COVID-19 Updates:
January 19th, 2023
The local health unit COVID status remains in the moderate level, with no signs the province is considering reinstating the mandatory mask requirement so masks will now be optional in all classes, including the puppy classes.
December 19th, 2022
As long as the local level of COVID transmission remains moderate (or lower), and there appears to be no sign of the government reinstating the mandatory mask requirement my plan is to make masks optional in the puppy classes starting on January 23rd, 2023.
May 30th, 2022
As COVID cases continue to decline locally, starting with session beginning June 14th - 16th I'm going to remove the mandatory mask requirement for adult group classes (not Puppy Preschool & Puppy Kindergarten) where there is a small number of people in the class, and they can remain distanced from each other. Masks will still be recommended, but not required, and I will continue to wear a mask.
Due to the larger number of people allowed to attend Puppy classes, and the puppy playtime in the Puppy Preschool class, to provide the safest environment possible for clients the mask requirement will remain. If you are unable to wear a mask, please let me know so that we can discuss alternate training arrangements.
April 22nd, 2022
With Ontario extending the mandatory mask requirement in high risk settings, and medical experts recommending the use of masks in indoor spaces, I'm going to continue requiring mask wearing in indoor class for the May session of classes to provide the safest environment possible for clients as we resume practicing greetings less than 6 feet apart, and puppy playtime in the Puppy Preschool class. If you are unable to wear a mask, please let me know so that we can discuss alternate training arrangements.
Current Class Safety Precautions Include:
March 7th, 2022
People have been asking if I will be lifting the mask requirement if the Ontario Government lifts the mandatory mask requirement. I will not be changing the requirement to wear a mask mid session, so if it is required when you register it will be required for the duration of that session. Therefore masks will be required for the March/April session of classes.
My priority is to resume puppy play in the Puppy Preschool class, and closer approaches when practicing greeting people without jumping.
Thursday, January 6th, 2022
With the new restrictions in effect, Pet Training Services are allowed to operate, however, there may be changes to the services provided, so if you are interested in arranging for training, please contact me directly at info@positivelyobedientcanines for the most up to date information about available services. I try hard, but when the government changes things quickly, it is hard for me to keep the website up to date!
Wednesday, June 9th, 2021
Local case counts have improved, and the Province is reopening again. The next session of in-person classes will start next week, following all COVID19 safety protocols and guidelines. In-person private lessons continue to be offered outdoors at your home, and virtual options continue to be available as well.
Class Safety Precautions Include:
Tuesday, April 20th, 2021
Again we have new restrictions, and again Pet Training Services remain allowed to operate under the list of permitted services. However, in light of the rising case counts in Muskoka, and the province's emphasis on avoiding gatherings of people, in-person group classes have been placed on hold at this time.
In-person, private training lessons will continue to be offered as they are outside, and everyone (including me) is to remain 6 feet apart and wearing a mask at all times.
Virtual classes and private lessons also continue to be options as well.
Thursday, April 8th, 2021
Now that the guidelines for the new restrictions have been published, I can confirm that Pet Training Services are allowed to continue to operate as the changes are mostly focused on retail stores this time around. Given the lower COVID-19 incidence rate for Muskoka, all of the safety precautions that we are following and the concerns I am seeing regarding puppies and young dogs that haven't been out and about as they would normally, I am going to continue with both in-person lessons and in-person group classes at this time. I will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation in Muskoka, and virtual options continue to be available.
Safety Precautions Include:
If you have any questions, please contact me at info@positivelyobedientcanines.com
Thank you!
Friday, April 2nd, 2021
After reviewing the details of the new shutdown/emergency brake I can state that Pet Training Services are allowed to continue to operate, therefore all current in-person lessons and classes will go ahead as planned, following all of the provincial & local health guidelines.
Monday, March 8th, 2021
Today our health unit will move back into the Red Control zone and in-person private lessons and classes will continue, following all applicable provincial and local health guidelines.
Friday, February 26th, 2021
With the Provincial announcement today that our health unit will move into the Grey Lockdown zone on Monday, I just wanted to post a quick update for clients that may be wondering. Pet Training Services are allowed to remain open in a Grey zone, so in-person private lessons and classes will continue, following all applicable provincial and local health guidelines.
Monday, February 9th, 2021
With the Provincial announcement today, it appears that our health unit will be transitioned back to the reopening framework on Tuesday, February 16th provided that the province is happy with the trends in the health indicators at that time.
Given that, I am making plans to resume in-person classes and private lessons starting the week of February 23rd. I have reached out to those already registered that have been waiting for things to resume, and will reach out to those on the waiting list shortly so that we can be ready to go once things reopen.
Not sure you wish to attend an in-person class at this time, or the times don't work for you? I remain available for lessons virtually, either in real time via video conference or through my online classes.
Friday, January 15th, 2021
With the announcement of the Province-wide stay at home order, all of my in-person dog training (classes and private lessons) will continue to be paused.
I am available for lessons virtually, either in real time via video conference or through my online classes.
Classes that were scheduled to start in January have had their starting dates pushed back until the week of February 16th. If you would like to register for a class to start once they resume, please let me know.
The local health unit COVID status remains in the moderate level, with no signs the province is considering reinstating the mandatory mask requirement so masks will now be optional in all classes, including the puppy classes.
December 19th, 2022
As long as the local level of COVID transmission remains moderate (or lower), and there appears to be no sign of the government reinstating the mandatory mask requirement my plan is to make masks optional in the puppy classes starting on January 23rd, 2023.
May 30th, 2022
As COVID cases continue to decline locally, starting with session beginning June 14th - 16th I'm going to remove the mandatory mask requirement for adult group classes (not Puppy Preschool & Puppy Kindergarten) where there is a small number of people in the class, and they can remain distanced from each other. Masks will still be recommended, but not required, and I will continue to wear a mask.
Due to the larger number of people allowed to attend Puppy classes, and the puppy playtime in the Puppy Preschool class, to provide the safest environment possible for clients the mask requirement will remain. If you are unable to wear a mask, please let me know so that we can discuss alternate training arrangements.
April 22nd, 2022
With Ontario extending the mandatory mask requirement in high risk settings, and medical experts recommending the use of masks in indoor spaces, I'm going to continue requiring mask wearing in indoor class for the May session of classes to provide the safest environment possible for clients as we resume practicing greetings less than 6 feet apart, and puppy playtime in the Puppy Preschool class. If you are unable to wear a mask, please let me know so that we can discuss alternate training arrangements.
Current Class Safety Precautions Include:
- Maintaining a minimum of 6' distance from anyone not in your household except during greeting practice and puppy playtime.
- Wearing a snug fitting mask that covers your nose, mouth and chin at all times when inside the building.
- Mandatory review of COVID-19 screening questions prior to attending class or a private lesson.
- Hand sanitizing station available for group classes.
- Decreased class sizes - Maximum of 4 dogs/puppies per class (in the approx. 1400 sq ft room that we use)
March 7th, 2022
People have been asking if I will be lifting the mask requirement if the Ontario Government lifts the mandatory mask requirement. I will not be changing the requirement to wear a mask mid session, so if it is required when you register it will be required for the duration of that session. Therefore masks will be required for the March/April session of classes.
My priority is to resume puppy play in the Puppy Preschool class, and closer approaches when practicing greeting people without jumping.
Thursday, January 6th, 2022
With the new restrictions in effect, Pet Training Services are allowed to operate, however, there may be changes to the services provided, so if you are interested in arranging for training, please contact me directly at info@positivelyobedientcanines for the most up to date information about available services. I try hard, but when the government changes things quickly, it is hard for me to keep the website up to date!
Wednesday, June 9th, 2021
Local case counts have improved, and the Province is reopening again. The next session of in-person classes will start next week, following all COVID19 safety protocols and guidelines. In-person private lessons continue to be offered outdoors at your home, and virtual options continue to be available as well.
Class Safety Precautions Include:
- Maintaining a minimum of 6' distance from anyone not in your household.
- Wearing a snug fitting mask that covers your nose, mouth and chin at all times when in class or during a private lesson.
- Mandatory review of COVID-19 screening questions prior to attending class or a private lesson.
- Minimizing or eliminating shared touching of surfaces.
- Increased disinfection of class facilities.
- Hand sanitizing station available for group classes.
- Decreased class sizes - Maximum of 4 dogs/puppies per class (in the approx. 1400 sq ft room that we use)
- Taking attendance at each class (in case it is needed for contact tracing)
- No puppy playtime or dog interaction in group classes.
Tuesday, April 20th, 2021
Again we have new restrictions, and again Pet Training Services remain allowed to operate under the list of permitted services. However, in light of the rising case counts in Muskoka, and the province's emphasis on avoiding gatherings of people, in-person group classes have been placed on hold at this time.
In-person, private training lessons will continue to be offered as they are outside, and everyone (including me) is to remain 6 feet apart and wearing a mask at all times.
Virtual classes and private lessons also continue to be options as well.
Thursday, April 8th, 2021
Now that the guidelines for the new restrictions have been published, I can confirm that Pet Training Services are allowed to continue to operate as the changes are mostly focused on retail stores this time around. Given the lower COVID-19 incidence rate for Muskoka, all of the safety precautions that we are following and the concerns I am seeing regarding puppies and young dogs that haven't been out and about as they would normally, I am going to continue with both in-person lessons and in-person group classes at this time. I will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation in Muskoka, and virtual options continue to be available.
Safety Precautions Include:
- Maintaining a minimum of 6' distance from anyone not in your household.
- Wearing a snug fitting mask that covers your nose, mouth and chin at all times when in class or during a private lesson.
- Mandatory review of COVID-19 screening questions prior to attending class or a private lesson.
- Minimizing or eliminating shared touching of surfaces.
- Increased disinfection of class facilities.
- Hand sanitizing station available for group classes.
- Decreased class sizes - Maximum of 4 dogs/puppies per class (in the approx. 1400 sq ft room that we use)
- Taking attendance at each class (in case it is needed for contact tracing)
- No puppy playtime or dog interaction in group classes.
- Conducting private lessons outside, rather than inside, your residence.
If you have any questions, please contact me at info@positivelyobedientcanines.com
Thank you!
Friday, April 2nd, 2021
After reviewing the details of the new shutdown/emergency brake I can state that Pet Training Services are allowed to continue to operate, therefore all current in-person lessons and classes will go ahead as planned, following all of the provincial & local health guidelines.
Monday, March 8th, 2021
Today our health unit will move back into the Red Control zone and in-person private lessons and classes will continue, following all applicable provincial and local health guidelines.
Friday, February 26th, 2021
With the Provincial announcement today that our health unit will move into the Grey Lockdown zone on Monday, I just wanted to post a quick update for clients that may be wondering. Pet Training Services are allowed to remain open in a Grey zone, so in-person private lessons and classes will continue, following all applicable provincial and local health guidelines.
Monday, February 9th, 2021
With the Provincial announcement today, it appears that our health unit will be transitioned back to the reopening framework on Tuesday, February 16th provided that the province is happy with the trends in the health indicators at that time.
Given that, I am making plans to resume in-person classes and private lessons starting the week of February 23rd. I have reached out to those already registered that have been waiting for things to resume, and will reach out to those on the waiting list shortly so that we can be ready to go once things reopen.
Not sure you wish to attend an in-person class at this time, or the times don't work for you? I remain available for lessons virtually, either in real time via video conference or through my online classes.
Friday, January 15th, 2021
With the announcement of the Province-wide stay at home order, all of my in-person dog training (classes and private lessons) will continue to be paused.
I am available for lessons virtually, either in real time via video conference or through my online classes.
Classes that were scheduled to start in January have had their starting dates pushed back until the week of February 16th. If you would like to register for a class to start once they resume, please let me know.
Wednesday, December 23rd, 2020
With the announcement of the Province-wide shut down on Monday afternoon, I've been reaching out to current students as well as those scheduled to start lessons in January as the province has made changes to the list of essential businesses allowed to continue to operate in the shutdown, removing some of those allowed to operate in the Grey or Lockdown zone, including dog training (unless exclusively training service dogs).
This means that unless the regulations change, all in-person dog training other than service dog training must stop for the duration of the shutdown.
I am available for lessons virtually, either in real time via video conference or through my online classes.
Classes that were scheduled to start the week of January 5th have had their starting dates pushed back. If you would like to register for a class to start after the shutdown, please let me know.
With the announcement of the Province-wide shut down on Monday afternoon, I've been reaching out to current students as well as those scheduled to start lessons in January as the province has made changes to the list of essential businesses allowed to continue to operate in the shutdown, removing some of those allowed to operate in the Grey or Lockdown zone, including dog training (unless exclusively training service dogs).
This means that unless the regulations change, all in-person dog training other than service dog training must stop for the duration of the shutdown.
I am available for lessons virtually, either in real time via video conference or through my online classes.
Classes that were scheduled to start the week of January 5th have had their starting dates pushed back. If you would like to register for a class to start after the shutdown, please let me know.
Monday, December 14th, 2020
With our local health unit, Simcoe Muskoka, becoming a red zone today, I've been receiving questions about how this will affect group classes. The good news is that this new designation doesn't bring any new changes for us. The following safety procedures already in effect will continue:
With our local health unit, Simcoe Muskoka, becoming a red zone today, I've been receiving questions about how this will affect group classes. The good news is that this new designation doesn't bring any new changes for us. The following safety procedures already in effect will continue:
- Maximum of 4 dogs/puppies per class (in the approx. 1400 sq ft room that we use)
- Everyone must maintain a 6 foot physical distancing
- Everyone must wear a mask that covers their nose, mouth and chin at all times when in the building.
- Hand sanitizer is available by the door
- The door will be propped open for entering/exiting
- All chairs will be sanitized between classes
- Mandatory review of COVID-19 screening questions prior to attending class.
Monday, October 26th, 2020
Group classes, Private Lessons and Online training options are all up and running and will continue. I have a new location for group classes starting in November - 171 Hutcheson Beach Rd. in Huntsville.
Group classes, Private Lessons and Online training options are all up and running and will continue. I have a new location for group classes starting in November - 171 Hutcheson Beach Rd. in Huntsville.
Friday, July 3rd, 2020
It's been a strange few months! But I'm pleased to announce that in-person private lessons have resumed (with modifications due to COVID-19) and this month, in-person group classes will also resume starting the week of July 13th-16th. Online options will also remain available for those that would prefer that option.
Group Classes
In-person group classes will resume at the Muskoka Dog Education Center. You can find more information on the individual class pages and the schedule.
Changes to keep everyone safe during COVID-19 will include:
- smaller class sizes (maximum 3 dogs) to allow for physical distancing
- increased frequency of disinfection
- hand sanitizing station available
- mandatory masks/face coverings for all people attending
- mandatory self-screening for potential COVID-19 exposure prior to attending class.
Private Lessons
I have resumed in-person private lessons at the client's home. The re-opening guidelines have also affected the delivery of my in-person private lessons by stating that pet services should be provided outside the client's home, that I should refrain from entering the home, and that a physical distance of 6 feet needs to be maintained. However, for those that prefer that I be physically present to watch them practice with their dog in real time, this is now an option. Please contact me for more information.
Online Lessons & Classes
I will continue to make online lessons and classes available for those that either prefer online learning, need to continue to remain more distant from others or can't get into an in-person class. More information is available here: online learning.
It's been a strange few months! But I'm pleased to announce that in-person private lessons have resumed (with modifications due to COVID-19) and this month, in-person group classes will also resume starting the week of July 13th-16th. Online options will also remain available for those that would prefer that option.
Group Classes
In-person group classes will resume at the Muskoka Dog Education Center. You can find more information on the individual class pages and the schedule.
Changes to keep everyone safe during COVID-19 will include:
- smaller class sizes (maximum 3 dogs) to allow for physical distancing
- increased frequency of disinfection
- hand sanitizing station available
- mandatory masks/face coverings for all people attending
- mandatory self-screening for potential COVID-19 exposure prior to attending class.
Private Lessons
I have resumed in-person private lessons at the client's home. The re-opening guidelines have also affected the delivery of my in-person private lessons by stating that pet services should be provided outside the client's home, that I should refrain from entering the home, and that a physical distance of 6 feet needs to be maintained. However, for those that prefer that I be physically present to watch them practice with their dog in real time, this is now an option. Please contact me for more information.
Online Lessons & Classes
I will continue to make online lessons and classes available for those that either prefer online learning, need to continue to remain more distant from others or can't get into an in-person class. More information is available here: online learning.
Friday, May 15th, 2020
Although the province of Ontario continues to be under a state of emergency, it was announced yesterday that in-person dog training services could resume as of Tuesday, May 19th provided that they could meet all of the guidelines for doing so safely. I have been reviewing the guidelines to make sure that I will be able to comply with all of them once I reopen and considering their impact on my services.
For the near future, all of my in-person training including group classes and private lessons remain on hold.
Group Classes
Most of my in-person group classes are held at the Utterson Hall. The town of Huntsville announced on Wednesday this week that the Utterson Hall will remain closed until at least June 30th. This means that it will likely be July at the earliest before most of my in-person classes can resume. I will update if the situation changes. In the meantime, I have online options available - please check out my online learning page for more details.
Private Lessons
I am tentatively planning to resume in-person private lessons starting mid June, provided all continues to go well. I will begin by resuming lessons with the clients that were in the midst of their lessons when the pandemic hit, and then once spots become available I will take on new clients.
Two of the guidelines for pet services will alter the way that I am able to interact during my private training sessions, as they state that pet services should be provided outside the client's home, that I should refrain from entering the home, and that a physical distance of 6 feet needs to be maintained. This means that there isn't an advantage to my being there in person vs. virtually, unless a client is unable to access virtual services. So if you want to get started with private lessons sooner rather than later, please contact me about either online classes or virtual private lessons as both of those are available to start now.
Although the province of Ontario continues to be under a state of emergency, it was announced yesterday that in-person dog training services could resume as of Tuesday, May 19th provided that they could meet all of the guidelines for doing so safely. I have been reviewing the guidelines to make sure that I will be able to comply with all of them once I reopen and considering their impact on my services.
For the near future, all of my in-person training including group classes and private lessons remain on hold.
Group Classes
Most of my in-person group classes are held at the Utterson Hall. The town of Huntsville announced on Wednesday this week that the Utterson Hall will remain closed until at least June 30th. This means that it will likely be July at the earliest before most of my in-person classes can resume. I will update if the situation changes. In the meantime, I have online options available - please check out my online learning page for more details.
Private Lessons
I am tentatively planning to resume in-person private lessons starting mid June, provided all continues to go well. I will begin by resuming lessons with the clients that were in the midst of their lessons when the pandemic hit, and then once spots become available I will take on new clients.
Two of the guidelines for pet services will alter the way that I am able to interact during my private training sessions, as they state that pet services should be provided outside the client's home, that I should refrain from entering the home, and that a physical distance of 6 feet needs to be maintained. This means that there isn't an advantage to my being there in person vs. virtually, unless a client is unable to access virtual services. So if you want to get started with private lessons sooner rather than later, please contact me about either online classes or virtual private lessons as both of those are available to start now.
Monday, April 27th, 2020
The province of Ontario continues to be under a state of emergency, and all of my in-person training including group classes and private lessons are on hold.
The re-opening plan released today is a framework for reopening, with no details with regards to dates as the restrictions we have been living under will be relaxed in stages, evaluating the response as we go. So at this point in time, I do not know when we will be able to resume in-person training.
The good news!
I have made the transition to online teaching. I currently have two online classes open for enrollment - a puppy class and a manners class so you can get started teaching your dog in the comfort of your own home at whatever time is convenient for you. More information is available on the online learning page.
The province of Ontario continues to be under a state of emergency, and all of my in-person training including group classes and private lessons are on hold.
The re-opening plan released today is a framework for reopening, with no details with regards to dates as the restrictions we have been living under will be relaxed in stages, evaluating the response as we go. So at this point in time, I do not know when we will be able to resume in-person training.
The good news!
I have made the transition to online teaching. I currently have two online classes open for enrollment - a puppy class and a manners class so you can get started teaching your dog in the comfort of your own home at whatever time is convenient for you. More information is available on the online learning page.
I am also offering private lessons online, so if you have a specific training issue you would like to work on, and don't feel that the group class curriculum will address your needs please contact me so we can discuss your options.
As of Tuesday, March 16th, all of the group classes have been cancelled or postponed.
The upcoming classes due to start the week of March 23rd were postponed to the week of April 6th, and are now postponed until further notice.
I am continuing to monitor the evolving situation with the novel coronavirus outbreak, and will continue to communicate future updates to students once I know more details.
I am also in the process of launching online classes to help support people that are looking to start training their dog now. My online puppy class is launched, and I will move on to other classes so if you are interested in online learning and don't want to wait until April to start training let me know!
The upcoming classes due to start the week of March 23rd were postponed to the week of April 6th, and are now postponed until further notice.
I am continuing to monitor the evolving situation with the novel coronavirus outbreak, and will continue to communicate future updates to students once I know more details.
I am also in the process of launching online classes to help support people that are looking to start training their dog now. My online puppy class is launched, and I will move on to other classes so if you are interested in online learning and don't want to wait until April to start training let me know!