Nutts About Mutts - Class Rules

Do I bring my dog to the first class?

No, if you are attending the following classes:

Puppy School or Basic Classes.

The first class for Puppy and Basic Class is strictly for owner education.

Yes, if you are attending the following classes:

Intermediate
Advanced
Recall Class

Positive Training

Nutts about Mutts only uses positive training methods. This allows both the owner and the dog to learn in a stress-free environment. Physical and verbal punishment is not permitted to be used at our Classes, however, we will help you with all behavioural problems without the need to use of force or intimidation.

Equipment

Nutts about Mutts prefer you use a normal flat collar, (webbed/fabric/leather) or front attach harness. If you are not sure what equipment may help you and your dog, we will assist you. We sell the Sense-ation and Sense-ible Front Attach Harnesses and can fit one to your dog to try. We find a Nylon or Leather Lead to be effective if approximately between 1.5 – 2mts in length.

Prohibited Items:

Check/Choke chains
Slip collars
Prong collars
Citronella/Shock/Sonic Collars

Or any other device that can cause harm, threaten or intimidate your dog will not be permitted in class.

***We also do not permit the use of extension leads in class.

What you will need to bring to class

A Copy of your Dog’s Current Vaccination.
Any Family Members willing to attend (see Children In Class on my website for more information)
Poop bags so you can pick up after your dog – We do have bags in an emergency.
Your dog’s bed or a towel for them to lay on
Your dog’s favourite toy
Treats
Something to Chew – eg. Beef Ear, Bully Stick, Pig Ear

Should I feed my dog before coming to class?

Dog or puppy class can be a very interesting and distracting place. There is so much stimulus for your dog. As a result, it is really important that you do not feed your dog/puppy their normal meal prior to coming to class. A hungry puppy/dog is going to be more likely motivated by food rewards than a puppy/dog who has just had a meal.

What Treats do I bring for Class?

You will need to bring at least two varieties of treats to class for your puppy/dog and you will need up to 100 pieces of treats for class. Treats should be no larger than half the size of your smallest fingernail.

I would advise you avoid overly processed supermarket treats as these can tend to upset tummies. If your dog/puppy has never had any processed food before, you may want to consider bringing some BBQ Chicken.

Here are some treat suggestions:

Cheese
BBQ/Grilled or Steamed Chicken
Fritz/Devon/loaf
Sausages
Salami/Mettwurst/Twiggy Sticks(no garlic)
Steak
Leftover Roasted Meat

I normally recommend a range of dry food too this might include:

Dried Fish
Dried Chicken
Liver
Dried Duck
Roo

These dried products are best to be bought from pet shops like Pet Stock or Pet Zest as they have the best quality range – with no added nasties.

While you might find at home your dog will perform for his own dry dog food or a few liver treats or schmackos – in class – it will not be enough to keep your dog’s attention. Your dog will work according to the pay – you pay well – he/she will generally work well.

Should I exercise my dog prior to class?

It can be a massive advantage to exercise your dog prior to class to get rid of any “peskies” that results from excess energy. I recognize that most of our classes are weeknights, so you may be stretched for time prior to class to take them for a proper walk, or a play at the dog park. However here are some easy ways to get rid of some energy.

Toy on Stick Game – see video

Fetch

Arrange for a play date for your dog for the day

Doggy Day Care – Holdfast Dog Centre

How Do I Dress For Class?

You will need to dress for the weather. Ensure you are comfortable as you may have to sit on the ground with your dog at times. Enclosed and non-slip footwear is essential. For safety reasons, no thongs, open toed shoes or stiletto heels. You may require a rain jacket. In the warmer months you will need a pair of Sunglasses and sunscreen and a hat to avoid sun damage. Water is always available for your dog, however you may bring your own.

Enclosed Footwear

Participants MUST wear enclosed footwear to dog training classes. This is for OH&S reasons. Remember to keep a pair of shoes in your car when training in Summer. Dog owners who come to class in open footwear unfortunately will be turned away.

Smoking, Drugs and Alcohol

As our facility is provided by the Minister for Education, there can be no smoking, drinking or drug taking on the entire School premises. If you seem to be visibly affected by drugs or alcohol you may be requested to leave for the safety and harmony of the class.

Dogs

You are responsible for your dogs’ behaviour at all times while attending our classes. Please supervise your dog at all times. Some dogs are not comfortable with strange dogs in their faces, everyone deserves their own space at class. Always ask another dog owner if it is ok for you and your dog to approach/interact.

Class Etiquette

Please be considerate to other participants and your instructor. Please turn your mobile phones to silent prior to class. As mentioned earlier, you are not permitted to smoke at class. Please give your instructor your full attention and ensure any Children you have brought to class are not chatting or are disruptive.

Children

Children are encouraged to attend training, as they often make excellent trainers; they generally have good timing and pick things up quickly. We also want to teach your Children the safe and proper way to interact with dogs. Children can cause your dog and others to become distracted.

If your child/ren are less than 8 years of age, you will need to ensure you have an adult present to supervise the child/ren so you are available to work with the dog.
Children under 13 years of age are not permitted to hold a dog’s leash in class. It is sometimes very difficult for adults to hold onto dog’s and a loose dog in class can be a real disaster. It is unfair to put the child or other class participants under undue stress.
Please ensure your Child does not approach other dogs in class unless they have been instructed to do so by an instructor or assistant in class. Some dogs are not regularly exposed to Children and can sometimes react adversely.
Please ensure your child/ren does not wander around the class unattended. Please ensure they are not running, jumping, kart-wheeling, squealing or otherwise causing disruption. Calm Children are the best exposure to dogs who have not been exposed to Children. However, Children can easily frighten dogs and bites can happen far more quickly than most adults can react.

What happens if my dog is sick?

If your dog is unwell or contagious, please do not bring him or her to class. We are responsible for the safety and well-being of many dogs throughout the week – not just the dogs in your class. We hold a minimum of 10 classes per week at our venue – up to 80 dogs come through in one week. We need to be sure those dogs are safe. Ensure your dog is regularly treated for worms both intestinal and heartworm and has received adequate flea treatment.

What if my dog comes on Heat/Season?

When bitches come into season it can affect all dogs, including the opposite sex and those that are spayed/neutered. In Season Bitches are not permitted to attend class. Owners may attend without their dogs. Owners may be asked to take their bitch home should it be found she has come into season.

If I miss a class can I do a make-up class?

We understand that sometimes life does get in the way and you might miss a class. As a rule, we do not offer “make up classes”. We do provide you with extensive notes and videos of behaviour to help guide you until the next class. If the same class is available on another night in the same week, you are welcome to attend that class without your dog to catch up on what you have missed. We have found that allowing a “strange” dog to an established, settled class is very disruptive and so we do not permit this to happen.

In Case of an Accident/Incident/Illness

Please advise your instructor IMMEDIATELY should you or someone else have an injury, accident or is sick. All our instructors carry mobile phones to organise medical assistance if necessary. We also have a First Aid Kit on the grounds for minor injuries.

Weather

As our venue incorporates a lush green oval and an indoor gymnasium we do not need to cancel for poor weather. However, if extremely hot, we will cut the training session shorter.

Help!

You should never feel alone. Every effort is made by our staff to approach you to ensure you understand tasks, however, if you are struggling with anything in class – or at home, please let us know – we are here to help you.

Please respect the School.

It has been EXTREMELY difficult to secure an indoor facility that will allow dogs. If people fail to pick up after their dogs, smoke, drink or break any other rules of this facility, my rights to use the venue will cease. It took months of searching to get an indoor facility for clients to have a comfortable year-round training facility.

Items that can be purchased *Subject to availability*

Some items maybe available as stock items, some may need to be ordered in: Kongs, head collars, treats, Sensi-ble harnesses, treat bags, hands-free training belts, connectors, leads, double-ended leads, clickers, long leads for long lead recalls and Kong Toys. Books, CD’s can also be ordered in.