F.A.Q.

What are open enrollment classes? Open enrollment classes allow you to enter the class at any time, as long as the class is not full that particular week. Classes are structured so that each week does not depend on the previous week, so you can start at any point in the curriculum. Going on vacation? You can miss up to two weeks in the six week time span & make up the missed classes when that weeks curriculum comes up again in the cycle (makeup date is typically 6 weeks from the missed class), but ONLY if the class is not full, so please try to attend all 6 weeks when possible. We hate to have to turn you away for makeup classes when we have a full class. What do I need to bring to class? This will depend on which class you are registering for, but here is a good basic idea. If you need anything outside of this list, your instructor will notify you. • Flat collar + any harness or head collar (gentle leader etc) that you may use. Please leave pinch/choke collars at home (unless you feel you can’t control your dog without it). • Standard Leash (4-6’) - No retractable or chain leashes • Approx. 2 cups of pea sized or smaller for small dogs soft yummy training treats o Recommendations ▪ Natural Balance dog food rolls (cut up into tiny pieces) ▪ Biljacs (of any flavor, cut up into small pieces) ▪ Mini Naturals ▪ Natures Recipe Training Treats ▪ Hot Dogs, Chicken, Lunch Meat, Cheese (for highly distracted/excitable dogs) • Vaccination records • Treat Pouch (or something other than a plastic baggie to store your treats in - it shouldn’t make noise and should be easily accessible to you, but not your dog.) • Clicker (optional) Which vaccination records do I need to bring to class? Your dog should be up to date on their distemper combo (DHPP), and Rabies for dogs that are old enough. Bordetella is highly recommended due to the fact that we run training classes in a daycare/boarding facility & vets office. I have another dog(s). Does my puppy still need to attend a puppy class? Yes! Socialization goes far beyond being friendly with just one dog. Puppies should ideally come in contact with 100 different dogs and 100 different people of all different shapes, sizes, etc before they are 4 months of age. Our classes also discuss socializing your dog to strange objects that he/she may be unsure or fearful of. Can more than one person come to class? Absolutely! We encourage the entire family to be involved in the training process. We do however request that young children be under supervision of an adult who is not working with the dog. Unless of course he/she can sit quietly for a full hour. :) Can kids come to class? Yep, we welcome well behaved kids in class. We do however request that young children be under supervision of an adult who is not working with the dog. Unless of course he/she can sit quietly for a full hour. :) We also request that adults or older & responsible children (typically 14 and over, depending) are the ones actually teaching the behaviors in class, but encourage children to practice behaviors at home with their dogs. Where are your classes located? At For Pets Sake in Blaine, MN. My dog is reactive on leash, can he/she still attend group classes? Typically it is best that dogs who are reactive on leash not attend group classes until private instruction has been given. Reactive dogs typically do not learn well in a group environment and it makes class stressful and uneasy for others in the class. If your dog is reactive, simply contact Heather@luckypawsmn.com to discuss the issue and schedule a private session to discuss how we can address the behavior and possibly get your dog ready for attending a group class or just do training privately. Can I observe a dog class before registering? Absolutely! We encourage you to do your homework when choosing a trainer! Simply email Heather@luckypawsmn.com to let us know when you will be coming. Do you welcome all breeds to come to training classes? We sure do! All breeds are encouraged to come to training classes. At Lucky Paws we understand that every dog is an individual. Among breeds and even individual litters you can have completely different dogs. While nature/genetics does play a role, nurturing and training is very important in creating a well rounded dog. More questions? Email Heather@luckypawsmn.com or call 612-205-7781.