What to bring

Please bring your dog or puppy on a harness, collar or martingale. Also bring a treat pouch with your dog’s favorite treats. You may bring others to class. If you have more than one dog, please ensure there is one human handler with each dog. If you come in with a gentle leader or corrective tool (prong collar, choke chain) we may ask that you remove the tool to teach fundamentals first. We will consider your safety and make adjustments, just communicate with us!

If you have a slimline dog like a greyhound, borzoi, etc please bring your dog on a martingale or three strapped harness to prevent gear slipping. If you need help, please email us.

Other tools we use

Because we are a LIMA+ training facility, we always start with error-less learning to teach fundamentals. We may move to another tool if we determine your dog may benefit from its use.

Learn more about the tools we use here!

  • We do not ever recommend gentle leaders for dogs who struggle to walk nicely on a lead due to the damage it can cause to the neck and spine, however, we may use a gentle leader with leash trained dogs for handlers with difficulty seeing. This includes those who are legally blind, people who experience dizzy spells, people who experience tunnel vision or people with severe light sensitivity. We may also recommend this tool to handlers who require sighted guide work.

  • We may recommend this tool if your dog is uncomfortable with a harness or is causing damage by pulling in a flat collar. We may also recommend this tool if your dog is struggling to respond to leash exercises in a harness or collar.

  • We may recommend this tool if your dog needs clearer directional communication.

  • We may recommend this tool if you are at risk handling your dog and other tools are not assisting.

Tools we do not use

  • We do not recommend choke chains during our classes. There are several better, equally as effective tools that do not pull fur out of the dog’s coat. A slim slip lead has the same effect as a choke chain if used properly.

  • This is due to the damage that these tools cause on the bones and joints after long term use, especially in the beginning phases of leash training. Please do not bring any T-shaped Amazon training harnesses to class; we can help you pick better options.

  • This is simply due to the fact we never use them and have not had a dog ‘need’ one yet. We may consider this option if the case ever arises, however.