Policies & FAQs

All pricing and services provided are as stated on the website.

Crimson Hound does not offer free evaluations or consultations*. Unless otherwise stated, the first visit counts as lesson #1 of any package, program or class.

*Limited exceptions for rescue and shelter situations only.

Courses, packages and programs are prepaid and non-refundable. Payments accepted online through credit card or PayPal.

• Payment plans are available upon request. (Discounts do not apply to payment plans.)
• When requested, payment via check or cash is an option.
• Returned checks are subject to a $35 bank fee. 

Since I work in client’s homes, I don’t want to bring illnesses such as cold, flu and COVID-19 to any of my clients or theri dogs. In addition, I have asthma, so I don’t want to bring illnesses home with me. I willl follow the same guidelines.

Please cancel and reschedule your session if your or a family member:

• has had cold/flu symptoms in the 24 hours preceding our sessions;
• were exposed to COVID-19 in the past 14 days
• tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days
• is experiencing symptoms

Please cancel and reschedule your session if your dog(s) or other pets:

• has fleas or worms;
• has been ill in the 24 hours preceding our sessions:
• vomiting, diarrhea or not eating;
• recovering from surgery such as spay/neuter;
• diagnosed and/or taking medication for an illness such as ringworm, mange, Giardia, leptospirosis, kennel cough, Lyme disease, etc.; and/or
• is under a bite quarantine.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact me about this policy.

When should I reschedule missed appointments?

• For cold/flu: Reschedule sessions once everyone is fever-free and no longer experiencing symptoms.
• For COVID-19: Please follow CDC guidelines and do not reschedule until after Day 11 post-exposure, you are fever-free and are no longer experiencing symptoms.

In general, ALL animals must be up to date (as age appropriate) for:

• DHLP – Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis and Parvovirus
• Rabies – required for all dogs 16 weeks or older
• Bordatella – only required for in-person group sessions
  
• Virtual-only clients are exempt from the DHLP requirements, but must still show proof of rabies vaccination.

All sessions are prepaid and non-refundable.

• In the event that the trainer determines that a dog is not appropriate for in-person sessions, virtual sessions replace in-person sessions for the remainder of the purchased package.  
• If and when the trainer terminates the service agreement, the client will receive a refund in an amount prorated for the unused portion of the package, program or course.
• No refund if the client terminates the service agreement. Exceptions on a case by case basis.
• No refund if the package, program or course expires with unused sessions remaining.

• Please cancel your appointment at least 24 hours prior to your appointment. Use the scheduling program, text or email. Advanced notice of cancellation gives me the opportunity to fill the time slot with another learner.
• If the client fails to give at least 24 hours cancellation notice or is not present at the time of a scheduled appointment, the session counts as one session and session fees are still due.
• Cancellations due to inclement weather rescheduled without penalty.  
• Crimson Hound reserves the right to cancel and reschedule any appointment when necessary.

Sessions cancelled for inclement weather are rescheduled.  Crimson Hound reserves the right to cancel and reschedule any appointment when necessary.

• Within 30 miles of La Crosse: No Travel Fee (see red circle on map below)
• 30 to 60 miles from La Crosse: $35 Travel Fee
• More than 60 miles from La Crosse: Additional Travel Fees apply. Email training@crimsonhound.com for more information.

In the U.S., animal trainers are not required to hold any certification. However, I have chosen to go through these extra steps to better provide you with the best service possible.

While some schools and private organizations award certifications to their own students, there are only 4 levels of certifications available from independent certifying organizations.

• Dog Trainers focus on basic manners, nuisance behaviors, dog sports and trick training.
• Behavior Consultants specialize in addressing maladaptive behaviors such as fear, anxiety, and aggression, requiring several years of additional education.
• Behaviorists hold a PhD in a behavior science field OR a Master’s degree and Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist certification through Animal Behavior Society.
• Veterinary Behaviorists are veterinarians who have gone through at least two years of additional training in animal behavior and training.

Learn about my credentials

My credentials require that I have spent 500+ hours doing hands-on dog training. Additionally, recommendations from current clients, colleagues and veterinarians are part of the application process to take the certification exams. The certification exams are rigorous tests of knowledge of dog behavior, ethology, learning theory, consulting skills and best practices. Additionally, each title requires an application for recertification that includes staying abreast of the latest techniques and science through continuing education.

Instinctual Behaviors

Humans have spent hundreds, even thousands, of years selectively breeding for specific traits in dogs. Now these traits are referred to as “bad behaviors”. You can’t punish away these instinctual behaviors without causing mental distress to the dog. We can, however, teach the dog alternative behaviors that will meet the dog’s needs and that the owner will find acceptable.

Aggression

Aggressive behavior is just behavior. It may may unwanted behavior, but it is still just behavior. Given the right circumstances, every animal (humans included) is capable of performing aggressive behavior. The vast majority of dogs who display aggressive behaviors do so out of fear, stress, frustration and/or pain. Punishing a dog for trying to communicate his feelings is not only unethical, but it generally has long-term fallout without long-term gain. 

Trainers who advertise “quick fixes” and “guaranteed results” rely on coercion and punishment techniques.

They take a REACTIVE approach – waiting for the dog to do something wrong and then “correcting” him.

When you choose to work with Crimson Hound:

We will work together to determine what is causing your dog’s behaviors and build a training plan using ethical, rewards-based training methods.  Rather than being reactive, we will take a PROACTIVE approach and modify the environment to make it easy for your dog to perform the wanted behavior and set your dog up for success.

Yes. The difference in training methodology is the difference between resolving the behavior, simply suppressing behavior or actually making the behaivor worse. Methodology can make a huge difference in the relationship you have with your pet. I use methods that are founded in science and yield the most desirable results. As a result, you save time, money, and hassle. Additionally, these methods also bring you and your dog closer together. It’s a win-win for everyone!

AVSAB Statement on Humane Dog Training

“Based on current scientific evidence, AVSAB recommends that only reward-based training methods are used for all dog training, including the treatment of behavior problems. Aversive training methods have a damaging effect on both animal welfare and the human-animal bond. There is no evidence that aversive methods are more effective than reward-based methods in any context. AVSAB therefore advises that aversive methods should not be used in animal training or for the treatment of behavior disorders.”

Read the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior’s full position statement.

I adhere to Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) principles. I also fall under the “rewards-based”, “positive reinforcement-based” and “force-free” training categories and believe in using the same methods for humans as well as animals.

It’s impossible (and unethical) to guarantee behavioral training success, but I have loads of happy pet parents who have found success with rewards-based training methods. There are many factors that can impact pet behavior during and after training, including age, health, genetics, environment and more. I will never guarantee results, but I will work my hardest to help you and your pet live more harmoniously.

Yes, I carry professional and general liability insurance with an insurance company that specializes in the dog training industry.

No, it is impossible and unethical to provide a 100% guarantee on future behavior.

There are several factors affecting dog behavior modification that are beyond the scope of my control. These include, but are not limited to prenatal environment, age, health, genetics, your skills and follow through … as well as the simple fact that your dog is a unique sentient being whose behavior cannot be guaranteed.

A competent, ethical, and knowledgeable behavior professional should never guarantee results.

While I cannot guarantee results, I do have years of success helping dogs and their humans live more harmoniously and I will work with you to have the best possible results. Training is never over and dogs are always learning. We will work to create a plan to change your dog’s behavior and then give you the toold and knowledge to keep working with your dog.

With Private In-Home Sessions, we meet and work together with your dog. You will be doing the training and I will be guiding and coaching you along the way.

With Safe At Home Day Training, I will come to your home three times a week to do the bulk of the training for you. We will meet once a week to go over what your dog has been learning and to guide you through those skills so that you can continue to work with your dog between sessions.

1. Group classes can be distracting.

Many owners find group classes frustrating because their dogs have difficulty paying attention when they are in a new environment and/or in the presence of multiple unfamiliar dogs and humans.

2. The quality of classes and training philosophy varies widely from instructor to instructor and between facilities.

Dog training is a highly specialized skill. It combines mechanics, science and the art of being able to read each dog, the environment and the dog’s needs and adjust each accordingly. Unfortunately, dog training is an unregulated industry and many instructors do not possess the necessary training and knowledge.

3. Fearful and anxious dogs that have trouble coping at home are not a good fit for group classes in a training facility.

Asking them to succeed in a strange environment is setting them up for failure. In addition, some behaviors are not conducive to group, or even private, classes in a facility. Some behaviors are best addressed at home. For example, separation-related behaviors, resource guarding, and house training.

4. Finally, group classes follow a lesson plan created to fit the average dog.

Your dog may already possess some of these skills or he may need specialized attention. Private In-Home Sessions are customized to meet you and your dog’s needs and to address issues that you are struggling with.

Doggie Daycare

Doggie Daycare is supervised playtime in a facility, usually with 10-20 dogs present, and no training. It can often be chaotic and stressful for the dogs and, while some owners like that their dogs come home “exhausted”, it is not normal for dogs to play in large groups nonstop for 7-9 hours a day. As part of your training plan, I may recommend that you limit, or even eliminate, doggie daycare or request that your dog be given breaks outside of the play area during their stay. A limited number of daycares may have cameras set up to allow you to check in on your dog throughout the day.

Dog School

Dog School is similar, but usually incorporates both group and individual training sessions, as well as play time and some rest periods throughout the day. Like doggie daycare, dog school are typically filled with overactive adolescent and young adult dogs. This can be overwhelming and stressful for many dogs. Dogs are dropped off in the morning and generally picked up in the late afternoon. Update and skills transfer sessions vary in how and when they are conducted.

Traditional Dog Training

Traditional Dog Training varies as to the number of dogs present – from private options to something closer to dog school. In this setting, your dog will rotate between training sessions and rest periods throughout the day and may include walks and/or enrichment. Dogs are dropped off in the morning and picked up in the late afternoon. Update and skills transfer sessions vary in how and when they are conducted.

Dogs who attend doggie daycare and dog school don’t get anywhere near the amount of rest and sleep that their bodies require.

Dogs are crepuscular animals – meaning that they are most active in the morning and evening and spent the bulk of the day resting and napping. This can exacerbate problem behaviors or even create new ones. As part of your training plan, I may recommend that you limit, or even eliminate, doggie daycare or request that your dog be given breaks outside of the play area during their stay.

Board andn Train

Board and Train options vary in length and training style (as do dog schools and day training). With B&T, you drop your dog off and leave him to live at the facility for 2 to 6 weeks. Your dog will live and train at the facility with varying amounts of rest, play and enrichment. Update and skills transfer sessions vary in how and when they are conducted.

Safe At Home Day Training combines the best of all worlds. It allows your dog to receive specialized, one-on-one training without ever leaving your neighborhood.

Not only will your dog avoid the stress and related problems behaviors that are created in group settings, he will engage in play and enrichment activities that are customized for his individual needs. I will keep you up-to-date with videos and reports following each session. We will meet for a weekly skills transfer session so that I can coach you through the skills that your dog has been learning so that you can continue practicing between sessions.

While the Initial Assessment and Mediation Session is an extremely informative and integral part of my programs, it is NOT a complete training plan in and of itself. It is simply the jumping-off point for your journey with your dog. To be successful, additional coaching sessions are needed to help you incorporate what you are learning into daily life with your dog.

During this session we will:

• discuss your goals for your dog;
• review his behavior history;
• talk about why your dog is doing what he is doing;
• develop a preliminary training plan; and
• begin to work on the foundational skills that we will rely on as we continue to work with your dog.

Learning a new skill or changing an old habit is not an overnight process.

Depending on how long the dog has been practicing the behavior, it can take a significant amount of time to create a new replacement behavior. This requires time, patience, repetition and consistency. Crimson Hound’s coaching program options provide flexibility, while still providing support for you and your dog throughout your journey.

NOTE: I do offer single session consults for clients in some circumstances. If you would like to see about scheduling a consult for your dog, please contact me.

RESCUES AND SHELTERS: I offer FREE single session consults and discounted follow up sessions for area rescues and shelters for their resident dogs, fosters and new adopters who are struggling. Please contact me for more information.

Private lessons sound good, but does the benefit outweigh the added expense? Here are some things to consider.

• No travel required. All sessions take place in your home.  If you take group classes, remember to count your travel costs as part of your total cost.
• Flexible scheduling. YOU select the days and times that will accommodate your busy lifestyle.
• Completely customized. Your training plan is fully customized and paced to suit your specific needs and goals.
• Your anxious, fearful dog remains in his safe space.  Virtual services have the added advantage of eliminating the stress of having a stranger enter your home.
• Some behaviors only occur in the home. In these cases, group classes and board and train options are not effective. (e.g., guarding particular people, items or spaces, altercations between pets in the home, separation-related behaviors.)

Sessions are interactive.  I will answer any and all questions. You will practice techniques with your dog and get instant feedback.

• Set your dog up for success. When I visit your home (in-person or virtually), I will help you set up a management system to keep your dog from practicing unwanted behaviors while working with you on a plan to modify those behaviors.
• My time is yours. Your coaching session is all about you and your dog. You have my full and undivided attention for the entirety of your session.
• Added bonuses. Every program comes with a custom homework plan after each session, relevant handouts and/or video tutorials and coaching support between sessions.

Our sessions will take place in your home or neighborhood. I do not have a facility for you to bring your dog to for training.

First, let me differentiate between separation-related behaviors (e.g., “fear of missing out” behaviors, boredom, etc.) and true separation anxiety / isolation distress.

Does your dog bark, whine or howl for a short while when left alone? Does he destroy items when left alone – chews up shoes, rips up a pillow, gets into the garbage, etc.? If you answered yes to either question, your dog is most likely performing separation-related behaviors. During private in-home or virtural sessions, I can help you teach him how to spend time alone. Regardless of what you have been told, behaviors that only take place at home are not a good fit for any type of group or board-and-train program. Additionally, separation-related behaviors are never a good fit for board and train or day training.

True Separation Anxiety is a panic disorder. It cannot be “trained” away. 

A dog with SA panics when left alone and will not settle until the owner returns. Generally, the dog will bark and howl and work himself up into a frenzy. He will likely also drool excessively and urinate and/or defecate (even though house trained). In his frenzied efforts to escape the confines of the home, the dog will destroy doors, windows or trim and can injure himself trying to break out of his crate or trying get out through a window. 

I can help you with separation-related behaviors, but will refer you to a CSAT if your dog has separation anxiety

Dogs with separation anxiety need the support of both a Veterinarian (or Veterinary Behaviorist), who can prescribe anti-anxiety medication, and a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT). A CSAT is a professional dog trainer who specializes in working with separation anxiety. The road to recovery can be a very long, slow process involving virtual training with a CSAT and supporting your dog by not leaving him alone until he is able to cope.

Dogs are never too old or too young to start learning. We can begin working with your puppy as early as 8 weeks of age.

No. I charge by the hour, not by the number of dogs. I am happy to work with multiple dogs in one session – and we may need to do so to reach your goals. However, be aware that you will most likely need additional sessions.

Yes, in most cases. Many of my clients have dogs who have a bite history. Extreme cases will require an assessment prior to purchasing a training session. Be aware that, in some cases, your training plan will include a recommendation to consult with a Veterinary Behaviorist.

All dogs are food motivated – otherwise they would not be alive. Most dogs just get their food for free every day. I will help you adjust your dog’s feeding routine and teach you how to turn that bowl of food into rewards for fun training activities.

Food is not the only type of training reward. We can also use toys, play and access to fun activities as training rewards.

Working for praise only?

Let’s say that you work for a paycheck, but what if you boss decided to pay you with a weekly thumbs up instead? Would you keep working? No way, right?! Dogs are no different. If we don’t reward or if we stop rewarding our dogs, they will stop performing that behavior … and who can blaim them. Food works great because you are going to feed your dog every day anyway, so why not simply change the way you deliver your dog’s meals.

Yes, but ONLY when food isn’t used properly. I teach owners how to use food correctly, when to use it and when it is appropriate to fade out the use of food and replace it with other rewards.

Absolutely! ALL dogs learn at every stage of their lives and behavior can always be addressed. That being said, the longer a behavior has been practiced, the more challenging it can be to address. However, with consistency and reinforcement, you will see improvement or even elimination of many problem behaviors.

Private lessons sound good, but does the benefit outweigh the added expense? Here are some things to consider.

• No travel required. All sessions take place in your home.  If you take group classes, remember to count your travel costs as part of your total cost.
• Flexible scheduling. YOU select the days and times that will accommodate your busy lifestyle.
• Your anxious, fearful dog remains in his safe space.  Virtual services have the added advantage of eliminating the stress of having a stranger enter your home.
• Some behaviors only occur in the home. When behavior issues only occur in your home, group classes and board and train options are not effective.
• Set your dog up for success. When I visit your home (in-person or virtually), I will help you set up a management system to keep your dog from practicing unwanted behaviors while working with you on a plan to modify those behaviors.
• Sessions are interactive. I will answer all of your questions. You will practice techniques with your dog and get instant feedback.
• My time is yours. Your coaching session is all about you and your dog. You have my full and undivided attention for the entirety of your session.

Every program comes with a custom training plan after each session, relevant handouts and/or video tutorials and coaching support between sessions.

Once you purchase your training package on the website, you will receive an order confirmation email. This email has 2 links. The first link takes you to my calendar so you can schedule your sessions at your convenience. The second link takes you to the Behavior History form. This form contains important information to help me help you, so please be as complete and honest with your answers as possible.

Keep this email! You will need the Schedule link to set up your training sessions!

During your initial assessment session, is all about gathering information, learning about your goals and your dog’s needs and creating a preliminary training plan. I will also introduce some foundational skills and help you set up management protocols.

Your follow up sessions are all about practice, adding new skills and revising any part of the training plan that is not working well. After each session, you will a custom plan that will include notes and associated videos, as well as homework.

Your “training” plans go BEYOND traditional dog training. Your plan will involve management protocols, communication, games, enrichment and, yes, it may involve teaching your dog some new behaviors. It will also involve some compromise and learning on your part.  as we work toward meeting your goals … and your dog’s needs.

I use only modern, ethical reward-based methods and do not rely on the use of force, coercion or intimidation. 

Your training plan will NOT include the use of aversive techniques and quick fixes such as squirt bottles, choke collars, slip leads, prong collars, or e-collars (AKA bark collar, vibration collar, training collar, shock collar) to address unwanted behaviors.  

I will be there to help you along your journey, answer and questions and provide support throughout the length of your journey.

In order to fully support you and your dog, I may recommend consulting a veterinarian and/or a veterinary behaviorist. If necessary, I may refer you to another trusted trainer who may be better able address your dog’s needs.

Every client begins his/her journey with an Initial Assessment and Mediation Session.  During this 90-minute session (60 minutes for puppies), we will take a holistic view of your dog’s L.E.G.S. to help you understand why your dog is doing what he is doing. I will explain why your dog’s “bad behaviors” may just be your dog being the dog he was designed to be. 

Training Plan

We will review your goals and look at areas where your dog shines and places where there might be misunderstanding and/or miscommunication between you and your dog. From here, we will begin to develop a solution that will meet the needs of both you and your dog. Your “training” plan will go BEYOND dog training. The solution will involve a bit of learning and compromise on your part as we review your list of wants and desires to develop a realistic set of goals that will also meet your dog’s needs.

Finally, we will begin to teach your dog some of the foundational skills that we will rely on during later sessions.

The vast majority of dogs who are fearful or who perform aggressive behaviors are more vigilant and stressed outside the safety of their home or when a stranger is present inside their home. This can lead to a dog that is over threshold; thus, not in a mental state where he can learn. In addition, the presence of a trainer, without any practiced plan in place, simply leads to the dog practicing the unwanted behavior and further solidifying that pathway.

The first sesion is virtual in the case of fearful, reactive and/or aggressive behaviors.

We conduct our first session virtually in order to eliminate the rehearsal of unwanted behaviors and to allow the client time to get management and safety protocols and some foundational skills in place. This makes for a much easier in-person visit since everyone has a better idea of what to expect.

Items to have available for your session:

• Your dog(s)
• Well-fitting harness or collar
• 4-6 foot leash
• High value treats such as cheese, hot dogs, chicken, etc.
• Treat pouch (optional, but recommended)
• Pen and notebook to take notes, keep track of questions and track progress
• List of questions that you would like to ask

Any additional equipment will be specified ahead of time or listed in the course description.

Check out Equipment and Supplies to find links and coupon codes for many of the items that I recommend.

• Ask questions. If you have questions, write them down ahead of time so that you don’t forget to ask them during your session.
• Take videos. If you have a specific behavior that you are going to be asking about, it is very helpful to capture it on video so I can observe the behavior.  You can email videos ahead of time or share them during class.
• Followup. I will send you a follow up email that will include notes from our session, homework and may include relevant readings &/or video tutorials.

• Homework.  Following your session, you will receive a training plan. Training plans include homework, as well as relevant readings &/or video tutorials.
• Practice … Practice … Practice.  Behaviors do not just happen after one training session.  It takes LOTS of practice to train or modify a behavior.  Set aside time for several short training sessions each day.  Keep your sessions short (5-10 minutes) to keep your dog focused on and enjoying training.  
• Set your dog up for success. End training sessions while your dog is still having fun so that she will want to come back for another training session.  If you or your dog is getting frustrated, take a short break and regroup.  
• Remember …. baby steps.  In other words, take small steps when advancing behaviors.  If you take too big a step and your dog is unsuccessful, reel yourself back a bit.
• Help your dog to generalize new behaviors. Regardless of how well he knows that ‘sit’ means to sit down in the living room, he may not understand that ‘sit’ means to sit down in the kitchen orin the yard.  Be patient and help your dog to transfer these behaviors to new locations.
• Keep a training journal.  Even though, it feels like you are making little progress, you are moving forward. Keeping a daily training journal, let’s you look back and see just how far you have come. Additionally, you can write down questions that you want to ask during your next session.

Yes. Extend any package by 2 weeks if you purchase within 7 days of the final session of your current package.

Refresher sessions are available for any clients.

To put it simply – yes, it is very effective. I get this question a lot! Even though all trainig sessions are private, many clients prefer virtual training for the added flexibility.

What about challenging behaviors? These must require in-person training.

As a behavior consultant, I have seen all kinds of behavior issues. To be honest, I don’t even need to see your dog’s challenging behavior in action. As a matter of fact, fearful dogs are more more successful with virtual training. Strangers increase your dog’s stress to the point that he is not longer able to cope.

Regardless of behavior issues and learming platform, we will work together to identify the best behavior change strategies for your dog. Then I will help you use these strategies in your daily life.

• No travel necessary.  Too far away for in-home training? No training facility near you? No problem, I can still reach you via the internet.
• Classes are interactive.  I will have my own dogs on hand to demonstrate cues and behaviors, then you get to practice those skills with your own dog.
• Behaviors are often seen only in the home. If your dog is guarding his food bowl or suffering from separation-related behaviors, it is most beneficial to work with your dog in your home to modify these behaviors.
• Your fearful/reactive dog feels safer at home. Fearful and reactive dogs often find meeting strange humans/dogs and entering new environments so stressful that they are unable to think and learn. Virtual training allows a trainer to work with you and your dog in his safe space.

• Internet Access.
• Device with a Camera. You can access virtual dog training sessions from any computer, tablet or phone that has internet access and a camera.  
• Tripod. In short, a tripod is very useful for stabilizing your phone or webcam. 
• Zoom. Lastly, we will use Zoom for virtual training sessions.  Zoom is easy to use and is compatible with almost any device or operating system.  If you are unfamiliar with Zoom, please visit this page review the basics.

Location

• Training Space. Choose a quiet space with few distractions and little background noise/activity.  This will allow you and your dog to better concentrate on your training session.  
• Choose a well-lit location.  Try to avoid having a window or bright lighting in the background as it makes it hard to see you.
• Choose a location which provides enough floor space to allow you to practice with your dog during your session.

Equipment

• Camera Placement.  Position your camera so that both you and your dog are visible when you are working.
• Make sure that you have a good internet signal.
• Zoom uses up battery life quickly. Keep your device plugged in during your session.
• Try out your equipment ahead of time to be sure that everything is functioning correctly for your training session.

• When you sign up for a virtual training session, you will receive an email that includes a link for joining your Zoom session.  
• Click on the link a few minutes before your session is scheduled to start. Now your device should automatically download and open Zoom.  Depending on your device, you may need to click ‘Open’ or ‘Allow’ in order to proceed.  
• You are placed in a virtual waiting room. And I will let you into the session as soon as class begins.  

• Have treats and a leash nearby so that you don’t need to leave the session to go and get these items.
• Be sure to take your dog out for a potty break before your session begins.
• Have an enrichment activity to keep your dog entertained when you are not working with him (e.g., a snuffle mat, frozen kong or lickimat).  
• It can also be helpful to have a crate or a way to tether your dog to allow you to take notes or watch demonstrations during your session.
• If you have other animals that may distract your dog, keep them in a different area during your session.
• Don’t feed your dog a full meal just prior to class.  If your dog is full, he won’t want treats.
• Treats!  Make sure that you have LOTS of yummy treats handy.  Some dogs will work for their kibble in a low distraction environment.  Others need high value treats such as soft treats, cheese or hot dog.