Can I call you with training questions or to schedule a class?

I’m sorry but we are not available for phone calls.  Class registration for our foundation programs is available online and we are happy to answer any questions by email sent to cleverhounddogtraining@gmail.com. I do my best to answer emails within 24 hours. You will find basic training tips and suggestions on our blog and social media pages, but we are not able to provide advice specific to your dog.

My dog already knows a few things. Can I skip Clever Dog class and take one of the advanced classes instead?

Foundation skills are critical to any successful training relationship and the best trainers spend a lot of time working on the basics. The Clever Dog program is the best way to ensure that you and your dog have the knowledge and skills to succeed in our more advanced classes.   In many cases how the dog has been trained is just as important as what they know how to do. Advanced Clever Dog, Clever Hound About Town, and Agility classes are only open to graduates of the Clever Dog program with no exceptions.

Clever Dog is recommended prior to take Rally Classes, Fit Dog Class, and All Around Hound. Some exceptions may be made if your dog has previous training. Scent Work does not have a prerequisite, but we do not work on obedience skills in those classes. 

Should I take group classes or private lessons?

 Group classes are intended for dogs who are able to focus and learn quietly in the presence of other people and dogs. If an instructor feels that a dog is not a good fit for group classes, a credit will be issued towards a private lesson package or online class.  Group classes follow a specific curriculum and are best for teaching specific skills in the presence of distractions. 

At no time do any of our group classes include playtime or other direct interactions between dogs. The goal is a well socialized dog who is able to focus and work in the presence of other dogs without becoming overly distracted. 

Private lessons are necessary if you are working on behavioral challenges with your dog, such as fear, aggression, or reactivity. If you find your dog difficult to handle in group settings, private lessons may be a better fit. 

Working one on one allows for the training program to be adapted as needed, which is often a better option for handlers or dogs who may need additional accommodation. In a private lesson setting, multiple family members can participate in the dog’s training and multiple dogs from a household can work during a lesson.

If you would like help training service dog tasks or other behaviors that are specific to you and your dog, this is possible in private lessons. Private lessons for scent work, rally, competition obedience, show handling, and agility handling and foundation skills are available. I don’t have access to a full agility ring for private lessons. 

Private lessons are available on Zoom to students worldwide. 

I think my dog would like agility. Can I sign up for that?

Agility is a very complicated sport for both dogs and humans. We do offer a limited number of agility classes, but agility is not an entry level program. Introduction to Agility is offered about once each year. Clever Dog class is a prerequisite and preference is given to graduates of Advanced Clever Dog. No exceptions will be made to this policy.

Please be aware of the following before registering for class. 

• The next level class will be held on Tuesday afternoons at Rocky Creek Dog Agility in Ephrata. I am not able to offer evening agility classes. If daytime classes aren’t a good fit for you, I recommend that you contact Kim at Rocky Creek Dog Agility to see if she has a class opening that will better suit your schedule. 

• Agility requires a great deal of concentration and confidence from dogs. If your dog is not comfortable eating and working for a variety of different food treats in a distracting environment, they are probably not ready for this class. 

• Dogs must be crate trained. Agility is an off leash sport, so once we pass the foundation level dogs will be required to wait quietly in crates while the other dogs are taking their turns. 

• Agility classes are not suitable for dogs who display any aggression towards dogs or humans or for dogs with significant fears. I am happy to help you with behavior challenges in private lessons. 

• Dogs should have a stay while you walk across the room, an off leash recall in the presence of distractions, and be comfortable loading up on a variety of surfaces. 

What equipment and training methods do you use?

All training is done using positive reinforcement with food rewards. You will learn to use a variety of reward markers, including clickers in class.

In Clever Dog class and foundation training, many dogs will work on harnesses such as the Freedom or Balance harness with a double-ended leash. Head halters such as a Gentle Leaders may be used in some situations with a gradual introduction to this tool. In dog sports classes dogs may wear flat buckle or martingale collars or back clip harnesses depending on the activity. 

If I miss a class, can I make it up?

If space is available in another time slot of the same or a comparable class, make up classes may be available. The availability of makeup classes is not guaranteed and all makeups must be completed in the same session. 

Private lessons can be rescheduled if needed. As much notice as possible is appreciated if this is needed.  In most cases, a lesson will be added to the end of your package if you need to reschedule. No show lessons will not be rescheduled. 

Are the classes held indoors?

All Godfrey’s classes are held indoors with heat and air conditioning. Some activities for scent work, All Around Hound, and private lessons may be outside. 

Agility classes are held indoors without heat or air conditioning. Classes will be cancelled for extreme heat or cold. 

Rocky Creek scent work classes are held primarily indoors with some outdoor searches.