Introduction

"Dogs make us laugh. They comfort us when we're sad. They patiently listen to us complain about everything. And they don't care how bad we look in the morning... they still give us a kiss. They give us so much and ask for so little. We owe it to our dogs to train them!"
– Karen Okura, The Anti-Cruelty Society, Chicago, IL

At Doggy Day Camp, Inc., you and your dog will be under the tutelage of a knowledgeable trainer who cares about your relationship with your dog. Good manners are easily handled with a little bit of understanding, a sense of humor, and gentle, consistent training. There is no magic wand or secret pill to instantly achieve canine etiquette. Commitment, cooperation and patience by the owner, along with the guidance of an knowledgeable trainer, are the keys to success. Our trainers have many years of experience helping dog owners communicate better with their canine friends.

Dog Training Method

We cater to families who love having a dog in their lives. We teach a family how to live happily together with their canine friend, using positive reinforcement methods that are conducive to learning and retention.  Unlike punishment-based techniques, which create unwanted side effects such as fear and distrust, a reward-based approach provides the foundation for a confident dog and harmonious relationship within the family.  Our programs are designed to nurture mutual understanding and good relations between dogs and their families.  After all, preserving the human-animal bond is what keeps our canine friends in their homes for a lifetime ---- and fewer pets being abandoned and dropped off at shelters.  
We advocate easy, effective, and enjoyable training methods that are both dog-friendly and user-friendly.  We apply positive motivation and reinforcement techniques, which focus on what the dog does right, not punishing what he has done wrong. The handler encourages the dog to do a behavior and then rewards the dog with food, praise, play, and attention. Experience has taught us that proactive training methods motivate the dog and handler to try new things, translating into an upbeat, enthusiastic attitude whereby the dog and handler enjoy working together as a team.

We believe in providing an educational service at an affordable price so all dogs and their respective families have an opportunity to receive the training they need to live happily together.   Course fees range from $100 to $150, and vary between 6 to 10 weeks in duration (see course descriptions below). Class sizes are small - typically eight students or less - to ensure students receive plenty of one-on-one attention. Advance registration is necessary since classes are small.  

Enrollment Process

Advance registration is necessary. To reserve your spot in a course, please follow these steps:

1. Check your calendar to be sure you can attend each class. The first class is essential. We do not schedule make-up sessions.
2. Complete our Student Profile form. Download form here (PDF). Forms may also be picked-up at our facility during normal business hours .
3. Obtain your dog's vaccine records. Proof of the following immunizations are required at the time of enrollment: DHLPP or DALPP, Bordetella (kennel cough) and Rabies (required after 16 weeks of age). Puppies must have at least 2 rounds of DHLPP or DALPP to attend class. A licensed veterinarian must have administered the most recent vaccine at least one week prior to the start of class.
4. Submit items 1-3 to our office with your payment in full. We accept cash and check only. You will not be enrolled in a course until you complete all these steps. Course fees are payable at the time of (advance) registration. Course fees are non-refundable. Please read our policy regarding cancellations and refunds. There is a $25 fee for all returned checks.

   NOTE: In order to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants in a class, we reserve the right to decline entry to any dog who presents behavior issues that may be overly dangerous, disruptive, or that may be exacerbated by participation in a group class. If behavior issues are discovered, our trainer will discuss other available options that are in everyone's best interest.

Course Descriptions

Course:  Puppy Parties
Length:  On-Going ---  Saturday mornings (60 minutes)  beginning September 2008
Requirements:  Open to all puppies under 6 months of age who have received their DHLPP or DALPP immunizations.  Puppies must be at least 8 weeks old to participate. Puppies must be in good health and free from any communicable diseases within the past 30 days.  Bring your pup's veterinary health records and proof of age to each session.  
Description:  Is your puppy howling to share their endless energy with other puppies?  Our FREE puppy playtime sessions provide a fun and safe off-leash environment for your puppy to develop the confidence and social savvy s/he needs for friendly interaction with other people and dogs.........and you get a tired puppy!  Do not keep your pup a secret.  Give your pup the opportunity to enjoy other dogs and people.  When you socialize and train a puppy properly, you will discover that your own social life dramatically improves!
Children:  Dog-friendly (human) children 7 years of age or older who live with the puppy are encouraged to participate.  (Human children under 7 years of age are prohibited from attending. )  An adult must accompany children under 16 years old. 
Dress Code & Valuables:  Since you will be interacting within the puppy playgroup, please dress comfortably and wear rubber-soled shoes.  No open-toed shoes of any kind allowed.  Gym shoes work best.  We do not have a secure place to store valuables, so please leave them at home.
Includes:  Puppy breath, puppy kisses, and unlimited entertainment and laughter!
No fun-wreckers allowed!   :o)
Registration:  Pre-registration is required.   Call to register:  (847) 970-6777.  
Course Fee:  FREE.

Course:  Puppy Kindergarten
Length:  8 weeks (60 minutes each session)
Requirements:  Open to puppies between 8 – 18 weeks old who have received their first two (2) DHLPP or DALPP immunizations.
Description:  This class is 8 weeks of puppy fun! The majority of this course is taught off-lead and includes socialization with people and other dogs, confidence building, bite inhibition (so your puppy develops a soft mouth), an introduction to basic manners and information on family living skills (i.e., house training, chewing, jumping on people, grooming, etc.)  Come without your puppy the first week so we can get in some vital (and fun) human training!
Includes:  Textbook, handouts, homework, and certificate of completion.
Registration:  Advance registration is required since class sizes are limited.
Course Fee:  $120

Course:  Pet First Aid & CPR (certified by the American Red Cross)  
Date:  TBA
Time:  1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.   
Prerequisites:  Please leave your pet(s) at home.  This class is for the Pet Parent. 
Description:   Lessons that could save your pet’s life!  For just $60 you will learn how to recognize symptoms and care for common ailments and emergencies; including how to apply Emergency First Aid, and, CPR and Rescue Breathing.   Information on creating both a “pet friendly” first aid kit and disaster kit are also provided.  Taught by a Certified American Red Cross Pet First Aid Instructor. 
Includes:   "Pet First Aid" - an 128-page illustrated first aid reference book for dog and cat lovers from the American Red Cross and the Humane Society of the United States.  Provides quick access to instructions for handling common injuries and illnesses. 
Registration:  Advance registration is required since the class size is limited.      
Course fee:  $60

We also offer Private Lessons at a mutually convenient time for the client and trainer  (i.e., lunch time, evenings, and Saturdays).  For more information, please contact Kathleen at (847) 970-6777.

Cancellations

If the minimum enrollment for a course is not met 3 days prior to the first class session, the course will be canceled. We will notify you 3 days before the course was scheduled to begin to determine if you would like to enroll in an alternative class, receive credit toward a future class, or receive a full refund.

Refunds

Please note once you have enrolled in a class, the course deposit/fee is non-refundable. Credit toward a future class may be provided if we are notified of your withdrawal from a course at least 5 days before the first class session. If within the first 3 sessions of a class, a dog is unable to attend due to an injury or illness, you can receive a 50% credit toward a future class. (Veterinary certification of the illness/injury is required for credit purposes.) We regret that we are unable to issue a credit for any reason after the first 3 sessions of a class. There is a $25 fee for all returned checks.

Children in Class

We are happy to have other family members and children attend our classes. In order to make it a fun and safe experience for everyone in the class:

• Children must remain seated and under parental control at all times.
• Parents must supervise their children during the entire class.
• Children should refrain from running and yelling in the classroom.
• Please explain to your children that all dogs are not socialized to, friendly toward, or comfortable around children, so they should not approach or pet the other dogs in class.
• If your child wants to meet another dog, please obtain the owner's permission, and only during non-instructional times.
• Children can get bored during class, so please feel free to bring quiet toys or activities to keep them entertained.

Dog Behavior and Training Library

• SF/SPCA Dog Behavior and Training Library
  
• Flying Dog Press
• Terry Ryan's Tips for Students
• Dr. Ian Dunbar's Solutions to Behavior Concerns

Pictures (click on the thumbnail to see a larger image)

More Training Photos