For Puppies (to 5 months)
For Teen/Adult Dogs

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FAQ
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REGISTRATION FOR CLASSES

Enrollment

Enrollment is typically limited to 6-8 dogs per class (with the exception of advanced classes which may accommodate more dogs). Registration is processed on a first-come first-served basis so please register early if you want to reserve a place.

To Register

There are two ways to register for class:

1. Register online (pay through PayPal)
2. Register by mail (pay by check)

The Canine Connection is open by appointment only. We are not available for drop-in visits. If you would like to visit us, please call or email office@thecanineconnection.com to schedule a visit. Directions will be sent once registration is complete.

Register by Mail (pay by check) – 3 steps below

1. Please read our class policies before registering.
    
2. The Canine Connection registration form is available for download in several formats. Click on a link below to download the form.
   • Adobe Acrobat file (.pdf)
   • Microsoft Word 6.0 document (.doc)
   • Rich Text Format (.rtf) - printable using most word processors

   Once you have completed the registration form, please mail it along with class tuition to: The Canine Connection PO Box 7444 Chico, CA  95927

3. We require proof of all vaccinations before you bring your dog to class. Please ask your veterinarian to FAX these to us at (530) 345-1939. Dogs 4 months and older must be current on rabies, parvo-distemper (often called DHLPP), and bordetella. Dogs under 4 months old must have received a minimum of 2 (preferably 3) of their parvo-distemper vaccinations and the bordetella vaccination. Proof of rabies and final vaccinations must be received once your pup is 4 months old. Vaccinations must have been administered by a veterinarian or be documented by a veterinarian. In addition, we require your dog to be flea free.

Class Policies

Children

We encourage family members who will be participating in training your dog to attend class. However, for the safety of dogs and people we do not typically permit children under the age of twelve (12) to attend training classes without special consideration of your situation and the nature of the class. We have found that the attention span of young children can be shorter than that of puppies, and we want their parents to be able to fully concentrate on the class.

If you would like your child to attend class and participate in your dog's training, please call us to discuss your situation. Children can be good trainers but they do require special consideration in a class situation.

All minors (under 18) must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or have written permission from a parent or guardian to attend with another adult who will serve as the minor's guardian during class.

Multiple Dogs

For reasons of safety, we do not allow a single handler to bring multiple dogs to class. If you have multiple dogs, please ensure that you have multiple handlers – one for each dog.

Refunds

Refunds are issued prior to class if, and only if, we can fill your place in class, and have ample time (minimum of three days) to do so. Should we be able to issue you a refund for these reasons, a 10% processing fee is charged and 10 or more days must have passed since your check was deposited before a refund will be issued. We regret that we are unable to refund any portion of the class fees once class has commenced with our first session. If something unexpected makes it impossible for you to continue with class once you have started class with the first session, we will do our best to accommodate you in an upcoming class, space permitting (usually not ascertained until after that class begins). Oftentimes, spaces are not available for many months, if at all. For these reasons, please think seriously about your schedule and commitment to training, and your dog's suitability for group classes, before enrolling in our classes. If you are not sure if your dog is a suitable candidate for a group class, please contact us before you register for class so we can schedule an evaluation.

Make-Up Sessions

We realize that unexpected events can occasionally cause people to miss a lesson. We are usually able to get people caught up on missed material at the next class. If you would like to schedule a separate make-up session, these are charged at the hourly rate for private lessons.

Training Method

Our training method is based on the principles of positive reinforcement. Therefore, we do not permit the use of choke, prong (pinch), or electronic collars in class. We reserve the right to dismiss any participant from class, without refunding any portion of the class fee, if they persist in treating their dogs in ways that might cause physical or psychological harm.

Vaccinations and Flea Control

For dogs 4 months old and up: Rabies, DHLPP (distemper-parvo), and bordetella are required before your dog participates in class and YOUR DOG MUST BE CURRENT ON ALL VACCINATIONS. For puppies under 4 months old: Pups must have completed at least two of their parvo-distemper vaccinations and have received a bordetella vaccination to enroll in this class. Please note that the bordetella vaccination is not routinely given as part of puppy vaccination packages. We ask that your dog's vaccinations be administered at a veterinary office. We require a copy of these records that we can keep. Please check with your veterinarian to be sure your dog is current on all shots. We require all dogs to be flea free and on an effective flea control.