Handlers for Beginner Obedience Classes

We ask that one person take on the primary responsibility of being the in-class handler. This person is known as the primary handler. The primary handler must be over the age of 12; no exceptions. However, this does not mean that your spouse or significant other is off the hook! We want them to attend class with you, and we actually encourage them to do so. Especially important is the entire family's attendance at week one of Beginner Obedience.

Can my child help me during the class?

We do allow co-training in which a parent (the primary handler) and a child over the age of 8 years (the co-handler) are both on the floor together. Please note, however, that the child must be accompanied by the adult at all times and that the adult must maintain control of the leash at all times.

This policy is in place for safety reasons. There are other dogs in the class, and it is important that each dog is safe during training sessions. If, at any time, the instructor feels that a situation has become unsafe, then a change must be made to an adult-only handler.

Can someone fill in for me if I am out of town?

We do allow a family member to handle your dog in the absence of the primary handler. However, we hope that the person filling in attended with you back on week one or has been present for at least most of the subsequent classes.

Can the rest of the family be there too?

Family members are welcome to attend. However, don't crowd your dog. We ask that you allow your dog to participate in the class with just one handler at a time. So if you would like to handle Fido for part of the time, and then have your spouse or significant other handle him for part of the time, that's fine; we just ask that the other person sit on the sidelines when they are not handling the dog. It makes it easier for your dog to pay attention when there is just one person trying to get their attention. :->

If are not bringing another adult along to class with you and you have young children, they will need to be able to quietly occupy themselves throughout the class. You will be busy handling your dog, and you will be moving around the room, so they cannot always accompany you.

Feel free to observe a class if you have any questions about how they operate.