Group Class Information and Policies

Registration is available online through our website www.carolark.com
You can pay for class through the Stripe service integrated with our registration portal on the website, etransfer to carolark@carolark.com, or by credit card over the phone. Cash and cheques are also accepted.
We require payment 7 days prior to the start your class to hold your place in class. We reserve the right to make the space available to others.

Life happens, so if you must cancel, you will receive a full refund, if you cancel 7 days or more before the start of your class. If you cancel with less than 7 days notice, you will receive a refund minus a $25 processing fee
If you request a withdrawal, transfer, or credit, after your class has started and before the end of the second class, your refund or credit will be prorated, and a $25 dollar processing fee will apply. Refunds will not be provided following the end of the second class.
If you are having a medical or family (including your dog) emergency (except for spay/neuter) we will transfer you to the next available class. No processing fee will be charged. If, you require a refund, we will apply the processing fee of $25 and your refund will be prorated. We will reserve the right to ask for proof in writing of your emergency.

We know you hate to miss a class, so we offer a live, group session on Zoom, at no additional charge. If you miss a class, send us an email and we will help you join the session. Time and space do not allow us to offer in-person makeup sessions for missed classes.
Sometimes instructor illness or weather forces us to cancel a class. When that happens, you will receive an email and phone call notifying you of the cancellation. Your class schedule will be bumped forward a week and you will complete the full course a week later than the previously projected end date.

Dogs do best with consistency, so we encourage more than one member of the household to come to the class. Sometimes you need one person to work with your puppy and one to listen. There can be a lot going on for a puppy in a class.
Children may join classes unless the attendance stipulations of the class indicate otherwise. We ask that children under 6 years of age have an adult with them who is not the primary trainer of the dog. Please do not allow your child to approach the other dogs in class, or interact with any of the equipment, without the instructor's permission.

Up-to-date vaccines help to keep your dog safe from common viruses that cause serious illnesses. Young puppies are especially vulnerable. We ask that you bring a record of vaccinations (vaccine certificate – the passport does not count- or invoice for veterinary service) provided by your vet to the first class. Puppies less than 16 weeks old need vaccines for Distemper, Hepatitis, and Parvovirus. We recommend that dogs are vaccinated for Bordetella (Kennel Cough), but we do not require this vaccine.
If your dog is feeling unwell, has diarrhea or other signs of potential illness or parasite, please keep them home. Remember that when you are sick, you don’t learn or perform as well at work or school. Neither does you dog. Let your dog get their TLC and come back next week. You can come to class without your dog or join a Missed a Class session.
Females in heat may attend class at the instructor’s discretion and will need to wear a protective covering.

Puppies can find a room full of people and dogs overwhelming. It may be too hard to sit still, listen, and be quiet. Like you would with a toddler come prepared with a few things to help them: high-value treats, long-lasting quiet chew like a stuffed Kong, mat or towel, and a bowl for water. Also bring your patience and sense of humour.
Some dogs are not ready to be in a class setting. Classes are inappropriate for dogs who display aggressive behaviour toward people or dogs. If your dog displays aggressive behaviours please call or email us and ask to talk to a trainer. They will guide you to the best training options to help you and your dog.
If in the opinion of an instructor, a dog is unmanageable or stressed, or is unduly disturbing other dogs in the class, the instructor may ask that the dog leave the class. If a dog is asked to leave a class, fees paid may be used towards a private lesson(s).

Always keep your dog on leash, both inside and outside the building, unless instructed otherwise. We have a very busy road at the front of the building.
We love our puppies to meet and play, but on leash can make a dog feel vulnerable and trapped. If the greeting is unwanted dogs may lunge, bark, and snap to get the other dog to move away. Please be observant and take great care if you allow your dog to greet other dogs on leash.
If you decide to greet another dog, only do it if the dog and their owner give you explicit permission. Please listen to both the owner and the dog and its behaviour. Instructors may provide opportunities for structured greetings in the class curriculum.
Do bring your dog wearing a flat buckle or flat snap collar and a 6-foot fixed length leash. Martingale collars can be used if it is fitted so it does not restrict breathing when taught. Do not bring retractable leashes, prong, choke, or electronic shock collars

Have fun. Any training of humans or animals requires commitment and persistence to make progress and solidify skills. Keeping it pleasant and fun will keep your dog interested in you and the training game.
Your class includes other resources. You have a class booklet to help you remember the exercises and games. Review the orientation video. Look at the books and websites available through our website.
Commit to training for about 15 minutes a day. You can break those 15 minutes up into two or three smaller sessions. short and sweet to promote interest. You can always pick it up again later with a break and some latent learning when the brain is focused elsewhere.
Other interactions you have are also moments where you and the dog are learning so consistency in boundaries will help you.
As your dog learns in an area, train in other locations. Start at home, then move to your yard, and progress to different places away from home.