(818) 832-9906 (818) 832-9906
LEARN WHILE YOU PLAY!
Answers to your questions:
1. What is the cost of enrolling my dog in a group class?
Most of our classes (including Beginner classes) are $120 per dog for six weeks. The Puppy Head Start class (for puppies 7-16 weeks) is $140 per dog for six weeks and includes our "Puppyhood Survival Kit". Some specialty classes are less expensive - you can see the cost for individual classes at the right side of the schedule for that class.
2. How often do the classes meet, how long are class sessions and how many sessions are included in a class?
Group classes meet for one hour sessions, once a week on the same day at the scheduled time. Most classes are 6 weeks long (6 sessions) unless otherwise stated in the description above the class schedule table. Some specialty classes may be only a few weeks long and some are up to 8 weeks long.
3. When and where do the classes meet?
J9'sK9s
offers group classes on Monday, Tuesday,
Wednesday and Thursday evenings, as well as Saturdays. Weekday classes start as
early as 7:00 p.m., and Saturday classes start at 9:30 a.m. and continue throughout
the day. You can see the day of the week, start time and location for each class
at the left side of the class schedule. To see a schedule of upcoming Beginner
and Puppy Head Start classes, CLICK HERE
. The
descriptions and schedules for other classes are shown on our
"Upper Level Classes" page.
Most of our group classes are held at the indoor training
facility in Canoga Park. We also teach outdoors in Granada Hills and Van
Nuys. For the addresses of our three locations,
CLICK HERE
.
4. Why do you call them “Fun & Games” classes? What will I learn in your class?
The Fun & Games Beginner class is an entry-level dog obedience class covering sit, down, sit-stay, down-stay, come when called (even when distracted), walking politely on leash, leave it, drop it, and attention on the owner around distractions. We also introduce some beginning dog agility equipment! “Fun & Games” is a training philosophy – we firmly believe dog training should be fun for both the dog and owner. You’ll find that we cleverly disguise much of our training in fun games such as "Hide and Seek", "Red Light/Green Light" and "Musical Dogs"!
5. What’s the difference between Puppy Head Start and Beginner class?
Puppy Head Start is designed specifically for puppies between the ages of 7-16 weeks. Puppy Head Start helps puppy owners with common puppy issues such as house training, crate training, puppy biting, general puppy mischief and early puppy socialization, while also introducing a few basic obedience commands. Because of the average age of the dogs in Beginner class, we skip straight to basic obedience commands and begin expecting a level of focus and attention not possible with very young puppies.
6. How do I sign up for a group class?
Pre-registration with a $50 deposit is required for all
J9'sK9s classes. For complete information on how to register and our
cancellation policy, CLICK HERE
.
7. What if I have to cancel before my class starts?
If you are unable to attend your J9'sK9s group class and notify us at least 10 days in advance, we will happily return your $50 deposit. If you wish to make any changes to your enrollment (switch class start dates, etc.) they must be made at least five days in advance so that we may apply your deposit to your new class choice. We regret that we cannot make any enrollment changes less than five days prior to the start of a class, nor can any refunds or credit be issued after that time.
8. What if I miss a class session? Can I make it up?
We do not offer formal make-up classes. However, if the class session you missed is available on another day, you are welcome to audit the class without your dog so that you can see everything that was covered in your absence. We will also provide you with handouts covering what you missed. In some cases, your instructor can arrange to meet you a few minutes early when you return to class. Students also have the option of scheduling a private session (at an additional cost) with a J9'sK9s instructor.
9. My dog has had previous training. Do I still need to start in the Beginner class?
We require that all dogs begin their training with us in either the Puppy Head Start or Beginner Fun & Games class. Each level of class builds on skills learned in the previous class, so it’s important that students start with Beginner class. It’s not uncommon for us to have students with dogs that have previous training. We have many “extras” to offer these students so that nobody feels “bored” in Beginner class.
10. I have a newly rescued dog. How long should I wait before coming to a training class?
Transitioning into a new home can be stressful for a dog. It’s wise to give him a couple of weeks to adjust to his new surroundings. After that, training is an excellent way to begin building a lifelong relationship with your new canine companion. If you need assistance during the “adjustment phase”, a private lesson in your home might be the answer.
11. I have two dogs. Can I bring them both to class at the same time?
Multiple dog families are welcome in the same group class so long as each dog has his own adult (16 yrs. or older) handler. If your dogs are very closely bonded, it can be difficult for them to focus in a class setting when they can see each other, but can’t run around together. If you suspect this to be the case with your dogs, it’s recommended to bring them through classes separately so that they each experience some time apart.
12. What training methods do you use?
J9'sK9s uses motivational, reward-based training methods. We incorporate lots of food, petting, praise and play in our training. Motivational training is a wonderful relationship builder between canines and humans and helps create a dog that willingly obeys his owner, rather than obeying out of fear of being corrected. First, a dog needs to understand what the desired behavior is and how pleasant it is for him to comply. Later, if a correction is ever needed, psychological consequences for making the wrong choices are much more effective than pain and intimidation. Not only do reward based training methods work the best - they're a heck of a lot more fun!
13. I don’t want to “bribe” my dog with food. Can I still attend your classes?
We don’t want you to “bribe” your dog either! There’s a huge difference between using food as a reward and using food as a bribe. This distinction is clearly explained throughout our classes and students are expected to refrain from bribing their dogs.
14. I use a harness with my dog. Is that okay? What about a choke chain?
Traditional harnesses and choke chains are not used in J9'sK9s classes. Traditional harnesses actually teach a dog to pull, by triggering his opposition reflex. Training at J9'sK9s is done on regular buckle collars or, for some dogs, Gentle Leader type head collars and EZ-Walk No Pull Harnesses. Your instructor will help you decide what tool will work best for you and your dog.
Choke chains represent “old fashioned” compulsory training methods designed to teach the dog to obey only from fear of being hurt. These methods are at best, damaging to the relationship between you and your dog. At worst, they can cause permanent physical damage. Choke chains are not allowed at J9'sK9s.
15. What is the cost for private lessons?
The basic rates for private lessons are $75 per hour
at our indoor training facility in Canoga Park, and $90 per hour and up for
lessons at your home (depending on the distance traveled by the trainer). We
also offer discounted packages of 5 or more prepaid sessions. Private lessons
are recommended for serious behavior problems like aggression and anxiety
disorders, or for humans who prefer one-on-one attention to specific issues. To
see a complete list of services and prices, CLICK
HERE .
16. I’ve been watching "The Dog Whisperer" on National Geographic. Do your training methods work as quickly?
Modifying behavior is an ongoing process – it simply doesn’t happen overnight. As the saying goes, “If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.”
17. I want to do Therapy Dog work with my dog. Can we enroll in your CGC/Therapy Dog Preparation class?
Therapy Dog work is a great way to spend time with your canine companion, while helping others at the same time! Our CGC/Therapy Dog Prep. class is an upper-level J9'sK9s class. We require that dogs previously attend Beginner through Advanced classes at J9'sK9s prior to enrolling in the CGC/Therapy Dog class. This ensures that you, the handler, are familiar with our training techniques, and better prepares you and your dog to be successful throughout the class.
18. My dog gets really excited around other dogs. Can we still join a group class? Will we be too disruptive?
Many dogs become extremely excited or aroused in the presence of other dogs and may bark or lunge as a result. This is quite common in adolescent dogs. We are able to incorporate many such dogs into our Fun and Games classes by providing a visual barrier against other dogs in the class. This gives most dogs the privacy they need so they can learn to relax and focus on their owners when other dogs are nearby. Your instructor will be able to offer you additional training tips centered toward improving your dog's ability to remain calm around other dogs. In extreme cases or dogs with known aggression issues, private training may be required prior to or in lieu of group training.
19. Can I observe your training methods before deciding if I want to enroll my dog at J9'sK9s ?
Absolutely! Our group classes are always open to the public for auditing. Visiting dogs are not allowed, but humans are welcome to come and watch anytime - no reservations required.
20. What should I do if I have more questions? What's the best way to contact J9'sK9s ?
The best way to contact J9'sK9s is calling us at 818-832-9906. We are available by phone weekdays only, excluding holidays. You may get an answering machine when you call (we're usually out training dogs) but if you leave us a message we typically will return your call the following business day. Alternatively you can email us at info@j9sk9s.com, but we get an awful lot of emails and may not be able to respond for several days.
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