Policies

These policies help keep all of us who use these facilities safe, happy, and learning.  Please read them carefully. 

1.  Training.  This is a positive reinforcement based training facility.  Positive reinforcement is our go-to method for training because it works.  We ask every person who comes here to use positive methods while at TCCA.  No prong collars, no choke chains, no e-collars, no harsh physical corrections.  Our job is to help you learn to use positive reinforcement because it speeds learning and builds happiness in your pet.  Perhaps you use different methods at home, but when at TCCA, please be conscious of using positive reinforcement with both dogs and their humans.   Yes…humans respond wonderfully to positive reinforcement also!  All of us!

2.  Hours of Operation.  The campus is open only during scheduled class times.  Please do not stop by without an appointment already set up.

 3.  Campus Safety.  This is an alcohol, drug, tobacco, and gun free campus.  Please do not bring these items onto TCCA property.

 4.  Personal responsibility for your dog.  Please be responsible for keeping close watch over your dog.  Dogs must be kept on leash coming and going from all classes.  Your dog may just love to lick other dogs, but not all dogs like the “super friendly” treatment.  Keep your dog away from other dogs’ ears and rears for the safety of all.

 5.  Dog potty area.  Your instructor will point out the dog potty area.  Please use this area exclusively and always pick up after your dog.  Garbage cans are available for your full doggy bags.  Try hard to give your dog plenty of time to “take care of business” before class.

 6.  Heat cycles.  Females in season are way too big of a distraction for other dogs.  In general, they must stay home.  IF all male dogs are neutered in your class, contact your instructor to see if they can make an exception.  Females in heat must wear “panties” designed for this purpose.

 7.  Aggressive or highly reactive dogs.  At this time, TCCA does not accept aggressive or highly reactive dogs into any classes.  This is a situation where a few private lessons are better for everyone.  Then, when you have practiced and your dog is calmer, you can join TCCA classes. 

 8.  Refunds.  If you withdraw from a class 10 days before it starts, we give a full refund.  If you withdraw later than that but before class starts, we do not give a refund but will be happy to roll your fee into another class of your choice. After a class starts, there is no refund or rollover. There are no refunds for Practice Time. If you are unable to attend Practice Time after you signed up, you may find someone else to purchase your session from you. The person who buys your session needs to provide vaccination records and sign the release form.

 9. Release of liability statements.  Dog training involves dogs.  Dogs are somewhat unpredictable.   Depending upon which class you are taking you may also be involved with sheep, goats and ducks.  Activities with all these animals involve some inherent risk. Walking about on uneven turf or snow presents risk.  Running on mats presents risk. All participants must sign a release of liability statement before their first class. 

 10.  Dog Health.  When registering for classes, students must verify that their dog is, or will be, CURRENT on Rabies, Parvo, and Distemper vaccinations during the duration of class or other activity. Participants accept full responsibility for meeting this criteria. We also encourage flea and tick preventative.  This keeps our entire doggy community just that much healthier.

 11. Sick dogs.  Do not bring a sick dog to TCCA.  If your dog has been vomiting or has diarrhea, please call your vet and skip class.  If our dog can stay at home, you can come to class without your dog and still learn the new skills.

12.  Children or young adults handling dogs.  Solo handlers need to be at least 16 years old to enroll in classes.  Handlers under 16 need to be able to safely manage the dog around other dogs and people, mature enough to follow instruction, and have a parent or legal guardian present and engaged during the entire class time. Handlers under 18 require a parent/guardian signature.