Q: How do I find the right classroom?

We have 3 distinct classrooms. Room 105: In the "Shopping Center" of the complex. Park in the front or on the side of the building Room 305: In the "Warehouse" portion of the complex. Go PAST the "Shopping Center" part of the complex and drive to the back of the property. Room 307: In the "Warehouse" portion of the complex. Go PAST the "Shopping Center" part of the complex and drive to the back of the property.

Question 1

How do I find the right classroom?

Accepted Answer

We have 3 distinct classrooms.  
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Room 105: In the "Shopping Center" of the complex.  Park in the front or on the side of the building
Room 305: In the "Warehouse" portion of the complex.  Go PAST the "Shopping Center" part of the complex and drive to the back of the property.
Room 307: In the "Warehouse" portion of the complex.  Go PAST the "Shopping Center" part of the complex and drive to the back of the property.

Question 2

What is your vaccine policy?

Accepted Answer

We require proof of, at least, one DHPP vaccine given one week prior to the start of class.  Your puppy or dog must have been in your home for a minimum of 10 days and not currently showing signs of illness. 
 
We follow the socialization position statement from the AVSAB (American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior)
You can find it here - https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Puppy-Socialization-Position-Statement-FINAL.pdf

Just like with our human children, we allow them to be held by people, go out in the world, to school etc before they are "fully vaccinated" but we also take precautions that mitigate the risk of diseases. We use cleaners in our classroom that help keep the puppies safe and we clean up all messes with those same powerful cleaners. We use Rescue (https://rescuedisinfectants.com/) & Vital Oxide (https://vitaloxide.com/)
 
Vaccine records must be emailed to Martha@DodgersPaws.com

Question 3

What is your refund policy?

Accepted Answer

If there are more than 14 days prior to the start of your class or puppy social registration:  Full Refund minus 5%  Cancellation Fee
If there are 7-13 days prior to the start of your class or puppy social registration:  Full Refund minus 10%  Cancellation Fee
If there are 2-6 day prior to the start of your class or puppy social registration:  50% Refund
If there are 48 hours are less - Class fee is Non Refundable - Class Credit given for future class if puppy becomes ill prior to start of class.
There are no refunds once a class has begun as we can no longer offer the space to another student.

Question 4

Do you offer make-up classes?

Accepted Answer

We do not.

Our classes are designed to be completed in a sequential order with each dog and handler team generally working through the same curriculum.  Our class offerings change and we rarely classes at the same level happening in the same week.  Make-up classes are simply not feasible for our schedule and training system.

We highly suggest that a human handler attend class even if the dog is under the weather so that they can bring home the information taught in class and work with the puppy at home.

Question 5

Are children & guests allowed to come to classes?

Accepted Answer

Children and Guests are allowed to join you in class.  We also ask that you limit those who attend class to those who are actively participating in training and who can remain quiet during class.  If you are bringing technology (iPad, iPhone etc) please also bring headphones or mute the device prior to class.

Question 6

Do you guarantee your services?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, we cannot make claims or guarantees on our services. This is because the outcome of the training is dependent on many factors including the dog's learning history, the skill and consistency of the training, the dog's genetic makeup, and the owner's commitment. It would be unethical for us to guarantee the outcome of the training. What we can promise is that our classes are taught by qualified and knowledgeable instructors using scientific methods that have proven extremely successful.

Question 7

Why don't you use or allow, choke, prong, pinch or shock collars in your classes?

Accepted Answer

Dodger's Paws was founded on certain principles, one of which was to train dogs using methods that not cause fear, pain or avoidance in the dog. Our focus is on teaching the dog what we want them to do and then and reinforcing those behaviors. These collars rely on pain or discomfort to get the dog to stop doing something. We prefer to teach the dog to do something different, something that is acceptable to you, and then reinforce that behavior. We understand that these collars can sometimes be effective in stopping unwanted behaviors, however, they also risk not only confusing or frightening the dog, but also can create negative associations which can be not only scary for the dog but potentially dangerous. In short, we do not feel that these collars are a dog-friendly training tool. 
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You can read more on the topic from the AVSAB (American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior) here - https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/AVSAB-Humane-Dog-Training-Position-Statement-2021.pdf

Question 8

Which class is right for my dog?

Accepted Answer

There are a lot of factors that go into answering that question.  We have tried to help simplify that process by providing a quick guide to helping you make the right choice for you and your dog.  You can find that here - Finding the right class.  If you're still struggling with which class to take, reach out and we will help guide you.​

Question 9

Do you offer gift certificates?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do!  They can be purchased by emailing our team!

Question 10

I tried calling but no one answered the phone!

Accepted Answer

We are a small business run by a small group of people who are dedicated to quality training and personalized service.  We often are teaching classes or 1:1 lessons and cannot answer the phone.  We have a dedicated staff member to respond to your voicemails and text messages.

Question 11

It's 95° out, are you really still having class?

Accepted Answer

Our classrooms do not have A/C since we are in a warehouse and we will add in unplanned skip weeks for weather related reasons (heat, smoke, extreme rains etc).  Those skips will be communicated to you as soon as we have made the decision.  Typically an email will go out but occasionally we will send out text messages if the decision was made late or if we have not received confirmation from you that you received our email.

Question 12

Which holidays do you not hold class on?

Accepted Answer

May - Mothers Day & Memorial Day Weekend
June - Fathers Day
July - 4th of July
September - Labor Day Weekend
November - Thanksgiving weekend (Thursday - Sunday)
December - Winter break -  We do our best to skip winter break for local schools.  When they do not overlap between PUSD & LUSD, we skip for PUSD Winter Break.  This typically includes Christmas & New Years

Frequently Asked Questions