Group classes run every week at the same time for about an hour. The dates that are listed are the first day of class. Classes will run on subsequent days at the same day/time each week with the same instructor. Due to illness, inclement weather, holidays or travel schedules there may be a skip date in the class schedule. If we have to reschedule for any reason we will push the class down to the following week at the same day/time.
No, absolutely not. At The Capable Canine we are 100 percent force free. Our goal is to empower learners and using force of any kind will not empower a learner. Using electronic shock or stimulation will only cause the learner to respond based on the consequence of a painful or unpleasant sensation. Animals conform under the shock stimulus in order to escape or avoid the terrifying and/or painful electric shock. Avoidance learning is very real and the threat of pain is just as capable of inducing stress, fear and emotional damage as the pain itself. Using these methods to teach or correct a behavior is ineffective at best, and physically and psychologically damaging at worst. These tools have already been banned in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Germany and in some states in Australia,” as well as Finland and parts of Canada (Stilwell, n.d.), and Wales (Welsh Government, 2016).
For further reading:
Position Statement The Use of Shock in Animal Training – Pet Professional Guild – 2021 (www.petprofessionalguild.com)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GTSZdhYhl9efrrVPbmNfd3EV-lXywDx3/view
Puppy and Beginner classes hold a human-only orientation the first week of class. There will be no dogs the first week of these two classes. For all other classes, unless specified otherwise, you will bring your dog to class.
Typically, no unless you are attending a puppy class with your dog. Puppy class is the only class where dogs get to interact for socialization purposes. Any class from a beginner class and higher will not include direction interaction with other dogs.
Often times, humans allow their dog to approach other dogs too quickly or while vocalizing which can make other dogs stressed or fearful. The stressed or fearful dog is not able to move his/her body naturally due to being restricted on a leash. This can cause issues between dogs to arise quickly. Ideally, we would allow a fearful dog to move away from an approaching dog. However, due to being tethered they are unable to do so and are forced into a “fight or flight” state. When an animal can’t move away from a perceived threat their only option is to fight to make that threat move away. In general, dogs should NOT meet on leash and owners should teach their dog to stay with them while passing an approaching dog. The best way for unfamiliar dogs to meet is on neutral ground through various stages starting with a parallel walk, then through a barrier such as a fence, then in a fenced in or safe area with leashes dragging, then with the leashes off. Sometimes this process can take several weeks or months in certain situations.
You should still sign your puppy up for a class as soon as possible before your dog is fully vaccinated. The primary socialization stage for puppies takes place within the first three months of their lives. This is the most crucial time to expose them to new people, animals, situations and stimuli. This stage is important because in general, sociability outweighs fear. We follow the recommendation from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) that states that puppies only need to have their first round of shots to start class. In addition, they are not required to have a rabies vaccine to start puppy class.
For further reading:
AVSAB Position Statement On Puppy Socialization
If you wish to drop out of class we will refund you the full amount, if you inform us two weeks prior to the start of class. If you wish to drop out of class and you inform us one week prior to the start of class, we will refund your 50%. There are no refunds if you drop out of the class with less than one week notice or after the class has started.