Cancellation Policy

Private Lessons: We require a minimum of 24 hours advance notice for cancellation of private lessons. Failure to give appropriate advance notice and “No- Shows” will result in you being charged for the missed lesson. The first visit is considered session #1 of program and all purchased sessions must be completed within a five month period from purchase date. There are no refunds offered for unused sessions in private lesson programs and monies are not transferable.

Group Classes: Due to limited number of registration slots available: we offer a 100% refund for cancellations up to 7 days prior to the start date of the first class. We do not offer any refunds for cancellations less than 7 days before the start date of the first class session. There are NO make up lessons for class sessions that you miss. You can schedule a (50% discounted rate) private lesson for a missed session.

We require prepayment for training to reserve your place and time.

All guests arriving at the lodge for boarding, training or grooming will need to be current on their vaccinations before check in. Vaccination must have been administered by a veterinarian. We require Bordatella given every six months, DHPP and Rabies vaccines. We will need the appropriate documentation PRIOR TO ARRIVAL. Please email vaccination records to trainingteam@sandpointvets.com for training clients. Boarding and grooming clients can email vaccination records to petlodge@sandpointvets.com or fax 208-265-5004 ATTN: Pet lodge.

Rules

#1 Please keep your dog on leash and under control at all times. We want our class to be fun and safe for everyone. Spread out and allow yourself and others plenty of space. Other students may be nervous about their dog greeting yours even if your dog is being polite. Additionally, on-leash dogs may become defensive and seem aggressive even though they are generally friendly and good natured. This is known as “leash reactive” and does not mean the dog is aggressive. We will be covering the proper way to allow your dog to greet dogs and people during the course of the class.

#2 If you think your dog is ill please do not bring him/her to class. You are welcome to attend class without your dog to observe the instruction. Make up classes (at a discounted private lesson rate) can be scheduled within one month of the missed class. The same applies if you are ill or have to miss class for any reason.

Equipment Needed for Private Lessons and Group Classes

#1 Treats! – Use a treat that motivates your dog the most. Especially in a more distracting environment like our training classes. Food treats are often the most convenient and effective way to influence your dog’s behavior. In the beginning of training, you will need to reinforce good behavior frequently by delivering a high rate of soft pea-sized treats during a training session. This will allow your dog to quickly eat the treat and be ready to move to the next repetition right away. Even for large dogs, a pea-sized treat is plenty. For small dogs, you can use even tinier pieces of treats.

#2 Treat Bag - A bag to carry your treats in for easy and quick access. It should clip onto your belt or or around your waist so that you have two free hands.

#3 Training Collar and 6ft leash – We ask that you bring your dog in on a six-foot leash and a well fitted collar that they cannot slip out of. Your instructor will help you properly fit what you have or recommend something that may work better for you and your dog. Slip leash, martingale, head halti, prong collars are the most commonly used training collars. A 6-foot leash, with good grip, is a standard length for close work with your dog. NO retractable leashes.

#4 A 15-20ft training lead – These will be used for recall training and distance work, at home. These long lines are meant to get dirty so lightweight and strong is all that’s necessary. Long lines will be provided for class so don’t worry if you forget to bring your own.

#5 Dog Cot - In our private lessons and Companion Dog classes, we will be covering the place command. You can use a blanket, Rug or Towel. However, we do recommend using an elevated surface such as a dog cot, for this exercise. We will supply the dog cot for your in class practice sessions.

#6 Poo Bags – We ask that you bring your dog a little early and give them a chance to relieve themselves. Please pick up after your dog. Waist stations are located in various areas around the grounds.

Equipment Needed For Scent Work Class

• High Value Rewards - rewards the dog finds highly motivating, even in what might be a distracting situation. Example, a dog might be very excited about steak rewards (high value), while they would not always be interested in a piece of kibble (lower value). Reward should be a plentiful amount of small pea sized treats (cooked chicken, hot dogs, cheese, liver treats)

• Treat bag - something to carry treats for easy access. This bag should attach to your belt so you can have two free hands

• 6- 15 ft leash

• Non correctional body harness or a Flat collar - this harness or collar will go on the dog only when performing exercises with the odor. So, it does need to be different than what you have used for other activities

• Three or more cardboard boxes, similar in size - for your homework practice. Do not bring these boxes to class

• One larger box - to cut 2 adjacent holes in. We will discuss at first class

• We supply your scent work kit for class that contains: the odor, metal tin, gloves and containers

We offer trainer supervised playgroups for puppies that are fourteen weeks to six months of age. This is a great way to help your puppy learn important socialization skills and burn off some of that puppy energy! We are excited to have you and your puppy join our playgroup! The following rules are to ensure safety for all puppy attendees.

• Proof of up to date, age appropriate, veterinarian administered vaccines are required.

• Please arrive at least five minutes prior to the start time of playgroup to register at the front desk.

• Please arrive at least five minutes prior to the play session end time.

• Collar/harness and lead must be removed upon entry and only when instructed by the staff member.

• Do not grab puppies or intervene! Let the trainer guide the play!

• Follow the trainer’s instructions.

• We may take videos or photos which are posted to our social media.

• NO ONE is allowed in playgroup area. You are more than welcome to watch.

• Please do not touch other people’s puppies without permission.

• If a puppy jumps on you please ignore, many puppies are in training and their people appreciate other people ignoring jumping behavior.

• No treats or toys are allowed in the playgroup area.

• If your puppy is showing any signs of illness before playgroup please do not attend.

• There are no transfers or refunds for play group registrations.

• All dogs & their owners participate in playgroup at their own risk. By participating in our playgroups, it will be assumed that you acknowledge, understand and accept any and all risk.

• Anyone who chooses to not follow the above rules may be asked to leave.

** Not all puppies and dogs get along. Our qualified trainers will be actively observing the playgroup to intervene where necessary. Trainers are constantly assessing the dynamics of the group and may make decisions to separate, move a pup to the other play area, give a pup a “cooling off” period, or completely remove them from play. From time-to-time pups will let the others know if they have gone too far. If you have any concerns about the noises or play style of your puppy, don’t be afraid to chat to the staff as they observe your pup in play. If your puppy is showing repeated stress signs, they may have to leave playgroup to minimize their stress level. If your puppy is deemed unsuitable for playgroups, we can arrange alternative training.

Please email us through our intake form and we'll be in touch! You can also reach us at 208-263-2361 or email trainingteam@sandpointvets.com