faq's
How many lessons are in each level of training?
Can I come to both classes each week?
Is it true that you train in “any and all weather”?
Why don’t you limit the number of students in the group classes?
You have two parks listed as training locations. When do you train at each?
What is your minimum age requirement?
Do you teach AKC obedience and agility?
Do you use e-collars (electric collars)?
My dog is highly aggressive. Can we still enroll in group classes?
What are scenario classes and when are they offered?
I have two dogs. Can I bring them both to the same class?
Do I need any special equipment?
What forms of payment do you accept?
How many lessons are in each level of training?
Each level of training includes 8 lessons.
Can I come to both classes each week?
Yes. If you would like to attend both classes you are welcome and encouraged to. You are only required to attend one class per week, though, and you do not have to attend the same day each week as long as the trainer believes you will be ready for the next lesson in time.
We train outside because that is where you will be using the training the most, and an outside environment provides the most distractions for your dog. The simplest thing such as the breeze shifting and carrying a different scent onto the training field can be very distracting for a dog but weather, wildlife, noises, other dogs and people all play a role too. If you want your dog to listen to you in the real world filled with people, food, kids playing and cars driving then that is where you need to train.
Is it true that you train in “any and all weather”?
Yes. We do train in all weather. Classes are held rain or shine . . .hot or cold (or should I say VERY hot or VERY cold). We have not yet had class in the snow, but that is simply because it was not snowing when class was scheduled. When you sign up for classes you will be expected to attend during all of these conditions. (Please note we do not train in dangerous weather conditions including extreme amounts of lightening or hail. You are always welcome to call and ask if class is canceled if extreme weather is expected.)
Why don’t you limit the number of students in the group classes?
Simply put, the more distractions the better. We do not avoid distractions; we embrace them. I do not expect to ever limit the number of students in classes because it only betters everyone involved. The big classes are also the most fun and impressive and the ones most students walk away from feeling the most sense of accomplishment.
Do you require the dogs to be altered to attend classes? If not, are dogs in heat allowed on the field?
No. I do not require dogs to be altered to attend classes. Yes, dogs in heat are not only allowed on the field but encouraged to attend.
You have two parks listed as training locations. When do you train at each?
Training is held at the Southwest Williamson County Regional Park as much as possible because there are usually more people, animals, and events there that serve as distractions for the classes. However, Berry Springs Park and Preserve is used once it becomes too hot to train at the Regional Park due to the lack of shade on the training field at the Regional Park. Please contact us to find out which park classes are currently being held at.
Yes. Dogs in class have ranged from 5 lb Yorkshire Terriers to 100+ lb Great Danes and American Bull Dogs. We do not have size, breed, or age restrictions besides the minimum age requirement.
What is your minimum age requirement?
Puppies must be at least 8 weeks old, and you must have had the puppy for a minimum of two weeks before beginning classes.
My dog already knows how to sit and down, but I just have problems with the recall when he’s off leash. Do I have to start with Basic Obedience?
Yes. All dogs are required to start with basic obedience so that it is certain that the dog has been taught the commands properly and the owner has learned the proper handling skills and techniques. Dogs have been advanced faster on a case by case basis, however, all dogs should be enrolled under the assumption that you will be required to go through Basic Obedience at the standard 8 lesson pace. It is always better to reinforce the basics than it is to push a dog too far too fast.
Do you teach AKC obedience and agility?
Obedience classes are geared toward real world utility, not the show or competition ring. This does not mean that if you are interested in competing you cannot get the instruction you need, it simply means that this goal will need to be clearly communicated at the beginning of enrollment so that certain aspects of obedience can be instructed accordingly. Sport or AKC agility is not offered at this time.
Do you use e-collars (electric collars)?
No. E-collars are not used during our classes. K9 Mastery is aware that the e-collar is a commonly used tool to take a dog off-leash, however, we believe the true test of any training system is how the dog performs without equipment of any kind. Our goal is real world reliability without the use of any equipment and therefore we do not use an e-collar.
Treats are not used for several reasons, but the overwhelming reason is that the use of treats does not produce the reliability of balanced training methods that do not use them. The methods used teach your dog to respond to your commands because you command the dog, not because you have a treat in your hand. Positive reinforcement is still amply provided in classes. It is simply not provided with food.
My dog is highly aggressive. Can we still enroll in group classes?
Yes. Aggression issues of any kind MUST be disclosed to the trainer at the time of enrollment because certain precautions must be taken with any aggressive dog. However, the goal of training is to obtain real world reliability, so that means your dog needs to be trained in the real world which includes dogs and people. Also, in order to correct an issue such as aggression, it is necessary for the dog to display the behavior, so having a dog that is exhibiting aggressive behavior in class with other dogs and people presents an opportunity for the trainer to witness the problem behavior and instruct on how to overcome the issue.
What are scenario classes and when are they offered?
A scenario class is real world training in action. These are classes that are held at dog friendly venues and locations around town. From restaurants, to bars, to stores, and malls, K9 Mastery holds scenario classes to advance your dogs and test their abilities out in the real world where there are distractions galore. These classes are always fun because, not only do we draw a crowd with a group of well behaved dogs, but it gives students a chance to see the rewards for their hard work and get to know each other a little better. These classes are held on an as available basis and at no extra charge to those students who have progressed their dogs far enough in the training to take part.
I have two dogs. Can I bring them both to the same class?
During basic obedience, it is allowed for handlers to attend one class with 2 dogs due to the short length of basic lessons in relation to the intermediate and advanced levels. It is required that the handler have adequate containment for one of the dogs at all times, such as a crate, since only one dog may be worked at a time. Otherwise, each dog must have a handler present.
Do I need any special equipment?
The equipment required to train will actually vary based on the dog. Everyone is required to start with a 6 ft. leather leash that is either stitched or riveted. Do not purchase a braided leash. The thinner the leash the better as well. (ex: purchase a ¼ inch wide leash instead of a ½ wide if possible) An alternative to a leather leash is the RAM tech leather alternative leash available for purchase from Ray Allen Manufacturing. Most dogs, but not all, will also require a training collar of some type, either a choke chain or a prong collar. All aggressive dogs are required to be on choke chains. If your dog is not exhibiting aggression and you are not sure why type of collar your dog will need, please contact us for guidance.
What forms of payment do you accept?
K9 Mastery accepts cash, check, credit card, and paypal payments.
“. . . taking Sammie to Christie was the best decision I could have made . . .”
– Stephen Jones
For more information (512) 966-4752
© 2012 K9 Mastery.
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