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

News & Announcements:  

COVID 19 PROTOCOL for Herdabout K9 Academy 
(as of January 30, 2023)

Due to provincial health & government regulations our dog training for 2023 MUST adhere to the following:

  1. Anyone attending classes or private lessons MUST not have any symptoms of Covid 19 or have tested positive for Covid 19 in the previous 10 days.  If you are sick, please stay home.  

  2. Group classes are limited to 4 dogs Indoors, (October through April) and 6 dogs outdoor classes (May through September).  

  3. Children attending our group classes must be 10 years of age or older.  Children under 10 can participate in their dog's training at home under adult supervision.  Handouts with training instructions will be given after each lesson to ensure accuracy in training at home.

  4. Outdoors classes will be held in one of our securely fenced training yards. Postponement of any lesson during the 6 week sessions may occur due to inclement weather but will be made up (it may take 8 weeks to complete a 6 week course). 

  5. Masks are now optional at the discretion of the student.

  6. Washroom facilities are available on emergency basis only at this time, so please potty at home prior to heading to class.

  7. A hand sanitizer station will be provided, and recommended be used prior to touching common surfaces (gate latches, chairs, etc.).

  8. We reserve the right to excuse anyone from training at any   time, for any reason.

# 1. Safety First  – No Shots, No Class

Dogs MUST be up to date on age appropriate vaccinations (see below). Dogs MUST be clear of external parasites and communicable diseases to be eligible to attend a class. 

NO DOG showing evidence of coughing, eye, ear, or skin infections will be allowed to attend training at Herdabout K9 Academy.

TITER TESTS will NOT be accepted in lieu of vaccinations.

It is the dog owner's responsibility to provide the requested vaccination paperwork 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 (as per Ontario BSL 2005) will NOT be allowed to attend any training at Herdabout K9 Academy.  Please be a responsible dog owner and DO NOT get a breed that is banned in Ontario, there are many other wonderful breeds to choose from. 


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, the minimum age is 10 years old*

ALL group class  has a minimum age of 10 years old for children.  Any children younger than 10 years of age will only be allowed in private lessons, with their family attending. This is for the safety of the children attending the classes.

# 4. Safety First  – No Dogs Eating a Raw Meat Diet Allowed in group 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 BARF diet attending our classes, and therefore exposing people to these health risks they would not normally encounter.

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

Want to view a sample of our class? 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  

FOOTWEAR: If your class is indoors, please bring a separate pair of indoor shoes for the class room. If your class is outdoors, please wear good fitting running shoes. No Clogs, Flip Flops or strapless Sandals.

LEASH & COLLAR: - No body harness, No head halters and No retractable leashes allowed.

  • Obedience classes can use a martingale or a slip collar made of fabric, leather, or chain.

  • Agility classes must use either flat buckle or martingale collars. No choke chains or prong collars, will be permitted in Agility classes for safety reasons.   

PROOF OF VACCINATIONS: (paper proof not tags) Only signed vaccination passports, or veterinarian certificates will be accepted as proof of vaccinations. A three year vaccination for rabies IS accepted for dogs that are over 2 years of age when the vaccination was given. You must send us a scan or photo of your dog's vaccination certificate when registering for a class, or bring a photocopy of your dog's current vaccination certificate to leave with us. We will not make a photocopy. Students are required to provide us with the copy for our records.

  • Puppies 9 weeks to 12 weeks of age must have had their first booster for DHPP.
  • Puppies 13 to 15 weeks of age must have had their second booster for DHPP. Kennel Cough Vaccination is mandatory for puppies who are 3 months and older.
  • Dogs 16 weeks and older must be up to date of DHPP, Rabies, and Kennel Cough vaccinations.
  • Titer tests will NOT be accepted.
  • If your puppy changes ages during it's training with us, the owner MUST update their puppy's vaccinations during that time.

TRAINING TREATS:  No crunchie cookies.  Semi moist treats only!!  We suggest Rollover (salami style) Chicken, Beef or Lamb formulas.  Cut the Rollover "salami" into 1/2 inch slices before you arrive to class. Good to have about 6-8 slices for each class.

POOP BAGS: ... you might want to bring more than one just in case!

WATER & BOWL - no community water bowl will be provided. If you think your dog is going to need a drink during the class please bring both water and a bowl for your dog.


POCKETS:  Wear clothing with pockets or a bring a "fanny pack" for having quick access to your training treats. 

DOG: don't forget to bring the dog! (Unless we ask you to leave them home on a first lesson). Dogs do not attend the first week of the K9 To 5 Program or the GENESIS Program.  ALL other classes the dogs DO attend the first week of class.

If you have read and agree to comply with all rules, then please check the Schedule to find out when our next group of classes start at  Herdabout K9 Academy or contact us to discuss your training needs.

 

705-429-0833

Located in the Southern Georgian Bay

Region of Ontario Canada

sheltieland@rogers.com

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