Classes
Just welcomed a new dog to your home?
We highly recommend giving a new or adopted dog to your family 3 weeks before signing up for a class. That allows your new family member to decompress and learn their home routine. Please see our informational page about the rule of 3 here. Unsure where to start with your new pooch? We’d love to speak with you! Contact us here.
What is the length of classes?
Each class session is six weeks long and meets for one hour a week (unless otherwise noted).
How much do classes cost?
The cost for all of our Puppy and Obedience classes is $225 for each six-week session you sign up for. Please refer to FYK9 website for prices regarding specialty classes.
Is a deposit required for class?
Yes, a deposit is required to ensure your spot in our classes. Your registration will not be recognized until a deposit is made.
What if I miss a class?
If you miss a class for any reason (vacation, work, sickness, etc.) you will not be able to make up that class. No refunds will be given, and credit will not be given towards the next session if a class is missed. This is without exception.
What do the classes at Bear Down Dog Training cost to attend?
The cost for all of our Puppy and Obedience classes is $225 for each six-week session. Please refer to our website for prices regarding specialty and behavior classes.
Is a deposit required for classes?
A deposit is required to ensure your spot in our classes. Your registration will not be recognized until a deposit is made.
What if I miss a class?
If you miss a class for any reason (vacation, work, sickness, etc.) you will not be able to make up that class. No refunds will be given, and credit will not be given towards the next session if a class is missed. This is without exception.
What happens if BDDT cancels a class?
Occasionally, due to inclement weather, power outages, an instructor emergency or other unavoidable situation, we will need to cancel a class. In this event, class sessions will be extended by one week. If the cancellation is unplanned, we will notify all students of the cancellation via email, so it is best to check your inbox before leaving home for class. If the entire facility will be closed we will post it on Facebook as well.
Does BDDT offer protection/guard dog training?
We do not offer protection or guard dog training.
Does BDDT offer therapy or service dog training?
Currently, we do not offer specific therapy or service dog training. We do however offer Canine Life And Social Skills/Canine Good Citizen classes that all dogs who are pursuing these avenues of training should attend. If you would like to train your dog as a therapy or service dog, please research organizations that are certified to train for your specific requirement.
What is the refund policy at BDDT?
If you choose to cancel your registration for a class, you must notify us in writing at Beardowndogtraining@gmail.com or via letter. No refunds will be issued for class cancellations made less than 15 days in advance of the start date. This is without exception. If you cancel at least 15 days in advance of the start date, you will receive a 100% refund, minus a $10 processing fee.
If you don’t show up for a class you registered for, all your money will be forfeited so no refunds or credits will be applied to your account.
Dog Information
Which collars are allowed in Bear Down Dog Training class?
We allow martingale, snap and flat-buckle collars, and harnesses. Pinch, choke and electronic collars are prohibited on our property.
What vaccinations must my dog have to attend classes at BDDT?
All dogs must be up to date on Rabies, Bordetella and Distemper vaccinations in order to attend any class. We will also accept recent titers results. All puppies attending classes must have Rabies and Distemper vaccinations appropriate for their age.
Does my dog have to be spayed/neutered to take classes and workshops at BDDT?
We do not require dogs to be spayed or neutered to attend our classes and workshops. However, if your female dog is in heat and is a distraction to the class we might have you come back to a future class after the cycle has finished.
What is the best age to begin training my dog?
Puppies can start training at eight weeks old and no dog is too old to be trained. We have many dogs in their double digits who are learning new skills in our classes!
Which dog breeds do you allow at BDDT?
All breeds are allowed to train at our facility, whether purebred, mixed, rescued, etc. Our current dogs range in size from 2lbs to over 200lbs.
Other FAQ’s
Which training methods are used at BDDT?
We use positive reinforcement training, which includes treats, praise and toys. Abusive and strong physical corrections will not be tolerated at our facility.
What is BDDT policy on crating?
Without exception, all dogs in the day training academy program must be crated during their nap time. We do have house crates unless you prefer to bring your own.
What is the difference between therapy dogs and service dogs?
Service dogs are trained to help individuals with disabilities including, but not limited to vision or hearing impairments, mental illnesses (anxiety, PTSD, depression), seizure disorders and diabetes. Service dogs are considered working dogs and not pets and are trained specifically to perform tasks related to their owners’ needs.
Therapy dogs are trained to provide affection and comfort to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas and more.
Does BDDT offer board and train?
We do not offer board and train at our facility as we feel this is not the best way to train your dog. Since you and your family are the ones living with your dog, you should be training it.
For this reason, we offer day training academy and group classes to help you (and your family) bond with your dog. If you DO decide to send your dog to a board and train facility, we urge you to do your homework and ask many questions. Many board and train locations use aversive training methods such as shock collars and physical abuse that will unfortunately change your dog forever.