Puppy Training Class Instructions

Homework (including Scavenger Hunt).
Start the Scavenger Hunt right away!
Training Manual (40+ pages). (File too big? Smaller files: Manual Part 1 and Part 2)
Silky Leash Videos for training leash walking.
Orientation Slideshows: housetraining, puppy biting, clicker training, and general rules of animal learning. The password and link to the slideshow are contained in your confirmation email.
We also have live Orientations that you can attend for free, as well.

Please read this whole page for class details!

Classes are in Seattle and Redmond. Our main facility is in Seattle, on the first floor of 902 NW 49th Street in Ballard, just off Leary Way. Park on the street and enter through the alley on the North side of the building. (Seattle Directions) The Redmond classes are held at the Paws Cafe at 16505 Redmond Way, Suite E, near Redmond Town Center. (Redmond Directions)

Here is our CANCELLATION POLICY.
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Give extra time to pack your puppy for class. Arrive a few minutes early to check in with the trainer. Do NOT let your dog, child, or self greet the dogs without permission of the owner. Some of the dogs in your class are shy. Please read this article on dog greetings.

You have 6 weeks of reserved classes, beginning on the date you entered when you registered. Attend an unlimited number of the other puppy socialization classes for free through your expiration date, with the following restrictions:

Your puppy must be less than 6 months old (small breeds, less than 7 months).
Only small or shy puppies are allowed in the Small breed puppy class. So if your puppy is not shy, s/he cannot be in the Small puppy sessions unless s/he is under 5 pounds or will grow up to be less than 20 pounds.
If your puppy is sick (coughing, vomiting, really tired, red or runny eyes, etc.) PLEASE don't bring him/her to class. Click here for more info on absences.
Each class is limited to 10 dogs in Seattle, 8 in Redmond. Classes are listed as FULL on the schedule may still have openings for you to drop in.
Your puppy should not be at the dog park or daycare while in puppy class. Some puppies will only have one or two sets of shots when they're attending classes here, so please do not put other puppies at risk. If you just can't help yourself, please bathe puppy after any high-risk activities.

What to bring:

(first session only) Proof of vaccinations. Puppies should be up-to-date for their age and have at least the first set of distemper and parvo shots plus 10 days for them to take effect. Your record can be from your vet or breeder and may be hand written.
HUNGRY Puppy - on a regular buckle/snap collar and/or harness.
Water bowl - water is available, as are bowls, but you may want to use your own.
Leash - 4-6 foot soft leash (flexi-leashes are often disasters in class.)
An obscene amount of tiny treats - You will need about one *full* sandwich bag of treats and kibble, maybe more if you have a large dog. Variety also helps, so bring a few different types. For younger puppies, you'll want to use more kibble (dog food) and less treats, as a big bunch of treats at once can cause diarrhea.
Treat pouch - some way to easily access your treats.
Long training leash - not a flexi leash, 20-30 feet. You can make your own, it just needs to be long enough to practice coming when called. REI sells webbing for climbing that soft and strong, as does Second Ascent in Ballard. Silk ribbons work well for toy dogs. We won't use this in every class, but bring it, just in case.
Tug and/or squeaky toy.
Optional: harness or head halter (see our leash walking article for info on harnesses and other leash walking tools)

You will not need a correction collar. Even traditional trainers don't start leash corrections until 6 months of age. We avoid them forever.

In class, please find a spot to sit, write your dog's name on the board, and then calmly massage your dog. The idea is to teach your dog to pay attention to you and relax in the presence of other dogs.

EXPECT a VERY busy class! The first three activities of the class are similar every time, so the instructor will usually get the bulk of the class going and explain the activity to the newcomers individually. PLEASE click here to learn about these activities in advance. Dress for running after puppies and kneeling on the floor. Please let your trainer know if kneeling is hard for you.

Please let your vet know that you're taking a class with us (Ahimsa is pronounced Uh Him Suh)! Ask him or her if there is anything in particular that your dog should work on in class or at home.

We have play during class, but for more play, Puppy Play Sessions are held in Seattle on Saturdays at noon. Cost is $10/session or $50 for a 6-session punch card. Depending on your membership, play time may be included with your class (one play time is included with Puppy Premium, unlimited with Super Premium). Puppy Play Time is for dogs of any size under 5 months old, and dogs need not be in Ahimsa classes to attend.

Books we recommend: Puppy Primer, by Brenda Scidmore & Patricia McConnell, Ph.D., the Ultimate Puppy Toolkit, by Premier, Don't Shoot the Dog! by Karen Pryor and two other books: Before You Get Your Puppy and After You Get Your Puppy by Ian Dunbar. Many of these books are available in our secure online store and at the Seattle training center.

We look forward to helping you and your dog have a great relationship. Please contact us if you have any questions.