What class should my dog start with?
It depends on your dog and your training goals! For general obedience and training foundations, start with a Puppy Class (if your dog is under five months) or a Basic Obedience Class. If your dog is at least five months old and you're interested in Pre-Agility or Scent Games, you are welcome to start with a specialty class.
Our group classes do require dogs to be comfortable working around other dogs, so if you're concerned that it might be too exciting or scary for them, please contact us to discuss options like a behavior consult or one of our reactive classes.
Our group classes do require dogs to be comfortable working around other dogs, so if you're concerned that it might be too exciting or scary for them, please contact us to discuss options like a behavior consult or one of our reactive classes.
my dog already knows some obedience skills. should they still start with basic obedience?
Frequently, even dogs who have some solid obedience skills still benefit from practicing in the distracting environment of a group class. If they are already advanced at recall, heeling, and stay even in the presence of other dogs, contact us to see if a Grad Class may be a better fit.
What should i bring to class?
Please bring your dog's regular collar or harness and a six-foot leash. Flexi-leads are hard to manage in the classroom environment. We have front-clip harnesses to borrow and try out if your dog is a strong puller. Pinch or choke collars are not appropriate for these classes.
For upper level classes, or if your dog has dietary restrictions, please bring some small treats that your dog is excited to work for. We recommend having two or three different value treats (dry treats, soft treats, cheese) in case we need to raise or lower the "paycheck" for what we are asking. The treats that work best are small and soft so they can be consumed quickly.
If your dog is new to Pawsitive, please bring a copy of their shot records (a photo on your phone is fine). They should be current on distemper/parvovirus, bordetella and rabies vaccines. (Rabies vaccine is not required in puppies under 3 months of age.) Your pup should have a veterinary examination, be vaccinated with a vaccine from a veterinary office, and be as current on vaccines as they can be for their age. Vaccines from a rescue or pet store may not be viable and can potentially put your puppy and others at risk.
For upper level classes, or if your dog has dietary restrictions, please bring some small treats that your dog is excited to work for. We recommend having two or three different value treats (dry treats, soft treats, cheese) in case we need to raise or lower the "paycheck" for what we are asking. The treats that work best are small and soft so they can be consumed quickly.
If your dog is new to Pawsitive, please bring a copy of their shot records (a photo on your phone is fine). They should be current on distemper/parvovirus, bordetella and rabies vaccines. (Rabies vaccine is not required in puppies under 3 months of age.) Your pup should have a veterinary examination, be vaccinated with a vaccine from a veterinary office, and be as current on vaccines as they can be for their age. Vaccines from a rescue or pet store may not be viable and can potentially put your puppy and others at risk.
I'm not sure if my dog is fully vaccinated. can they still come to class?
For the safety of all of our canine students, we require that your dog be current on their vaccinations from a veterinarian.
Puppies do not need to be finished with their vaccination series to start puppy class. We do ask that they've been in your home for at least a week, and that they have started their vaccine series with a veterinarian. Vaccines from a rescue or pet store may not be viable and can potentially put your puppy at risk.
Puppies do not need to be finished with their vaccination series to start puppy class. We do ask that they've been in your home for at least a week, and that they have started their vaccine series with a veterinarian. Vaccines from a rescue or pet store may not be viable and can potentially put your puppy at risk.
Can i bring my kids to class?
We encourage everyone in the family to get involved with dog training! However, if your kiddo is younger than seven it can be hard for them to focus for an entire hour-long class. They are welcome to participate as much as they'd like, or to bring a book or a tablet if you think they'll get bored or tired.
Running kiddos can be hard for some dogs to watch calmly, so for everyone's safety we ask that your children stay with you or at their chairs.
Running kiddos can be hard for some dogs to watch calmly, so for everyone's safety we ask that your children stay with you or at their chairs.
How large are your classes?
We cap our classes at eight or nine dogs. This ensures we have enough space to keep social distancing in the classroom, and to provide individualized attention to each dog and their human(s).
I'm interested in training my dog to be a service dog/therapy dog/emotional support animal.
While we don't offer classes specifically for service dog or emotional support dog training, you can set them up for success by enrolling them in Puppy or Basic Obedience Class, Grad Class, and getting their Canine Good Citizen and Advanced Canine Good Citizen certifications. The Advanced Canine Good Citizen evaluation is similar to a public access test. It is hard to predict if a dog will be a good candidate for a service dog or emotional support animal until they are about two years old, but working on general obedience skills and public manners will provide an excellent foundation.
We do sometimes offer a Therapy Dog class that focuses specifically on teaching dogs and handlers how to be an effective therapy dog team. Prerequisite for this class is a Canine Good Citizen certification. Companions, Inc. is the local therapy dog organization in Fairbanks and has more information on their website or Facebook group as well.
We do sometimes offer a Therapy Dog class that focuses specifically on teaching dogs and handlers how to be an effective therapy dog team. Prerequisite for this class is a Canine Good Citizen certification. Companions, Inc. is the local therapy dog organization in Fairbanks and has more information on their website or Facebook group as well.
do you offer board and train services?
Our focus is on teaching you how to build and strengthen the relationship you want with your dog. As their human, you are an integral part of the training process! For this reason, we do not offer board and train services.
My dog is aggressive/dominant/misbehaving. can you help?
Yes, we can! Fortunately, your dog is probably not trying to take over your household, or the world - alpha and dominance theory has been scientifically debunked. Since dogs are opportunists who repeat rewarding behavior, we can work with you to help determine how to meet your dog's needs while also meeting yours. Contact us to set up a consult to work on a specific behavior issue. You can also check out our Behavior Resources here.
Still have questions? Contact us!