Policies & Guidelines For Local Dog Training Services

Doggy Dress Code

Our rewards-based training environment has a different dress code than training based on punishment. We do not use electronic, choke, prong, or citronella collars. Your dog needs to have:

  • A flat or plain collar
  • ID
  • Leash 4’ – 6’ long made of cotton, nylon, or leather (no retractable please)
  • Front clip walking harness (our first and favorite choice!)
  • Gentle Leader (optional)
  • Muzzle (if necessary): plastic basket, metal, or leather

Safety Arriving at class

Please take care around other dogs you see, since some may become overly excited and do all they can to meet your dog. If your dog is hard to control, or you are having difficulties entering the classroom, please wait outside and an assistant or the trainer will come out to help you and your dog enter. Thank you for your cooperation!

Approaching and petting dogs

Some dogs are not friendly toward or comfortable around people they do not know. Please do not approach or pet any other dogs in class. If your child wants to meet another dog, they may do so after obtaining permission from the dog’s owner and only during non-classroom teaching time.

Dogs that are ill

We allow only healthy dogs to attend class. We are sorry if your dog is ill, but kindly keep them at home and contact your veterinarian if necessary.

Unaltered Male Dogs

For safety purposes, dogs that are not spayed or neutered are prohibited from attending classes where there is off-leash interaction between dogs, with the exception of Puppy Manners. Unaltered dogs are more frequently targeted in play-groups by other dogs because of the way they smell. Fights can ensue which endanger all dogs present, as well as their guardians and staff of The Inquisitive Canine.

Female dogs in heat

Female dogs in heat may not attend class.

Disruptive dogs

In order to protect all participants in a class, we reserve the right to decline entry to, or remove from class, any dog who presents behavior issues that may be overly dangerous, disruptive, or that may be exacerbated by participation in a group class or setting. Depending on the circumstance, credit for unattended sessions may be given, and we will recommend our Private Training which includes Behavior Counseling in these cases, and which has an excellent track record of success with dogs who cannot attend a group class.

Biting and Fighting

If your dog has ever bitten anyone (you, family member, friend or stranger) enough to break skin (excluding puppies playing), or if your dog has ever been involved in a dog fight, please call before registering. We often recommend private lessons and private counseling to help you successfully deal with this behavior.

Children in class

We encourage children to share in the training process. Please observe our guidelines:

  • All minors (under 18) must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or have written permission from a parent or guardian to attend with another adult who will serve as the minor’s guardian during class.
  • Children must remain under parental supervision at all times. We ask that they remain seated during lecture and discussion, and remain alongside you and your dog during training exercises.
  • Children 9 years of age or older may participate in classes. We ask that children under 9 be supervised by an older sibling or adult.
  • Please use “indoor voices” in the classroom arena and do not run. Skateboards, “Heelies”, or other types of shoes with wheels are not permitted.
  • If you feel your child may become restless during class, please feel free to bring quiet activities they would enjoy.

*For Canine College, please see the Ventura College Community Education website for their policies on having children in class.

Orientation for the first session of Manners and “Feisty Fido” class*

Orientation is the most important session for these two classes. It establishes the foundation of the remaining sessions. It is for people only, and all family members are encouraged to attend. The ninety minute session consists of a discussion of how dogs learn, methods we use to teach them, and “rewards-based” training exercises for you to take home and practice with your dog. We’ll talk about what to bring to class, and complete your registration as needed. If you cannot attend this first class, please notify us to make other arrangements. *Applicable to Inquisitive Canine classes, not Canine College.

Vaccinations

Please supply us with a copy of your dog’s vaccination records before the start of class.

Payment

We accept Visa/MC, cash, or personal check made payable to The Inquisitive Canine. Payment is due at time of, or before, the start of the first class or play session. Registrations submitted via fax or over the telephone must be secured by credit card. There is a $25.00 fee for all returned checks.

If a Class is Canceled

If the class you have registered for is canceled you will be offered credit toward a future class, or full refund.

Refunds

Please notify us at least one week prior to the start date of the class or workshop for which you have registered if you must cancel. Refunds are given only with one week’s notice.
If your dog, due to illness or injury, is unable to attend classes within the first half of sessions purchased, you will be offered a credit on the remaining balance toward future classes, workshops, or events. *Applicable to Inquisitive Canine classes, not Canine College.

If you must cancel your registration in classes that are on a week-to-week schedule, please give us one week advance notice. Refunds for sessions not used are given only with this notice.