Frequently Asked Questions
- What class should my dog attend?
- Why should I enroll my dog in Canine U?
- Can my entire family attend?
- Do I need any special collars or training materials for class? How do you train?
- What is Bordetella?
- How many dogs are in the class?
- Are your instructors qualified?
- Why do dogs not come to the first night of class for Better Dog 1?
- Can my dog repeat a class?
- Once I sign-up for a class, can I cancel or reschedule?
- What if I miss a night of class?
- How do the enrollment fees benefit MVHS?
- Looking for behavior help? Try our Library of Dog Behavior Fact Sheets
What class should my dog attend?
For puppies between the ages of 8 weeks and 4 months, our 4-week Complete Puppy class is perfect. Large-breed puppies including labs need to be no older than 14 weeks by the time class begins, so they aren't too large for or play too roughly with the smaller-sized puppies.
For dogs 4 months and older who need work on basic manners, our 6-week Better Dog 1 class is the place to be. We cover all of the basics, like sit, stay, come, leave it, walk nicely on leash, as well as other important behaviors. No dog is too old to start learning!
For dogs that have completed Better Dog 1, there is our Better Dog 2 class. This six-session class is perfect as a brush-up on basic manners and great for working at an intermediate level.
Better Dog 3 is designed for advanced dogs. Completion of Better Dog 1 & 2 is required. We teach you how to train your dog to do longer stays, distance stays, formal heeling, and introduce distractions while dogs are working, so that dogs will be able to perform well in real-life situations.
Why should I enroll my dog in Canine U?
We believe that every dog can be a better dog and our Canine U program is designed to do just that. Our classes focus on teaching families how to raise a happy, healthy and well-mannered companion. We cover basics such as loose leash walking, sit and stay as well as behavior problems like barking and not coming when called.
How old should my dog be to start classes?
Puppies can come to class as early as 8 weeks old. We believe that no dog is too old to learn so our Better Dog 1, Better Dog 2 and Better Dog 3 are open to any dog over the age of 4 months.
Can my entire family attend?
Yes! We actually encourage you to bring other family members as this is the family pet and the whole family should learn how to train. The key to effective training is consistency so it’s good for everyone in the household to come to class if possible. It’s a great learning experience for all! All children under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Chilren 6 and under need permission from the instuctor to attend. For the safety of both the children and dogs, children attending classes must remain seated with the parent or legal guardian at all times. Yelling, playing and running are not allowed in or outside of class, since this can be distracting and dangerous. It is advisable and in some instances required to have one adult to watch the dog during class and one adult to watch the child. If children are unable to comply, for the benefit of the group as a whole, they will be asked not to attend future sessions.
Do I need any special collars or training materials for class? How do you train?
Our instructors rely on dog friendly training methods so choke chains, pinch collars and the like are not permitted in class. We suggest that you come to class with a standard buckle collar for your dog and a 6’ lead. The instructor may recommend a Gentle Leader® Headcollar or a Gentle Leader Easy Walk Harness®. Also, be sure to bring along tasty treats for your dog. We recommend that you bring treats that your dog gets extremely excited for and break them into small, pea-sized pieces. Soft, smelly treats work better than hard, crunchy biscuits.
What is Bordetella?
The Minnesota Valley Humane Society’s Canine U Dog Training program requires that all of our students be up to date on Rabies, Distemper and Bordetella vaccinations. Please check your dog’s vaccination records to make sure he or she has been vaccinated for Bordetella. All dogs adopted from MVHS have been vaccinated for this disease.
Bordetella, which is commonly referred to as “kennel cough” is a contagious, airborne disease. Like the common cold, it is a bacterial infection that can be passed by droplets in the air from one dog to another. Most boarding and training facilities require it because of this easy transmission. Because it is not a life threatening disease, it is generally an optional vaccine and may not be given with the general set of shots your dog or puppy gets as a series from your veterinarian. If your dog or puppy has not received a Bordetella vaccination, please get one from your veterinarian before the next class. If you request the intra-nasal form of the vaccine, your dog should have protection within two days. As with any vaccine, there is no guarantee that your dog is one hundred percent protected, but even if he or she is exposed and gets sick, it is usually to a lesser degree. We want your dog to have fun in class and go home happy, not sick!
How many dogs are in the class?
Complete Puppy class typically range from 5 to 9. Better Dog 1, 2 and 3 classes limit attendance to no more than 8 dogs each. Classes are small so that you and your pet receive individual attention.
Are your instructors qualified?
Our Canine U instructors are members of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and are officially recognized by the American Kennel Club as Canine Good Citizen Evaluators. Inga is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (http://www.ccpdt.org/) and has been training group classes professionally for several years and Kate has competed with her dogs in formal obedience and agility, attaining titles on her dogs including CD (Companion Dog), CDX (Companion Dog Excellent) and CGC (Canine Good Citizen) and is also a Certified Pet Dog Training (www.ccpdt.org). In the spring of 2007 Amanada Thorstad joined the Canine U team. Amanda is currently a student at St Olaf College studying Behavior and hopes to one day become an applied animal behaviorist. Ted Ziaja is our newest addition and is working towards the CPDT certification.
Why don't dogs come to the first night of class for Better Dog 1?
This class has been specifically designed so that the first night of class is a discussion time only. You’ll hear from the instructor what to expect during class as well as hear from the other parents about the issues or concerns they have with their pet. Class can be a very distracting place and we want to make sure to get you some key basic information so that you get your training started on the right foot.
Can my dog repeat a class?
Of course! If you and your dog are not quite ready to move to the next level, you can repeat any class as many times as you’d like for half price. Just make a note on your application that you are repeating class with the same dog or contact Kate at 952-894-5000 x30 or KateA@MVHSpets.org.
Once I sign-up for a class, can I cancel or reschedule?
If you need to cancel, please notify MVHS at least 1 week (5 business days) prior to the start of the first class. This will allow us time to find a replacement. If you have a schedule conflict before the first class begins and need to reschedule, contact Kate at 952-894-5000 x30 or KateA@MVHSpets.org to find the next available class.
If you need to reschedule your class once it as already started, there is a $25 transfer fee.
What if I miss a night of class?
We understand that emergencies arise and you may need to miss a night of class. If possible, please call MVHS before the class begins so that we know not to expect you. We will send that night’s homework to you in the mail. If your dog gets sick or injured please be aware that you are always welcome to attend class without your dog.
How do the enrollment fees benefit MVHS?
Our Canine U program was originally established to support the MVHS pre-adoption spay/neuter program. Today our proceeds continue to help keep the shelter running. As part of a non-profit shelter we also strive to keep our class fees as low as possible - but we still have to cover the cost of space, trainers and supplies. For this reason if you found your class or instructor to be particularly helpful we ask you consider making a donation in honor of your dog's graduation.
If you have a question we didn't answer here? E-mail KateA@MVHSpets.org or call 952-894-5000, x30.
