes?
A: As you can imagine, covering all of those topics takes longer than the standard six to eight week puppy socialization class. each session is 90 minutes. There are 12 sessions in our beginner class. So that's 18 hours of training for you and your dog.
Q: How many dogs are in a class?
A: I allow a maximum of 8 dogs in a class. My arena is 44 ft x 88 ft, so we have lots of room, however I want to be sure that each team has time for all the individual attention that they need.
Q: What is the cost for your beginner class?
A: Each lesson is $40. So that's a total of $480 for all of the sessions. I offer a discount if you pay for the entire class by the third session, I give you two free lessons. So that's $400 instead of the $480. I am also willing to work out a partial barter to help you be able to participate in this training. I don't want anybody who wants to learn to be left behind because of finances.
Q: What vaccinations does my dog need in order to participate in class?
A: Your dog must have a minimum of two vaccinations which include parvo and distemper. Parvo can live in the soil for a decade. It kills thousands of dogs every year. I breed puppies that sell for $3,000 each. So, there will be no exceptions to this policy. For everyone's safety. Your vaccination record must be sent to me electronically, or I will need to see a hard copy before your puppy's paws hit the ground
Q: What should I bring to the first class?
A: please arrive with
-your dog in a flat collar and on a 6 ft leash
-- fanny pack or treat pouch stocked with a variety of small, soft, smelly treats
- drinking water for both you and your dog
- poop bags
- hats, sunscreen, and closedtoed shoes recommended but not required.
Q: What is your covid-19 policy?
A: While we will be outside, we will be speaking face to face and even shaking hands in one of the Canine Good Citizen tests. Therefore I strongly recommend that you have your covid-19 vaccination before participating in this class. I will have hand sanitizer available and you are welcome to wear masks and gloves, but they will not be required.
Q: When will classes start?
A: I will be starting a class on Saturday August 21 from 8:00 to 9:30. If I have more than eight people, I will schedule another class to start on Saturday September 4th from 10:00 to 11:30.
Q: What happens if I miss a class?
A: I schedule a makeup class after week 6, and I schedule a wrap up/retest day after week 12. These classes are free. If you miss more than two classes, you can schedule individual classes with me at a cost of $50 per 90 minutes session. I'm always available before or after class if you or your pup is having difficulty.
Q: Can I choose private lessons?
A: I work with individuals by meeting to set goals for your team. Then we make a plan to achieve those goals. It may be as simple as one or two classes, or it may take longer depending on the team and the goals that you set.
Q: How much do private lessons cost?
A: The cost is $75 for a 90-minute session if you travel to me, or $100 per 90 minute session if I travel to you.
Q: Do you provide remote training using video calling?
A: Yes, if you prefer we can do a 60 minute video call to work on the goals that you have set with your new canine companion.
Q: How much is a 60 minute video call?
A::The cost is $50 per session.
Please let me know if you have any other questions, or you would like to put down a $100 deposit to secure your spot in this class.
I hope to hear from you soon,
Wendy Greene
520 208 1002
Celestial shichons
celestial.shichons@gmail.com
Calm Companions Tucson
calmcompanionstucson@gmail.com