FAQ

Open Enrollment Class Specifics:

If you are attending an “open enrollment” class, please be aware that we are saving a spot in class just for you and your dog. Once you have registered, paid and picked a start date, your spot is secured in class for CONSECUTIVE weeks. If you miss a class, it will still count towards one of your sessions. This is so that we can ensure small class sizes for all of our clients.

Why all the treats?

We use a lot of treats in class. Food is a primary reinforcement! People often worry that too many treats at first will make the dog only work for treats in the future – when in fact it’s the other way around. Associating behaviors with high-value reinforcement is essential to properly train behaviors – and maintain them. As they get better and better at their behaviors, we decrease the frequency of the reinforcers. They’ll still work hard because they never know when they’re going to get a treat now!

Ever stop to wonder why slot machines can be so addicting?

We also use other reinforcers like environment, toys and play as you progress through the Puppy Series.

Do I bring my puppy to every class?

Puppy Primer & Puppy Life Skills (Previously Puppy 1 and Puppy 2): Yes, bring your puppy EVERY class – including your first session. The video orientation you’ll receive after registering for class has all the information you need to join on your selected start date – with your puppy in tow.

I’ve been told to wait to join puppy class until my puppy has had all their shots, around 16 weeks old. What should I do?

This is such a hard topic! While the risk of Parvo and other diseases is very real, the risk of under-socializing a dog while they are under 16 weeks old is ALSO very real.  Read this article on Puppy Socialization from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. It explains why puppy owners should be more concerned about behavior problems from a lack of socialization than a small risk of infection.

As a precaution, we ask you to carry your puppy into class until they have had one rounds of shots, administered AFTER 7-8 weeks old and at least 5 days before their first class.

What are the vaccination requirements for class?

For Puppy 1 and 2, we require the one round of DHLLP or DHPP, administered AFTER 7-8 weeks of age in order to join class and at least 5 days before your first class.

It is essential that your dog stay up to date on vaccinations throughout class so they remain protected. NO DOG PARKS while you are taking our puppy classes, formal or informal, please!

How do I know what to bring to class, etc.?

When you register for class, you’ll get an emailed link to our video orientation which outlines class materials, rules and goes over concepts like house training and play biting.

You’ll also receive the link to the PDF class handbook in the same email, which has a printed materials list.

What is open enrollment?

We want you to be able to join class with your puppy as soon as possible. With “open-enrollment”, there’s no waiting for a class to start – you can join as soon as you get your puppy as long as there’s room and you’ve met the vaccination requirements below.

Only Puppy Primer & Puppy Life Skills are open-enrollment – everything else has a set start and finish date.

What if I miss a class?

Please be aware that we are saving a spot in class just for you and your dog. Once you have registered, paid and picked a start date, your spot is secured in class for four CONSECUTIVE weeks (excluding any planned skip dates due to holidays, etc). If you miss a class, it will still count towards one of your sessions. This is so that we can ensure small class sizes for all of our clients. You are welcome to make up a session for our regular private training fee!

Is there a prerequisite for Puppy Class?

No, but your puppy must be between 8-9 weeks of age on their first day of class and have had one round of shots after turning 7-8 weeks old. See above for specifics.

Is there a prerequisite for this class?

As long as your dog is up to date on vaccinations, you’re welcome to join (see below for vaccination requirements)! One exception is if they have a hard time on-leash around other dogs at fairly close proximity (4-6 feet at times). If that’s the case, another training solution would be a better it. Contact us for other options.

My dog gets nervous in public or around other dogs. Is this the right class for him?

We want your pup to be successful as possible! So if your dog has fear, reactivity, anxiety or barks on leash around other dogs, please contact us before signing up for Fun Foundation to make sure it’s the best fit. Often times, another service is a better fit!

Do I bring my dog to the first class? What else do I need to bring?

Focus & Control for Teens (previously Puppy 3) and Foundation Skills for Adults (previously Fun Foundation): No, don’t bring your dog to the first class. Bring a notebook and something to write with (see above for Puppy Primer & Puppy Life Skills details).

About Town Class: Yes, bring your dog and all the materials you brought to your previous classes. Additional l details are outlined in homework portal and/or confirmation email, if applicable.

Agility Fundamentals 1 and 2: Yes, bring your dog and all the materials you brought to your previous classes. Additional l details are outlined in homework portal and/or confirmation email, if applicable.

Sports Sampler: Yes, bring your dog and all the materials you brought to your previous classes. Additional l details are outlined in homework portal and/or confirmation email, if applicable.

What if I miss a class?

In order to keep our classes small, Happy Dog Institute is unable to offer refunds or makeup classes, so please plan carefully when scheduling. Missed classes can be made up on a private basis for our regular private session fee.

Open-enrollment classes:

Please be aware that we are saving a spot in class just for you and your dog. Once you have registered, paid and picked a start date, your spot is secured in class for six CONSECUTIVE weeks. If you miss a class, it will still count towards one of your sessions. This is so that we can ensure small class sizes for all of our clients. You are welcome to make up a session for our regular private training fee!

What type of behavior issues require in-person training?

Click here to read about behavior issues that require in-person training.

Where are consultations held?

At our facility, Happy Dog Headquarters, in Tumwater. The address is 7924 Sweet Iron Ct SE, Suite 109, Olympia WA. We are open by appointment only, and will email you directions once your consultation is scheduled, as the date approaches.

I read that I need to submit some paperwork before my consultation. What sort of paperwork and how do I get it to you?

Don’t fret! We have a single page of paperwork, plus a page with some policies and contractual stuff on it that we have you electronically sign and send our way at least two days before your scheduled consultation. It’s easy to fill out and submit online, and we’ll email it to you with plenty of time to complete it after your consultation is scheduled.

What should I bring with me to my consultation?

When you scheduled your consultation we emailed you a Consultation Letter with a list of what to bring. Let us know if you need it sent again before you arrive!

Do you need to physically demonstrate what I should be doing with my dog?

In some cases, yes! But this is typically the case with behavior issues that aren’t suited for remote training. Click here to read about behavior issues that require in-person training.

What is virtual training anyway?

Good question! This training is conducted via video chat, email and video sharing. How we approach remote training depends on the behavior issues we’re dealing with. We really like virtual training because we can support you frequently all week long, which drastically improves your training success.

Click here to learn more about virtual training, and click here to read about private training, behavior packages and consulting.

What kind of technology do I need to do virtual training? Do I need to be a techno-wiz?

No! For a phone consultation, all you need is a an internet connection and a device with a webcam like a computer, tablet or smartphone. It’s great if you have two devices, but one will do. If you can turn on your phone, computer or tablet, you are in good shape. These days, most of our clients have the necessary equipment to do this type of training and do just fine! Plus, they love it!

We also offer a free tech support session with our virtual training packages to get you setup, if you need it.

Do you need to physically demonstrate what I should be doing with my dog?

In some cases, yes! But this is typically the case with behavior issues that aren’t suited for virtual training. Click here to read about behavior issues that require in-person training.

What are the system requirements for attending a webinar?

• 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo or faster processor
• 512 MB RAM (1 GB recommended)
• Mac OS X 10.11, 10.12 and 10.13
• Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Google Chrome

Does my dog have to wear a muzzle?

If your dog has a bite history or a tendency to lunge, then yes. If you’re not sure, then yes. Better safe than sorry! We’ll spend some time desensitizing to a muzzle if your dog has never worn one before. We don’t want it to be an added stressor!

Where can I buy the Baskerville muzzle?

Fluffy & Floyd’s Pet Supplies in Tumwater has them (there are probably other places around town that do also), and you can buy them online.

How do I desensitize my dog to a muzzle? Why is it important to do so?

It’s so important to desensitize your dog to a muzzle so it’s not yet ANOTHER stressor for them in the environment. If they only wear a muzzle when they’re doing something out of their comfort zone, they’re going to have a negative association. Plus, it’ll be harder to work with them if they are too stressed to relax (at least a little) and eat.

Chirag Patel has some great videos on muzzle desensitization.
Video 1
Video 2

It’s NEVER too early to get started on this, we even practice with muzzles in our puppy class!