FAQ

We offer a full range of training classes including private lessons, group classes and behavior evaluations. We specialize in family dogs, teaching them the skills they need to live comfortably in a household environment, such as walking on a loose leash, greeting new people politely, coming when called, and much more.

We are committed to positive reinforcement training techniques and avoid the use of any method that suppresses behavior through force or intimidation. Our trainers are committed to their continuing education so they can provide you with the best possible behavior counseling. We believe that SOCIALIZATION + TRAINING = SUCCESS!

Puppies must be at least 8 weeks old and up to date on their age-appropriate vaccinations to join our training classes. We also strongly recommend our special three week puppy socialization class for puppies under 16 weeks old.

The first four and a half months of your puppy’s life are a wonderful time to teach him or her about the world. Let’s not waste a moment of it. We like to get started with puppy socialization classes as early as 8 weeks and then move right into regular training.

All puppies and dogs attending any Walks and Wags classes must be up to date with their age-appropriate rabies and distemper vaccinations. Bordatella Intranasal Vaccine (canine cough) is required for all dogs coming to Walks and Wags, Inc.

Owners are required to bring a copy of their dog’s veterinary records to orientation or ask their vet to email them to our office at info@walksandwags.com before attending class. We will have to turn away any dog that does not have these records.

Monday Evenings
6:30pm Puppy Socialization

Tuesday Evenings
6:30pm Level 2

Wednesday Evenings
6:30pm Level 3 & 4

Thursday Evenings
6:30pm Relaxing Rowdy Rovers
7:30pm Relaxing Rowdy Rovers

Saturday Mornings
8am Level 3
9am Level 2
10am Level 1

Behavior is a complex mix of genetics, environment, and choices. Some behavior problems are easy to change while others require long-term strategies. We cannot guarantee your dog’s behavior will be “fixed” but we guarantee we’ll be there for you with professional advice and support. We’ll teach your dog how to handle sticky situations using proven methods of behavior modification. As you learn to be your dog’s best advocate, we’ll be your coach and cheerleader.

We offer a membership program for maximum flexibility. Your membership, like a gym membership, allows you to attend classes that fit your dog’s skill level and your personal schedule. The Levels Program has four tiers, each with its own skills and priorities. All dogs start in Level 1, attend as many classes a week as they want and move up at their own pace. You can attend any class at or below your dog’s assigned level.

Orientation classes start approximately every two weeks so there is little wait to enroll your dog in a class.

Relaxing Rowdy Rovers, Calming Cautious Canines and private lessons are sometimes a better option depending on your dog’s personality.

Relaxing Rowdy Rovers
By invitation only, this class specializes in helping anxious dogs. Our goal is to provide you and your dog with the skills to eventually join a Level 1 training class. To learn more, email training@walksandwags.com and tell us about your dog.

Calming Cautious Canines
Learn the skills you need to help your shy dog develop confidence and feel secure in new situations. Our Calming Canines class is included in our Levels Program. Our Cautious Canines often spend a little longer in Level 1 to get acclimated to the class environment. As your dog begins to relax and learn coping skills, they can then proceed through the different levels.

Yes, kids are welcome in our regular classes, but not in Relaxing Rowdy Rovers. Kids 8 and up are often very good trainers, with a little help from their parents. Younger kids sometimes find the classes a bit long, so they may prefer to stay at home. Children must remain beside their parents and may not interact with any dog other than their own.

Some teens want to do all of the training and don’t need any help from their parents and that’s fine with us. However, every minor who comes to class must be accompanied by an adult who remains in the classroom with the child.

Refunds or class credits are not issued for missed individual meetings of a class due to personal schedule conflicts or illness. When a customer cancels a registration, the following fees apply:

For Group Classes

• Written request received 14 or more days prior to the start date – full refund.

• Written request received 3-13 days prior to the start date – 80% refund.

• Written request received within 48 hours of the start time – 50% refund.

• No refunds once a class has begun.

• Withdrawal from a waiting list may result in an 80% refund.

For Evaluations & Private Lessons

• We will hold unpaid appointments for three days before offering the timeslot to another client. To reserve an appointment, payment must be received.

• For multi-lesson packages, no refunds once the first lesson has occurred.

• Written request to reschedule received more than 24 hours in advance – no charge.

• Written request to reschedule received fewer than 24 hours in advance is considered a cancellation – no refund.

Canceling an Appointment

• Written request to cancel received more than 48 hours in advance – 80% refund.

• Written request to cancel received 48–24 hours in advance – 50% refund.

• Written request to cancel or reschedule received fewer than 24 hours in advance – no refund.

We will issue a full refund when a class or program is canceled by Walks and Wags.