AZ Dog Sports - FAQ
Training Classes For Your Dog
Is there a guarantee for training?
There are no guarantees when working with pets. It is the responsibility of the guardian, the trainer, and the dog with consistent instruction. Guarantees are a marketing concept that some trainers will put on their web site. We can promise you one thing—you and your dog will learn a lot about each other, proper handling techniques, and positive training methods!
We truly take that responsibility seriously and you will be happy! Dogs are living beings and our treasured friends … we cannot think of them as machines. The right person can turn them into great companion pets and also wonderful working dogs.
How long will it take for my dog to overcome his behavior problems or reactivity?
These types of problems go beyond regular obedience. We recommend a minimum of 8-12 consistent training sessions. The time it takes depends on the extent of the problem, the age of the dog, and the ability and consistency of the handler in following instructions of the trainer. These problems can be solved, but patience is necessary.
How old does the handler have to be to participate in a class?
For all of our training classes the handlers must be a minimum of 16 years of age.
What does AZ Dog Sports consider to be “Problem Behavior Dogs”?
AZ Dog Sports wants to give you the best experience possible at our facility. We will do our best to work with all types of dogs and all types of behavior issues. We consider problem behavior dogs to be any dog that has reactivity towards other dogs when walking and or playing. Any dog that lunges, excessively barks or acts un-politely when it sees other dogs or people. Your dog must be able to enter into our building and wait quietly in the lobby with other dogs prior to class. We also consider dogs to be problem behavior if they have ever bitten any person or other dog in the past. At AZ Dog Sports, any dog considered to be a problem behavior must have a private evaluation done by one of our trainers prior to joining a class. Please call us 602-237-6775 if you have any questions or need to schedule a private evaluation.
How old does my dog need to be to start in Agility Classes?
This depends on the level of maturity of the dog and the handler. Your dog must be crate-trained and have some level of obedience.
How old does my dog need to be to start in Puppy Class?
We consider puppies to be 2-6 months in age and have at least 2 rounds of Distemper/Parvo vaccinations.
What if I have two dogs that need training?
No problem! If you want both dogs to be in the same class, then the best scenario would be to have another handler who can come to class with you to handle the other dog. You can register both dogs in the same class or in two different classes. Please call us for more details.
Can you still help train my dog if I don’t have the time to take a class?
Yes, we can. Please visit our Day Training class page to see full details on how we can help you.
What if my dog has bitten another dog or person before? Can we still take a class?
Not until your dog has been cleared by us to join a class. Please call us to set up a private evaluation and or private training session to help get your dog to an appropriate behavior level to join a class.
What if my dog has problems with other dogs?
Please call us. We can work with you and your dog, through private lessons, to try and get it to the appropriate level to attend classes. We don’t like to give up on dogs. We believe in everyone and every dog. We understand the difficulties that you and your dog may face, and we want to help you out. Unfortunately, we cannot put your dog into a class if he/she has any reactive issues or has bitten another dog or person. But, we have trainers who specialize in reactivity issues that can help you and your dog get prepared for a class setting.
Are there pre-requisites for any of the classes?
Some of the classes, yes. Please check each specific class description for any information on pre-requisites that may be required for the class in which you are enrolled. If you need clarification, please call us. 602-237-6775
Do you require shot records for the dogs?
You must bring proof of two rounds of Distemper/Parvo vaccinations from your vet to your first puppy class.
What do I need to do to prepare for my first class?
To your first class; bring with you treats, a treat bag and a good attitude with a willingness to learn. Please arrive at least 10 minutes early so that you can sign our waiver and become familiar with your class location. Please also, potty your dog before you begin the class. We do have materials available for you to use to clean up any messes your dog may make during the course of the class, but please try to prevent clean-up by getting your dog to go potty before you come into class.
What type of equipment do I need for my first class?
Please bring your dog with whatever leash/collar combination you are currently using, unless it is a flexi-lead (retractable leash.) We do not allow retractable leashes in our classes. Our preferred collar is a Martingale. This particular collar is a limited slip that is safe for dogs of any age. Please also bring plenty of treats and a treat bag. Under each class description on the classes page you will find a description of the class. If there are specific requirements for the class, they will be listed there.
What do I do if I have to miss one of my classes?
Please understand that we treat our classes just like college courses and therefore once you sign up for a session, you must attend each class consecutively or you will lose that session. We do understand that there can be extenuating circumstances in which you might have to miss a class. If this is the case, please give us a call (602-237-6775) and we will work with you to find another appropriate class that you can attend to make up for the one that you have to miss.
How many dogs do you allow in a class?
6-8 maximum, depending on the type of class and the facility it is held in.
How do “consecutive classes” work?
All of our classes are open-enrollment, meaning there is no specific start or end date. You may start in a class at any point as long as the class is not full on that date and you have been approved to join the class.Consecutive means that ideally you take the same class for 6 weeks in a row to get the full benefit. At that point you may choose the next level of class to move on to, if your dog is ready.
How much do the classes cost?
We offer Class Packages and Monthly Memberships for you to choose from.
How do I register for a class?
Check out the class calendar page to see our array of classes then login to our class enrollment portal HERE to sign up. Due to class size and limited availability of trainers all sales are final. All of our classes are open-enrollment, meaning there is no specific start or end date. You may start in a class at any point as long as the class is not full on that date and you have been approved to join the class.
What does AZ Dog Sports offer?
We offer a variety of dog training classes, Monday through Saturday, at several different locations throughout the valley. Check out all of our trainers who are with us, offering a wide-variety of classes and skill-levels. Check out our Dog Training Class Calendar HERE.
We also offer an Academy for Dog Trainers! Want to become a dog trainer? Check us out here.
AZ Dog Smart - FAQ
How To Become A Dog Trainer
Can you help me with my career in the dog profession?
Yes, we can! We have established Arizona’s only hands-on dog trainer school for those wanting to work with dogs as a career. Check out AZ Dog Smart Academy!
How do I become a dog trainer?
We can help! You can become a certified CCPDT Dog Trainer and start earning money doing what you love by taking courses through our AZ Dog Smart Academy.
What does AZ Dog Sports offer?
We offer a variety of dog training classes, Monday through Saturday, at several different locations throughout the valley. Check out all of our trainers who are with us, offering a wide-variety of classes and skill-levels. Check out our Dog Training Class Calendar HERE.
We also offer an Academy for Dog Trainers! Want to become a dog trainer? Check us out here.
