Every Dog Policies
Vaccination Policy
Policy: Because Every Dog Behavior and Training values the health and safety of every client and their dog(s), we require that all dogs have up-to-date vaccinations on record before they participate in our services.
**The above are general guidelines, and decisions on vaccinations should always be made with your personal veterinarian!
Vaccines given at home, by a breeder, or by other non-veterinary individuals or facilities should have valid stickers that MUST include: Vaccine Name, Manufacturer Name, Batch or Lot #, and Expiration Date
Exceptions:
-
Puppy Kindergarten: Puppies may begin Kindergarten class 7 days past their FIRST round of Distemper/Parvo and do not need to wait until fully vaccinated. This is per American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviorists (AVSAB) guidelines.
-
Puppy First Grade: While we generally require puppies to be fully up to date for First Grade, we understand that some puppies (for example, those adopted from rescues) may receive their first round of vaccinations later in life and still profoundly benefit from early socialization. Puppies may be allowed into class on a case-by-case basis 7 days past their first round of vaccines.
-
Bordetella: We highly recommend that all dogs in our classes be fully vaccinated against bordetella. However, we understand that some clients (with their veterinarians' guidance) may decide not to vaccinate for bordetella. Dogs may be allowed into class on a case-by-case basis without an up to date bordetella vaccine. In these cases, clients will be asked t sign a bordetella waiver.
Cancellation Policy and Makeups
We require 24 hours notice of cancellation for any booking, whether private training or group classes.
Private training cancellation policy:
All scheduled private lessons must be cancelled or rescheduled a minimum of 24-hours prior to the scheduled lesson time. Virtual appointment late cancellations and “No-Shows” will be charged a $35 rebooking fee to reschedule the appointment. Late cancellations and “no shows” for in-person sessions will forfeit their original payment and new payment will be required to book another session.
Group class cancellation policy:
All group classes must be canceled or rescheduled a minimum of 24-hours in advance of the start time of class. Rescheduling or cancelling your appointment after 24-hours prior to start time will forfeit original payment and that class credit will be lost.
On a case-by-case basis we may offer a single "grace" session per year for a late cancellation in an ongoing, rolling, or drop in group class.
If a cancellation is less than 24 hours in advance (or after the start of a series/fixed date class) we do not offer refunds. On a case-by-case basis we may be able to apply a credit in the amount of the remaining classes minus a $35 late cancel fee, to be used for future classes or private trainings.
Makeups
When requests are made with more than 24 hours notice, we are typically able to reschedule a makeup session. *Note that we do not offer makeup sessions for series classes because they are scheduled for fixed dates and are not ongoing.
Kids in Classes Policy
We welcome children under 16 years old in classes! However, it can be a better experience for the parents and the children to work with an instructor in private sessions so we can focus on the entire family. Financial assistance is always available to make this feasible if needed.
We have a few guidelines to keep everyone safe and ensure the best possible experience for all of the participants (humans and dogs!) when children under 16 years old attend group classes.
Our trainers are focused on ensuring that each pup and their people get the training support they need, so parents are expected to ensure that their children are engaged in the learning process and respectful of the instructor and other attendees.
-
We recommend 1 child under 16 per adult attendee in group classes.
-
A maximum of 5 people per dog, 2 parents and 3 children, are allowed in group classes (otherwise things get very crowded!).
-
An adult must be holding the dog’s leash at all times.
-
Children are not allowed unattended anywhere in the training facility. Children must be within arm’s reach of their adults at all times. We do not have a lobby area where children can wait while classes are in session, they will need to remain with their adults if attending class.
-
Some dogs are scared or unfamiliar with children - children should not approach any other dogs while in the facility at any time.
-
Children should use “inside voices” and avoid distracting the instructor and other participants in class.
We reserve the right to switch families with children to private lessons if our trainers feel that there’s a concern with children disrupting class or presenting a safety issue.
Moving Dogs From Classes
We are dedicated to ensuring that every dog (and their human) has the best possible experience with us. In some cases, that means moving a dog from their current class into another service, whether a different class or private training. This happens most commonly when:
-
A puppy has "aged out" of Kindergarten or has begun playing too roughly for other puppies, and it's time to move to First Grade
-
A dog is unable to perform the skills needed for that level of class (eg in Agility 2 but not quite ready for it) or perhaps is above the skill level for the class (in Basic Manners but would do better in Intermediate)
-
A dog is showing reactivity in group class and is unable to calm down, and may negatively impact other dogs in class
-
A dog or handler is causing a disruption in class
-
A dog is showing significant fear or anxiety and is not enjoying the class or benefitting
-
A dog is showing aggression that leads to an unsafe situation
In all cases we will work with families to transfer credits to another class or private training option that will best serve the dogs and people.
Training Methods and Tools
Our training methods focus on positive reinforcement, and avoid causing fear, pain, or discomfort.
Tools like shock collars or electronic collars (e-collars), prong/pinch collars, or choke chains are not permitted in any class due to potential risks. Flexi-leashes are also not allowed in classes.
All dogs should be on a flat collar or harness, with a 6-foot leash unless otherwise specified in the class description.