GROUP PROTECTION CLASSES
What is Basic Protection Class
▶ Basic Protection class teaches you and your dog the basics of manners, respect and socialization.
▶ Protection Training consists of three phases:
Obedience - Your dog must be obedient, responsive and under control
Defensive - Your dog must learn to be defensive of itself, you and your family
Engage - Your dog must learn to engage the suspect (decoy)
▶ Protection training teaches your dog to protect you by barking, defending or attacking on command
▶ You will learn how to recognize and address basic problems.
▶ You will learn how to handle your dog around other dogs.
▶ You will learn how to understand your dogs behavior.
How does Group Protection Class work
▶ You attend class with your dog.
▶ There will be generally four to five students in class
▶ There will be an Obedience Phase, which all dogs participate in as a group
▶ Then all dogs will be "put up", (see below)
▶ Students will then take turns bringing their dogs out for agitation training.
▶ These are generally about 5 minutes each.
▶ Other students are required to observe and pay attention to other dogs in training
▶ Sessions are taught by an instructor, a decoy and an assistant-instructor.
▶ Classes are held at our training facility, and are once per week. (Exceptions sometimes apply)
▶ Handlers (you) are required to train their own dogs, as this is a group class
Training Curriculum
▶ We will provide you with a training curriculum of your course
▶ This will cover Homework; Drills of the Week, Tips on Training and other information
▶ You are NOT required to practice bitework at home (for obvious reasons)
▶ Your curriculum will also include some Free Dog Training Tips
▶ Each week you will receive the next weeks schedule
Class rules "putting your dog up"
▶ During agitation training, only the dog being worked may be on the field.
▶ All other dogs must be "put up"
▶ This means in a crate, generally in your vehicle (crated) or in the kennels
▶ There are exceptions to this rule, at the discretion of the Instructor
Pre-Protection Evaluation Required
▶ All dogs participating or enrolling in Protection Class MUST complete an evaluation first
▶ This evaluation is for YOUR benefit and safety
▶ The evaluation will cover your dogs physical and mental ability to handle training
▶ It will look at your ability to handle protection training
▶ And it will introduce you and your dog to the guidelines of protection training your dog
Class Sizes
▶ Most classes have four to five students.
▶ There will be an Instructor, Decoy and an Assistant
Prerequisites
▶ Basic Protection requires your dog pass an evaluation (as discussed above)
Basic Group Protection does NOT
▶ Basic Protection does not address aggression issues
▶ It does not address serious behavioral issues
▶ Include personal individual attention. It is a group class, not private lessons.
▶ If you need personal attention, please make an appointment to work with your instructor.
What if my dog doesn't get along with other dogs.
▶ One of the requirements for Group Class is that your dog MUST get along with other dogs.
▶ If you are having dog aggression issues, then sign up for Resident Camp or a Private Lesson
▶ It will also allow us to properly evaluate and treat your issue.
▶ If your dog behaves aggressively towards other dogs in Group Class, you may be asked to leave.
▶ We would prefer this did not happen, so please talk to us if you have any questions.
Equipment
▶ You will only need a leash and collar to start.
▶ Please don't purchase anything additional until you have chatted with us.
▶ We will gladly guide you in what you need to train.
What do I need to bring to class
▶ For your first class, bring a leash and a collar.
▶ Your instructor discuss various options for equipment.
▶ We also suggest a dog water container, treats and a chair for spectators.
Can children train (or attend) classes
▶ We encourage kids to participate in training of their dogs
▶ Most of the instructors have been training since childhood, so this is important to us.
▶ We do have some important limitations:
▶ We define children to be anyone under 18 years of age
▶ Children participating in class should to be at least 8 years of age (Instructors can approve younger kids)
▶ Children need to be behaved, cooperative, willing and happy to be in class - no pressure from parents!
▶ Parents MUST be PRESENT at all times during class
▶ Parents can NOT drop their kids off and disappear (sorry) If you do, your child will not be allowed in class
▶ Finally, parents MUST READ this article on prey drive
Duration of Course
▶ Group Obedience Classes are eight (8) week course, of one lesson per week
▶ Classes are generally 55 minutes in duration
What if I miss a class
▶ We will make every effort to fit you into another class of there is one available.
▶ Missing one class is normally not a problem, and you should be able to catch up.
What does it cost
Weather Cancellation (WEATHER LINE 480 595 6700 Option 5)
▶ If the weather is poor, we will cancel class.
▶ While we try and contact students, sometimes this is not practical.
▶ Please call the school ONE HOUR BEFORE CLASS. Our number is 480 595 6700, and select Option 5 (weather line)
▶ There will be a message that will state: (a) CLASSES ARE GOING AHEAD or (b) CLASSES ARE CANCELLED
▶ We make a final decision at least one hour before class on the weather.
▶ Remember we may cancel class for heat warnings, freeze warnings or for excessive rain.