Safety Rules for All Classes

At Herdabout K-9 Academy we want to make sure all dogs that come to class are safe and that all humans in the class room will be safe too. 

In order to do this, we need to make sure everybody understands and follows the safety rules and brings the required equipment to every class.

We also have to keep in mind the fact that some people have severe peanut allergies and some people are sensitive or allergic to strong perfumes. 

Another safety rule to keep in mind when you are driving up to our facility, keep an eye out for dogs and children in the parking lot.  Please drive in slowly !

No smoking allowed on the property.

Classes can begin after puppies

have received their second set of shots

Dogs must be up to date on DHPP, Kennel Cough, and Rabies vaccinations, as well as being clear of external parasites and communicable diseases to be eligible to attend a class.  No dog showing evidence of eye, ear, or skin infections will be allowed in the class.

Puppies under six months of age must have had their second booster for DHPP.  Rabies and Kennel Cough vaccination are not required until the dog has reached 4 months of age.

- Titer tests will only be accepted in lieu of vaccinations in dogs over 2 years of age and must have been done within 6 months prior to attending any classes.  A secondary waiver of liability will need to be completed for those who choose Titers in Lieu of regular vaccinations.  The Titer must also be done on the complete DHPP (not just for Parvo) and will NOT be accepted for either Rabies or Kennel Cough. Dog owners choosing Titer Tests in Lieu of Vaccinations MUST bring a copy of the actual Titer results to leave with us for our records on ALL THREE of the following:

-- Parvovirus and Distemper combination Titer,

-- Hepatitis and Adenovirus combination Titer,

-- Parainfluenza Titer

It is the dog owner's responsibility to bring the proper requested paperwork to the first night of class, or be refused entry to classes.  Instructors will NOT contact any student's veterinarian to confirm a dog's vaccination status, the student is liable to provide the information requested.

# 2.  Safety First  –  No Aggressive Dogs Allowed in Group Classes

For the safety of everyone taking group classes, students will be expelled from classes if their dog exhibits aggression towards other people and/or dogs.   Banned breeds, dogs that have been in quarantine for biting and females in season will not be allowed in group classes.

Banned breeds or dogs that have been in quarantine for biting will not be allowed in group classes but may be allowed to take private instruction at the discretion of the instructor.

# 3.  Safety First  –  No unaccompanied minors in any lessons, minimum age 10 yrs

Any student attending lessons or classes must be at least 10 years of age.  Anyone under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult (parent or guardian) for the duration of the lesson.  (no "drop offs", please).  This rule applies to both group and private lessons.  No children under the age of 10 will be allowed in group classes for safety reasons.  We do offer private lessons for families that want their children under the age of 10 to partake in the training with the instrutor.

# 4.  Safety First  –  No Dogs Eating a Raw Meat Diet Allowed in Classes

The primary concern we have relating to raw meat diets is the transmission of disease to people.  In families with children, elderly or immune compromised members (cancer, chemotherapy, transplant or HIV patients for example) it is extremely risky to feed dogs uncooked meat or raw animal products (uncooked bones, etc.) and we at Herdabout K9 Academy do not want to put any of our students, instructors or assistants at risk by having dogs who are eating a raw meat or BARFdiet attending our classes, and therefore exposing people to these health risks they would not normally encounter.

One published study (Canadian Veterinary Journal) demonstrated that 80% of raw food diets containing poultry were positive for salmonella and 30% of the dogs eating these diets were passing salmonella in their feces.

Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter and Cryptosporidium are some examples of infections that could be transferred by dogs eating raw meat through various forms of cross contamination and make humans sick.

Safety is based on avoiding risk and prevention is a key factor in avoiding risk.

The instructor reserves the right to refuse and excuse anyone from lessons at any time.

Paying For Classes

1.  All classes must be paid for in advance.  If you have not paid prior to the first class, then bring along your class fee (CASH ONLY) to your first class. 

2.  Partial payment will NOT be accepted on the first night of class.  You will be refused entry to class if you have not paid for your classes in full.

3.  Cash is the only method of payment accepted.   We do not sell any products, treats or leashes, so we do not have a debit machine.  You will be given a receipt for your cash payment with our HST number on it.

4.  NO REFUNDS will be given after attending the first week of any class.  

5.  Group classes are NOT "pay as you go" because they consist of scheduled lessons that build on each other from week to week, and are NOT "drop in" lessons.  If you are signing up for a group class, then you must pay for the whole eight week course, regardless of how many classes you plan on attending. 

Wanting to watch a class before signing up ?

Out of respect for the students who have paid for their classes and our instruction time, we DO NOT allow spectators, or auditors of any class.  It is simply not fair to those who paid to be in the class if others are allowed to observe and listen to our instruction for free. 

If you want to view a class, then we have several videos which would give you a good idea of how our classes are run.    Clickable link to youtube videos (opens in new window)

What to Bring to Class