Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What vaccinations are required?
Puppies 10 to 16 weeks
Must have completed at least two of their parvo-distemper vaccinations and have received a Bordetella vaccination to enroll in any class. Bordetella is not a standard part of your puppy package so please speak with your veterinarian to schedule this.
Dogs 4 months old and up
Distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and bordetella (in the combination recommended by your veterinarian) are required before your dog participates in classes. We realize vets recommend the rabies vaccine be given between 4-6 months for puppies; please provide proof of vaccination after it is given. YOUR DOG MUST BE CURRENT ON ALL VACCINATIONS.
4 Paws recognizes that some owners vaccinate at home or use titers; both are acceptable. Contact us for more details on documentation.
How do I sign up for private lessons or an evaluation?
Each trainer schedules their own private lessons and evaluations. The first step is to fill out our intake form:
Then email it to:
info@4PawsDogWorks.com
How long are your classes? And how often do classes meet?
Most classes are 8 weeks, with a few exceptions which will be noted in the information when you are registering.
Classes meet once per week at the same time and day. So, if you signed up for a Tuesday morning, 9 am class, you will meet each week on the same day and time.
Can my dog be off leash in the building or in the outdoor areas?
Unless otherwise directed by your trainer, dogs must be leashed at all times. This includes:
- When entering the building
- When entering and exiting crates
- When entering and exiting rings/working areas
- When exiting the building
Also, please note that the main doors for the building are set up so that dogs should NEVER come face to face with another dog. The door to your right, whether entering or exiting, is the CORRECT door. The doors are also clearly marked. Please help keep all students, dogs, and trainers safe by adhering to this protocol.
How many dog/handler teams are in each class?
For most general dog training classes, the maximum is 6. For sport classes, 5-6 teams may participate.
How do I clean up after my dog?
Poop stations are easily accessible near the outdoor poop areas and provided as a convenience for students. Indoors, bags, paper towels, and clean up solution is provided.
Please note: If your dog poops anywhere on the property or in the facility, and you fail to clean it up, you will receive one (1) warning. A second offence will result in immediate expulsion from class, with no refund, and no future classes can be taken at 4 Paws.
Additionally, the same policy applies to allowing your dog to mark the posts at the entrance to the building.
Abuse of this privilege ruins the experience for other students. Please be courteous.
When are classes available for registration?
Classes are posted monthly, around the 15th. So, as an example, for classes beginning in January, they will be available and posted on the website around December 15th.
What is your training philosophy or method?
4 Paws DogWorks is a full member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), and our trainers use the LIMA principle: Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA ) approach “LIMA” is an acronym for the phrase “least intrusive, minimally aversive.”
The full position statement can be found here: Click to view PDF
How do I pay for my class?
Remember, your spot in the class is not secured until we receive payment. Additionally, to minimize contact for the first class, we ask that your class be paid for in advance.
When you register you will be given the option of “Register without Payment”, “Pay with PayPal”, or “Pay by Mail”. If you wish to use a debit or credit card, you must pay online with PayPal. We do not accept cards at the facility.
If you wish to pay with cash (and we are unavailable to make an appointment before classes begin), the exact change on the first night of your class is appreciated. Checks are also welcome.
What is the policy for leaving crates in the building (if a crate is required for class)?
For classes that require your dog to be crated when not working, there are two options:
- You may bring your own crate for class, set it up, and take it home at the end of each class period.
- You may utilize a facility provided crate. There are approximately 7 in the building. If you use one of these, at the end of your class, please clean it to get rid of treats, water, and hair. Also close and latch the door to the crate.
Any crates not marked for public use are NOT to be used. These crates belong to instructors for their dogs, which often serve as demo dogs or in other working capacities. They will also be clearly marked.
In sport training classes, where one dog works at a time, there should only be one dog out at a time. When it is your turn, please wait until the dog that finished working is crated before bringing your dog out. This keeps all safe.
Are there age limitations for your classes?
Not for people or dogs! If you are unsure of what class is appropriate for you and your dog, please contact us.
At 4 Paws DogWorks, our primary concern is to provide a safe, positive, and effective learning environment for all participants. We love seeing enthusiasm for dog training from young people and are honored to have the opportunity to help them train their dogs. They are the next generation of dog lovers.
In an effort to keep them safe, children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent. The adult must actively participate in the training by sitting ringside, listening to the lectures/demonstrations, and be ready to step in should the need arise or at the instructor’s request.
Again, feel free to contact us for details!
