Frequently Asked Questions

• How long are DogWould group dog training classes?

Most classes meet one time per week and run for 5-7 weeks in total. Time per meeting varies from 40 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on the class. Please view the Classes page for information on course length and meeting length of the class you are interested in.

• Where are DogWould group dog training classes located?

Most indoor classes are held at the Cosmo Civic Centre in Saskatoon. For the address and location of the centre, please view the Classes page. Outdoor class locations will be given out to students enrolled in those classes.

• How much do DogWould group classes cost?

Prices vary for DogWould group classes. Please email for pricing information!

• What if I miss a class?

You will be missed! If you have to miss a class due to a trip or other planned absence, you can speak with your instructor ahead of time to learn information about what will be covered in class. If you must miss a class due to an emergency, you can email or call your instructor to catch up on what you missed.

Most course curriculums build on exercises learned each week and require the attendance of all dog/handler teams to make the training course successful. Missing these classes may put you behind and make the class experience less valuable to other students. Please consider this when adding a group class to your weekly schedule.

• Can my children come with me to group classes and help train our dog?

Yes! DogWould is family-friendly and welcomes your whole family in all group classes. But remember, the class is for training the dog! Please contact for details on multiple-handler training and make sure to view the Policies page. Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian and under control at all times. Children, family members, and friends who accompany you and your dog to class must not interfere with any other students and their dogs.

• Can members of my family come with me to class?

Yes, attendance of families is encouraged. The more ears available to hear the information in any of DogWould's classes, the better!  However, spectators must not disrupt the class.

• What breeds of dog can be enrolled in DogWould group classes?

DogWould accepts all breeds of dogs in group classes, including purebred registered, non-purebred unregistered, mixed breed dogs, and dogs of unknown heritage, providing each dog passes an initial evaluation. See the Classes page and the Policies page.

• How important is the homework between classes? Can’t I just work hard in class?

To get the most out of the class, it is essential that you also practice at home. You will find that your dog will learn more effectively if you take a few minutes a few times throughout the day to practice the skills and commands you learn at class. Practice at home also helps you to become a better teacher for your dog. Remember to prevent mistakes by making sure you set your dog up for success. Your training sessions don’t need to be long. In fact, 3 – 5 minutes is fine for regular practice sessions a few times per day. And, if you stop when your dog is still looking for more, this can ensure that the training session is fun rather than a chore. Continual review of skills and commands is important even after a class is completed, because you and your dog will both forget over time.

• I am new to DogWould group classes, so how do I register?

DogWould offers a selection of group classes. See the Classes page and individual class category pages for information on course offerings and the Policies page for information regarding requirements to enroll your dog. Three things are required to reserve your space in the class: a completed registration form, an evaluation, and payment in full of class fees. You can be added to the waiting list for a group class by filling out a registration form and returning it to DogWould, but this does not guarantee you a spot in a particular class. Contact DogWould when you are interested in enrolling your dog in a group class to find out whether there are places available in the class, and to schedule an evaluation and arrange payment of class fees.

• What supplies do I need to bring to DogWould group classes?

Most group classes require that you bring a six foot leash and a properly fitted martingale collar and approved harness, an adequate supply of tasty food training rewards, and sometimes other items as well. Please do not bring extendable/retractable/flexi leashes. Treats should be soft, but not crumbly and cut into pieces that are about the size of the eraser on the end of a pencil, or smaller if you have a tiny dog. Or, you should use a squeeze tube full of a tasty food mush about the consistency of toothpaste that you can squeeze out small amounts for your dog to lick off (saves you cutting, and most dogs love this type of reward!) You will receive by email a list of supplies when you register for a DogWould group class.

• ​What is a martingale collar?

​Martingale collars are required for classes to prevent dogs from escaping their collars and getting loose during the class. Martingale collars are like flat collars but they tighten when the dog pulls. Even though they tighten, they are not used for giving a leash correction. Rather, they are used because they are less likely to slip over the dog's head when adjusted correctly than a flat collar is. Check out the Wikipedia page which also has a short description: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martingale_(collar)
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• ​What harnesses are approved by DogWould?

DogWould approves a number of harnesses for use in group classes. They are: the Haqihana Harness, the Balance Harness, the Perfect Fit Harness, the Ttouch H Harness, the Lupine Roman Harness, the Connected Control Harness, the Freedom No-Pull Harness, the JWalker Harness, the Walk Your Dog With Love Harness, the Walk In Sync Harness, the Mekuti Balance Dog Harness, the Ruffwear Front Range Harness, the Ruffwear Webmaster Harness, the Ultimate Happy At Heel Harness, the Linden No Pull Harness, the Indi Dog Harness, the Nordkyn Walking Harness, or other generic Roman or H style dog harnesses. Please send a photo to dogwould@live.ca before you attend classes to confirm that you have an acceptable harness for DogWould classes. The links show examples of the brand name harnesses, but DogWould is not paid for endorsement.

• Does DogWould train my dog for me?

You train your own dog. DogWould uses demonstration dogs in some group classes and private lessons. You watch and listen to the exercise demonstrations, and then copy the technique with your own dog. It is up to you to put in the time to train your dog using the methods you are shown. Please keep in mind that when you register for a DogWould group class or package of lessons, you should consider than just the one meeting a week you attend with the rest of the group or individually. Success in training your dog takes commitment and time set aside to practice with your dog each and every day! 
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• Does DogWould use treats for training?

Certainly!  DogWould training methods focus on positive reinforcement to train desired behaviors. Many food rewards are used. But food rewards aren't the only thing dogs enjoy. Think about things on your dog's Top 20 Favourites list: possibly food, but also verbal praise and attention, belly rubs, ear massages, car rides, walks, playing with other dogs, tennis balls, squeaky toys, chew toys, and so on. DogWould can show you how to use these as currency when training your dog.

• If my dog is not food motivated, will DogWould group classes be of any benefit to me and my dog?

Perhaps DogWould group classes may not be your best option at first. But, DogWould can work with you to find out what does motivate your dog and why food may not be a favourite reward for your dog, yet, what does motivate your dog, whether your dog will benefit from a group class environment, or whether Private Lessons may be a better option to achieve your training goals.

• Will I have to use treats or toys to make my dog behave for the rest of my dog's life?

Food rewards are training tools which help you teach your dog new behaviors quickly and easily, and make learning fun for your dog. Instructions for fading the use of food treats and reward toys are covered in upper level DogWould group classes. That being said, it is always smart to reinforce your dog's good behaviour with food throughout its life, even if you have mostly faded out the use of treats in your dog's daily activities.

• Can DogWould house-train my puppy for me?

Not without moving in!  House-training a new dog is a 24-hour a day job, so DogWould cannot actually do it for you, but through private lessons you can be given the necessary steps that will make the process go more smoothly for you and your dog.

• When should I begin training my puppy or new dog? 

Now!  The sooner you start gentle training, the easier it will be to make good manners into life-long habits. DogWould offers both group classes and, with limited availability, private lessons to help you achieve your goals with your dog. 

• I am considering adopting a dog. Can DogWould help me choose one?

Yes! DogWould can help you find a dog to adopt from a purebred breeder or rescue agency. Through a series of consultations in your home and also meetings with selected dogs, DogWould can help you choose a canine of the right size, shape, and unique personality to match you and your lifestyle. 

• Is one set of group classes, like the Starter Class, enough to ensure a well-trained dog?

Certainly not. The Starter Class is a starting point for all students of DogWould group classes. You will be introduced to basic obedience training techniques and manners, and then you should continue training until you reach your goal of a well-trained dog. You can train on your own using the exercises you learned in the Starter Class, or enroll in more group classes, or even purchase some private lessons for you and your dog or enrichment sessions for your dog, to work toward your specific goals.

• Is my dog too old to train? 

No! Just like humans, dogs continue to learn throughout their lives.  It is true that an older dog may take a longer to train and may have more bad habits to undo. Dogs of all ages benefit from learning, are able to enjoy lower stress levels, and can develop new talents when you show them that they’ll be rewarded for their efforts. Let DogWould guide you and your dog to new calm and communication.

• What is DogWould's refund policy?

You may withdraw your dog from training (Private Lessons, Enrichment Sessions, or Group Classes) at any time, however, once the training has begun, all fees are non-refundable. Cancellations, no-shows, and appointments cancelled with less than 24-hour notice will be counted as one session. Three things are required to reserve your space in any DogWould group class: a completed registration form, an evaluation, and payment in full of class fees. Please see the Policies page for more detailed information on fees and refunds.

• What kind of results can I expect from training with DogWould?

The results depend on you. Your dog learns something from you every second that you’re together.  DogWould can show you how to make sure that your requests are practical and have relevance for your dog.  However, as with any training program, your ultimate success depends on your commitment and effort. During Enrichment Sessions, DogWould will expose your dog to positive experiences and good practice habits, but these skills will stay with the dog only if you also practice. Please see the Terms and Guarantee page for my guarantee.

• I am planning to get a dog and I want to be prepared for training. I don't have my dog yet, but should I book Private Lessons now?

Yes. If you know the date your new dog will be coming home, it is an excellent idea to book Private Lessons in advance. This way, you have lessons scheduled at an appropriate time and do not have to wait until lesson times become available later on. DogWould's calendar fills quickly, so it is not always possible to fit in new requests for lessons at the last minute. If you do not know when you will be bringing your dog home, but you have future plans to get a dog, you can still book Private Lessons for yourself, to learn essential dog training skills in preparation for your new arrival!

• If I have a problem between lessons, may I call DogWould?

Yes! Any time you have questions, whether between lessons or years after training with DogWould, please don’t hesitate to send me an email or text. I will do my best to get you an answer quickly or give you a recommendation as to where you can find one. I provide ongoing support for all clients, past and current, and you can also schedule follow up lessons. See the Contact page for how to contact me.

• If my dog has already taken group classes somewhere other than DogWould, do I have to start with a beginner class or can I just enroll in the class I want?

DogWould has its own method of training and development of training techniques that build through group classes. So, if you are new to DogWould and would like to move up to higher level classes, it is best that you begin with the foundations of the Starter Class. If you have taken classes elsewhere, that training will be beneficial to you and you can add even more to your skill set and knowledge by beginning at the beginning with the DogWould method. 

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Photo credit: starsquiggleDawnsquigglestar of flickr.com

DogWould, Dog Puppy Owner Coaching.     Dog Puppy Training Classes  Saskatoon and area.
Dog Puppy Training Classes Saskatoon.    DogWould Saskatoon Saskatchewan
 
DogWould offers: Saskatoon dog and puppy  owner coaching. Serving Saskatoon, Martensville, Warman, Delisle, Asquith, Vanscoy, Osler, Dundurn, Clavet, and area.  Please email today to learn more about: Basic Training, Manners Training, Obedience Training, Puppy Training, Trick Training, Rally-O Training, Basic Agility Training, Scenting Discrimination Training, Exercise and Fitness Training; available in private lessons or in group classes. 
 
Dog and puppy training classes, Dog Puppy Owner Coaching, in the Saskatoon, Saskatchewan region. Assist dog owners in creating a stronger bond through engagement.
Dog Puppy Owner Coaching, Dog Puppy Training Classes Saskatoon Saskatchewan.    DogWould Saskatoon Saskatchewan.
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