Can I observe a class session before registering?
You are more than welcome to come and observe our classes. See the class schedule on the website for the time of the class you wish to observe.

If my dog is almost six months, should it be in puppy or beginner?
This depends on the particular dog. Please talk to the registrar of The Persistent Pup to determine what class your dog should be in.

Do I bring my dog the first night?
Puppies do not attend the first night of class as there is an orientation the first night. Beginner dogs do attend the first night.

Is the health form required the first night that the dog attends class?
For the protection of other dogs and handlers, a completed health form is required before a dog can be admitted to class.

What is a bordetella shot and why is it required?
This shot protects the dog against kennel cough which is highly contagious. All dogs are required to have this shot to be admitted to class.

Can I buy collars and leashes at your school?
The Persistent Pup maintains a supply of slip leads in a wide range of sizes and weights to suit most dogs. To avoid buying the wrong accessories, we urge you not to buy any supplies prior to the first class.

Does your school encourage positive reinforcement while training?
Absolutely! Our training methods are gentle and persuasive, with an emphasis on motivation, communication and reward.

Are you allowed to use treats while training? If I train my dog with treats, does that mean he will not work unless I have treats with me?
We encourage the use of treats and will instruct you in using them to maximum advantage. Because treats are used only as an auxiliary motivator, your dog will, once trained, work fine without them.

My dog is extremely shy (or aggressive toward other dogs). Can it still attend class?
Most shy dogs become friendly with the right training, and many people find that a training class is just what they need to bring the dog out of his shyness. Many dogs that seem aggressive need only the right training and settle down after a few classes. We will be happy to evaluate your dog on the first night of training and offer help in addressing these and other specific behavior problems. However, for the safety of the other class members, extremely aggressive dogs cannot remain in the class. If in doubt, arrange for an evaluation.

My dog constantly barks or is extremely nervous around other dogs. Will it disrupt the class?
Many dogs get over-excited the first night but most will acclimate to the class and settle down after a few sessions.

How do I teach my dog to stop jumping and digging?
Many questions of this type are covered in class and suggestions are given to help you in teaching your dog to eliminate bad habits.

What if I miss a class or two?
It is to your advantage to attend every class session. However, people frequently have to miss a class or two for a variety of reasons. Review of the previous week's program is a part of each class session. All commands learned on a specific night are always repeated the next week and throughout the class. If you miss the first night you will receive your orientation packet when you attend the second week.