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Just the Basics Class

This class is designed for dogs who’ve graduated from the 18-week Come When Called puppy program, newly adopted dogs, dogs of first-time dog owners and older dogs who need a refresher in basic obedience behaviors.  Using a fun and positive approach for people and dogs, owners learn techniques to help them build their training skills and a mutually trusting relationship with their dogs.  Focusing on the fundamental behaviors of sit & watch, down, down stay with mild distractions, come when called and walking on a loose leash, we start with baby versions of these behaviors and each week increase the level of difficulty by asking the dogs to respond to cues more quickly, at a greater distance, for a longer time and around more distractions. 

Detailed homework handouts help you carry over class instructions to efficient practice at home and build your understanding of how dogs learn.  Dogs come to the first class. 

Registration

In order to enroll in a class, you must complete an application form (below) and mail it with your check to the address on the application form .

Enrollment
Once your completed Class Application form is received, you will receive confirmation by telephone or email. Please do not assume your application was received and you are enrolled in a class until you have received confirmation. The classes are purposely small and fill fast.

Please be patient; it can take a few days to receive your application. Payment is required at time of application to reserve a space in class. Once you have been confirmed for a class, the fee is non-refundable. Please see the section on cancellations and refunds before registering for a class. If you are not a client of OSSVH, you must present proof of 2 rounds of DHLPP vaccination for the Puppy class and proof of current rabies vaccination for the Just the Basics class. Please bring proof of vaccination to the first class session in order to participate.

Where To Meet For Class

Puppy and Just the Basics classes are held at the Olney-Sandy Spring Veterinary Hospital at 1300 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Sandy Spring, MD. 20860. Ample parking is available. For everyone’s safety, when you arrive for class, please take care around other dogs you see, since some may not be good with other dogs. If your dog is difficult to handle, please wait outside and I will come out to help you and your dog enter. Thank you for your cooperation!

What To Bring To Class

1. If you are not a client of OSSVH, proof of rabies vaccination for Just the Basics. For Puppy Kindergarten class, proof of 2 rounds of DHLPP vaccinations.

2. Flat buckle collar (can be nylon, cotton or leather; no choke, prong or shock collars, please!) or a Gentle Leader, Halti or Snoot Loop head collar, recommended for high-energy, exuberant dogs.

3. A 5- to 6-foot leash (no retractable leashes).

4. Poop bags for clean-up

5. The first session of Puppy Kindergarten class is a comprehensive orientation and meets without dogs. For the second class, bring a hungry dog and a variety of your dog’s favorite soft treats, cut into raisin-size pieces.  Dogs come to the first session of Just the Basics, and we start training right away.

Cancellations

If the minimum enrollment for a class is not met 3 days prior to the first class session, the class will be canceled. I will notify you 3 days before the class was scheduled to begin to see if you would like to receive credit toward a future class or receive a full refund.

Refunds

I will return your check by mail. If after the first session of a class a dog is unable to attend due to an injury or illness, you can receive a 50% credit toward a future class. I regret that no credit or refund can be provided for any reason after the first session of a class. There is a $15 fee for all returned checks.

Attendance

Orientations are the most important part of CWC classes. Therefore, students enrolled in classes with an orientation must attend their scheduled orientation to participate in the class. If you know ahead of time that you will be unable to attend the orientation, please let me know one week before the first class to receive a refund. Students who miss the orientation without making prior arrangements, are assumed to have dropped out of the class and will forfeit their class fee. The space will be given to a student on the waiting list. If you miss a session, other than orientation, please contact me to discuss what was covered and to receive an email of class handouts.

Other Information

In order to protect all participants in a class, CWC reserves the right to decline entry to any dog who presents behavior issues that may be overly dangerous, disruptive or that may be exacerbated by participation in a group class. If behavior issues are discovered during the class and I determine that it is in everyone’s best interest to seek private training, we will discuss private training and you will receive a full refund.

Children In Class

I am happy to have children and other family members attend Come When Called classes. In order to make coming to class a fun and safe experience for everyone in the class, please review these guidelines:

  • Children must remain seated with their parents or in a designated area.  Moving around the classroom is distracting to the dogs.
  • Parents must supervise their children for the entire class.
  • Children must refrain from running and yelling in the classroom, before, during or after class.
  • Please explain to your children that all dogs are not socialized to, friendly or comfortable around children, so they should not approach or pet the other dogs in class.
  • • If your child wants to meet another dog, please obtain the owner’s permission, and only during non-instructional times.
  • Children can get bored during class, so please feel free to bring quiet toys or activities to keep them entertained.