Let's get ready for class

A little prep will set you and your pup up for success. Here’s what you’ll need to bring and what to expect.

What to Bring

Yourself and a positive attitude
Nobody needs to arrive knowing everything—that includes you and your dog. Come ready to learn, practice and have some fun together.

Your dog in their normal state
Please don't exercise your dog excessively before class in an attempt to tire them out, but don't intentionally amp them up either. We want to work with the dog you live with every day.

Poop bags
Because dogs. Enough said.

Your dog on appropriate equipment
Bring your dog on a secure, properly fitted harness or martingale collar with a standard leash (4' preferred), or a slip lead.

A LOT of high-value treats
More than you think you’ll need.

Equipment for Class

Please bring:

A secure, properly fitted harness or martingale collar and a standard leash (4' preferred)
Or a slip lead
A treat pouch or pocket for easy access to rewards (This is one of our favs from Amazon)

Please leave at home:

Prong or pinch collars
Choke chain collars
Electronic, shock, vibration or spray collars
Retractable leashes
Any equipment designed to correct behavior through pain, fear, discomfort or startle

If you’re unsure whether the equipment you currently use is appropriate for class, please contact us before your first session. We’re happy to help you choose an option that works for you and your dog.

A LOT of treats
Seriously. It bears repeating. Bring more than you think you’ll need.

Training involves a lot of reinforcement, and six treats floating around in the bottom of your pocket are not going to get us very far.

Bring small, soft treats your dog really enjoys. Pieces should be tiny—about the size of a pea or smaller for most dogs—so your dog can eat them quickly and get right back to learning.

For class, think beyond the everyday biscuit or your dog's kibble. Some dogs will happily work for their regular treats, while others may need something more exciting when there are dogs, people, smells and other distractions around.

Good options might include:

Freeze-dried or soft training treats
String cheese
Another food your dog absolutely loves

Bringing two or three different options is even better. Your dog gets to decide what is valuable enough for the job!

A treat pouch, if you have one
You’ll be reinforcing your dog frequently, so having treats somewhere you can reach quickly makes training much easier. Crinkly plastic bags, including Ziploc-style bags, can be distracting and are not recommended.

Before You Arrive

Give your dog an opportunity to potty before class and allow yourself enough time to arrive without rushing.

Avoid feeding a large meal immediately before class. We want your dog interested in the food you bring for training.

If your dog isn’t feeling well on class day, please leave them home and contact us.

What to Expect

This is a group class, so we’ll introduce skills and concepts to the class as a whole and then give you time to practice with your dog.

Every dog learns differently and at their own pace. Your dog may pick something up right away, need a little more time, get distracted, or decide they’re done learning for the day. All of that is okay.

Classes are designed with your dog’s ability to learn in mind. We’ll move through teaching, practice and natural breaks along the way, and sometimes that means adjusting what we planned based on what the dogs in front of us need that day.

We’ll help you understand what we’re teaching, demonstrate the skills and answer questions along the way. If your dog needs more individualized help than we can provide in a group setting, we’ll talk with you about other options.

Give Everyone Some Space

Not every dog wants to meet other dogs—and they don't need to.

Please don't allow your dog to approach or greet another dog unless the instructor specifically says it’s okay. Keep a comfortable distance of 6 feet from other teams when entering, leaving and moving around the training area.

This is especially important in our reactive-dog classes, but it’s a good habit in every class.

How We Train

Safe For Life uses positive reinforcement and Fear Free/force-free training methods.

Punitive or aversive training methods and equipment are not used in our classes. If you have questions about the equipment you're currently using or aren't sure what to bring, just ask us before class.

Our job is to teach you how to communicate with your dog, recognize what they’re telling you, and practice skills you can use together in everyday life.

Your dog does not need to arrive knowing how to do anything.

That’s why you’re coming to class.

Practice Matters

What happens between classes matters just as much as what happens during them.

You’ll learn and practice skills with us, but lasting progress comes from using those skills at home and in everyday life. Short, frequent practice is much more useful than trying to squeeze in one marathon training session before your next class. 5 to 10 minutes of training a day can make a huge difference.

One Dog. One Handler.

Each registered dog needs one handler who is physically able to safely handle the dog and participate in the exercises during class.

Other family members may be involved in your dog’s life and training at home, but the registered handler will be responsible for the dog during class.