Before you come to Class

Important Information about Classes

Where is the class?

Unless otherwise stated, classes are held at Unit 3, 171 Hutcheson Beach Rd. in Huntsville - just off of Ravenscliff Rd past the fairgrounds. The space is also used by HP Harrow Performance during the day for private personal training and Paws In Motion Canine Rehabilitation on Saturdays and the flooring in the room we will be using is mostly soft gym mats (so no outdoor shoes on those mats). We are in an industrial building, which is heated in the winter (by a ceiling heater, so layers are recommended) but is not air conditioned in the summer.

*** Access is by registration/appointment ONLY ***
Please do not just show up. I cannot stop a class to chat with you.
Send me an email: info@positivelyobedientcanines.com and I'd be happy to answer your questions.

A map of where we are:

A sneak peek inside:

Where do I park?

I'm so glad you asked! Since we share the lot with other business, please review the picture and park in the designated parking area. You can park behind the unit we are in, and behind the unit to the left of us (left if you are standing outside in the parking lot facing back of the building) with the front or back of your vehicle up close to the building (regular stall parking, not parallel parking). Please utilize the space and park in front of the garage door to our unit. We will not need to open our garage door. You can do the same behind Hatchet Athletics immediately to our left.

Please do not park elsewhere. Parking elsewhere may interfere with the movement of heavy equipment into or out of the unit to our right, elsewhere on the property, or in and out of Jim's auto at the end of the building, resulting in you needing to leave class to move your vehicle. I realize that will limit the parking spaces available. I have scheduled a 15 minute turnaround time between classes. This time is to allow students that are finished class to exit the building, for me to disinfect and set up for the next class, and then for students to enter the building for the next class. If you arrive and the parking spaces are full, please go ahead and temporarily park, potty your dog, and then return to your vehicle to move it into one of the spots vacated by a departing student.

Who can attend with my dog?

At least one adult (over the age of 18) must attend class with your puppy/dog. In all classes, another person is also welcome to attend class in addition to the adult. In the Puppy Preschool & Puppy Kindergarten class, families are welcome to attend with their puppy, however, please be aware that I only have enough chairs to set out 2 per puppy. Also, anyone that attends needs to abide by the class policies and procedures including wearing a mask at all times when inside the building.

Can my kids attend class?

Yes! Provided:

At least one adult is also attending the class with the child, and will be responsible for supervising them
The child is able to follow all of the COVID protocols, including wearing a mask at all times while in the building
The child is interested in participating or is content to settle at your station for the duration of class

I often have kids in puppy classes, and it can work out really well with the kids learning how to interact with the puppies as well. However, occasionally it doesn't work out quite so well - usually if the child isn't that interested in what is going on, or is very interested, but isn't quite old enough to participate in certain exercises or the puppy isn't sure yet about what to do. Therefore, you are also welcome to attend the first class without your child, so you can get the lay of the land and see how class goes and then have your child attend future classes with you.

What are the COVID19 Policies?

1. You are to maintain 6 feet of physical distancing at all times from everyone not in your household. This means only one household can enter/exit at a time, you will need to wait your turn for the shoe change area.
2. Everyone attending class must wear a properly fitting mask (not just a face shield) while attending class. The mask will cover the nose, mouth and chin and will remain on the entire time you are inside. The mask will not contain an exhalation valve, as that defeats the purpose of keeping any exhaled virus particles from being exhaled into the room. My priority is to resume puppy play in the Puppy Preschool class, and closer approaches when practicing greeting people without jumping, and maintaining a mask requirement helps us do so safely.
3. There will be no human beverages or food allowed inside the building. Taking your mask off to eat or drink defeats the purpose of the mask. Please leave all beverages and food in your vehicle.
4. Everyone is required to self-screen for potential COVID-19 exposure prior to attending each and every class using the provided questions. If you answer yes to any of the questions, please let me know and don't attend class that day.

Has a doctor, health care provider, or public health unit told you that you should currently be isolating (staying at home)?
Do you have one or more of the following symptoms? Fever, Chills, Cough, Shortness of Breath, Sore Throat, Difficulty Swallowing, Decrease or Loss of Smell or Taste, Pink eye, Runny or Congested nose, Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Stomach Pain, Muscle aches, Joint Pain or Fatigue AND is this symptom new (i.e. not related to any previously diagnosed condition you already have)?
Are you currently living with someone that is currently isolating due to a positive COVID19 test, currently has symptoms associated with COVID-19 or is waiting on the results of a COVID19 test?
In the last 10 days (5 days if fully vaccinated), have you tested positive on a rapid antigen test or a home-based self-testing kit? (If you have since tested negative on a lab-based PCR test, you can answer no)
In the last 10 days (5 days if fully vaccinated), have you received a COVID Alert exposure notification on your cell phone?
In the last 10 days (5 days if fully vaccinated), have you been identified as a “close contact” of someone who currently has COVID-19 (confirmed by a PCR or rapid antigen test)?

What do I need to bring?

Please bring the following things with you to class:

your dog on a properly fitting flat collar, martingale collar, head halter or harness (no Lupi harnesses please, others are fine)
a 4-6 foot nylon or leather leash. (no chain or flexi leashes)
Poop bags, should you need to pick up after your dog
a mat big enough for your dog to lie on (a door mat, kitchen mat or bathmat are all fine if your dog fits)
a generous supply of high-value treats (hint: bring twice as much as you think you will need) High value treats are usually soft and smelly! https://www.positivelyobedientcanines.com/blog/the-scoop-on-training-treats
some of your dog's regular meal
a toy or two should we need it to occupy your puppy/dog while waiting, or as a reward
a kong with some soft food smeared inside or an edible chew to occupy your puppy/dog while waiting
a short word to indicate that your dog has acted correctly and will receive a reward. For example "Yes" or "Treat" "Good" tends to get tagged on to "Good Girl/Boy" and used at times when a reward is not coming.
your mask that covers your nose, mouth and chin and that you will wear while at class (a face shield alone is not sufficient)
your indoor shoes, unless you wish to work in socks or bare feet
clothes with a pocket for treats, or a treat pouch to keep treats on your person but out of your hands.
any extra things needed for your specific class, for example:
- Puppy Preschool - items that your puppy likes to hold on to so we can practice trade & drop it
- Advanced Manners - 20-30' long line
- The Nose Knows - a Tupperware container to transport the scent tin, non-restrictive harness

How do I help my dog have the best first class?

Come prepared with all of the things you may need.
Review the directions and parking instructions.
Decide if you would like to bring in your mat and supplies first, then come in with your dog that is fine! It often is easier to manage an excited dog if your hands are free.
If your dog tends to get excited going new places or seeing new people, you may wish to make sure you have some treats handy in your pocket/treat pouch when you enter.
Once inside, please remove your outside shoes/boots on the entrance mat, then make your way to a station (there will be chairs set out for people to sit on), set out your dog's mat and encourage your dog to settle on the mat with a toy or few bits of kibble or treats.