FAQs
What kind of training do you do?
How long have you been in business?
What are your credentials?
How old does my dog need to be to start classes?
I have an older dog. Is it too late to start training?
How long are the classes?
When do classes start?
Do you offer classes for more advanced dogs?
My dog has taken classes at another facility. Do I have to start in beginner class?
I have some specific concerns with my dog that I'm not sure will be addressed in class. Do you offer private lessons?
My dog doesn't have any problems, why should I take her to class?
Why should I take puppy classes?
Can I bring my kids/partner/friend/etc. to class with me?
What vaccinations does my dog need before starting classes at SmartDog Dog Training?
Q. What kind of training do you do?
A. SmartDog Dog Training focuses on training for the family pet. We train dogs to behave well in the house with their family and in public, especially around other people and other dogs. We focus on training "manners" (such as not jumping) and basic commands. Our advanced classes build on what is learned in puppy or beginner, as well as adding some additional commands. We will also work with anyone interested in competing in obedience with their dog.
The methods used in all classes are reward-based, motivational techniques (including clicker training) that are based on animal learning theory. They are effective and positive -- not only will your dog learn but he'll have fun doing it! However, positive training is not permissive! We will also teach you to address behavior and training problems with effective and humane solutions. More on SmartDog Dog Training
Q. How long have you been in business?
A. SmartDog Dog Training started offering private lessons in November 2001. In January 2002, we started teaching two classes a week. Since then we have expanded and now teach up to nine classes per week. We also continue to offer private lessons and currently have three trainers and four assistant trainers. For more information on our trainer's background before opening SmartDog Dog Training, please click here.
Q. What are your credentials?
A. Information on Kristina's (owner and head trainer) background and training can be found here.
Q. How old does my dog need to be to start classes?
A. Puppies are eligible to begin puppy classes as early as 8 weeks, as long as they have had their first set of vaccinations and remain current on all boosters while enrolled in class.
Dogs must be at least 5 months old to start all other classes. All dogs must be current on vaccinations while in classes.
Q. I have an older dog. Is it too late to start training?
A. Usually not. If your older dog is in good health, and behaves well around other dogs and people and in new situations there is no reason you can't start training now. Older dogs may have some ingrained habits you have to overcome, but they also have a longer attention span and are generally calmer than a puppy or adolescent dog. If your dog has trouble in new situations or around other dogs or people, you may want to consider private lessons.
Q. How long are the classes?
A. Classes meet for about one hour each week. Each class session is six weeks long. Many classes are repeatable. You may contact our office or visit our classes page for more information.
Q. When do classes start?
A. We have new classes starting every month. You can register online by visiting our classes page. Or, you may call or e-mail us for a current schedule.
Q. Do you offer classes for more advanced dogs?
A. Yes! We offer several advanced classes, including Canine Good Citizen and Rally obedience classes.
Q. My dog has taken classes at another facility. Do I still have to start in beginner class?
A. If your dog has taken classes elsewhere, please contact our office. We will be happy to discuss your dog's specific training history and decide which class is best for you and your dog.
Q. I have some specific concerns with my dog that I'm not sure will be addressed in class. Do you offer private lessons?
A. Yes! You may set up a private lesson or behavior consultation with our trainer if you have a specific training or behavioral problem you would like to have addressed. We also set up privates for people who can't make it to our classes for scheduling or other reasons. Please contact our office to set up an appointment.
Q. My dog doesn't have any problems, why should I take her to class?
A. The best time to start training your dog is before you have problems! It is much easier to prevent problems than it is to fix them. In addition, training your dog can be fun for both you and the dog. It strengthens the bond between you and your dog and gives your dog a chance to use her brain. For your dog it is a chance to get out of the house and have a break from the monotony of everyday life. Finally, having a well trained dog allows you to bring your companion with you without worrying about how she will behave.
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Q. Why should I take puppy classes?
A. Socialization is one of the most important things you can do for your puppy. Dogs that have positive experiences with many different people and dogs when they are young are less likely to have fear-related problems as adults. Puppy class gives you a great opportunity to socialize your puppy with a number of different dogs and people.
It is also a great idea to start training your puppy early. They learn very quickly at this age and you can establish good manners before they develop bad ones! Finally, it is much easier to train a dog when they are still small and easier to control. Don't wait to train your dog until they are 80 lbs and dragging you down the street!
Q. Can I bring my kids/partner/friend/etc. to class with me?
A. Yes! We encourage you to bring your family and any other person who spends a lot of time with the dog. You may also bring along a friend or relative to a class if they're interested in seeing what your class is like. Please keep in mind, however, that children must be supervised at all times, especially when interacting with other dogs in class.
Q. What vaccinations does my dog need before starting classes at SmartDog Dog Training?
A. All dogs must be up-to-date on distemper, parvovirus and rabies vaccines. If you choose, on your veterinarian's recommendations, not to vaccinate your adult dog annually for distemper/parvo we will accept a letter from your vet, or we can call the vet to speak with them directly. Kennel cough, or bordetella, vaccines are not required but are strongly encouraged. Please contact your vet for more information about the kennel cough vaccine.
Puppies need to have had at least one set of vaccines before starting class, and they are expected to remain current on any booster vaccines they still need.
**Please note that while puppy vaccines provide some protection, puppies are not fully protected until they have had all of their boosters. Based on reseach and discussions with veterinarians and other trainers, we feel that the benefits of early socialization and training outweigh the risks of disease contraction (we have never had a puppy get sick from distemper, parvo or rabies). However, if you have concerns about this, please discuss your puppy's vaccinations with your vet before starting class.
