Dog Requirements
The following are the requirements for bringing dogs to the workshop(s):
Dog should be calm, quiet, and able to relax easily in their crates.
Dog should be people-friendly.
Dog should be dog-friendly.
One dog per person.
Dog should be able to relax in a crate while handler is close by and also while the handler is out of sight for short periods (e.g. during an exercise not involving dogs.)
Dog should be able to relax on a mat beside the student.
Dog should be able to acclimate to workshop environment (not too stressed, able to eat treats and have fun learning. Not too noisy, able to calmly rest in his/her crate.)
Dog should be safe/comfortable with new people (other students will be handling the dog).
Dog should be safe/comfortable with other dogs (They will be working in close proximity to other dogs).
Reactive dogs are not allowed in the workshop(s) because it is disruptive to the other students and it's unfair to the reactive dog. Reactivity includes barking at other dogs, people, noises, etc. Dogs should not require special management to be around other dogs and people.
Because we work at a fast pace in the workshop, there won't be any time to train crate manners or work on reactivity. We will be working in a space where it will be difficult to isolate dogs, or to use visual barriers (other than a sheet over a crate). There is only one entrance and exit, so dogs will need to be able to quietly and calmly pass one another in close quarters.
We cannot stress enough the importance of a quiet, non-reactive dog who can relax quietly in a crate. It is imperative that you begin working with your dog now to ensure your dog is relaxed and quiet at the workshop(s).