+ How do I sign up for a class?

In order to sign up for a group class, please fill out the appropriate form on the group sign up page as well as the waiver! Make sure your dog fits the criteria for class ( on group service page) and please also forward along your dog’s vaccination records.

+ What if I have to miss a class?

If you need to miss a basic level class ( basic obedience, accelerated basic, basic for young) class for any reason please let your instructor know via email or text 24 hours in advance and you can make up the class in the next cycle of classes that we teach of that same cycle. You may only be permitted to makeup one class. There are no makeup classes allowed for Puppy K or Specialty classes

+ Can I still come to class if my dog is sick?

If your dog is sick, or you even think (s)he is sick (upset stomach, runny nose, etc), please skip class and take her/him to the vet to get the "all clear" before the next class. Another option is to come to class without your dog.

+ Do I have to wait to join Puppy Socialization Class until my puppy has all of its shots?

Puppies may come to Puppy Socialization Class or Puppy Kindergarten once they are 7 days AFTER their first rounds of shots. You will also need to show proof of a negative fecal exam from your local veterinarian.

No puppies are allowed in class if they are attending the dog park, central park off leash hours, or day care. For more information regarding the importance of early dog socialization, read http://www.hsmo.org/pet-training/avsab-on-importance-of-puppy.pdf

+ There is more than one person in my household. Should the whole family attend class?

We encourage the whole family to get involved from the beginning. This will ensure everyone is on the same page and will increase the likelihood of success as consistency is key in dog training. However, we do understand that matching schedules is not always possible. If this is the case we simply ask that the primary caregiver(s) of your dog attend. UPDATED FOR COVID* case by case basis based on current events. Currently two partners per dog are allowed. Masks are required. If you have special circumstances, please let us know in advance and we will do our best to work with you.

+ What should I bring to class?

We encourage that you have three types of treats for each class you attend:

• Low value (your pups kibble)
• Mid value (packaged treats like Zukes, Wellness, Stella and Chewy's)
• High value (grilled chicken, deli slices like turkey, hot dogs, cheese and peanut butter)

We also ask that you do not feed your dog at least two hours before class. Lastly, please make sure you have a chew toy your dog loves. This will help keep him/her distracted while commands are being explained and demonstrated.

+ Is there anything I should not bring to class?

We ask that no Martingale, Choke, Prong or Slip collars are worn in class as it could be dangerous to your dog and his/her classmates. If you walk your dog on one of these items please bring either a flat collar or harness to put on for class.

+ What is the refund policy?

Payment reserves your place in class. Fees are not refundable. Your registration is not confirmed until payment has been received.

If you must miss a class, please email to let us know, and we will send you the week’s homework to help you keep up and allow you to make up the class ( If it is a basic level class. Puppy K or speciality classes are not permitted makeups). If you do not let us know in advance, the basic makeup class will not be available.

If you have any concerns about your dog’s behavior with new dogs or people, please contact us before registering for class. Any dog, who in the trainer’s opinion poses a potential risk to any person or dog, may be asked to transfer from group classes to private lessons.

Any Refunds given will not include the credit card processing fee.

+ What will we cover in the first appointment?

The first portion of our initial appointment will be to discuss the areas you and your dog would like to improve. This will be the time for the trainer to learn your dog's history such as: behaviors, personality, health and approximation of daily schedule, the current behavioral issues you would like to work on, and to answer any questions you may have.

The second portion of the appointment will be hands-on work. This is when we will begin to address your concerns and demonstrate what you and your dog should work on until to correct your areas of concern.

Follow up appointments will consist primarily of hands-on work, but we are always happy to answer questions or review information to make sure you feel comfortable before moving onto the next step.

+ Do I need to have anything prepared for the first appointment?

We encourage that you have three types of treats for all of your training sessions:

• Low value (your pups kibble)
• Mid value (packaged treats like Zukes, Wellness, Stella and Chewy's)
• High value (plain grilled chicken, deli slices like turkey and ham, hot dogs, cheese and peanut butter)

We also ask that you do not feed your pup at least two hours before the session. Lastly, especially for the first session, please make sure you have a chew toy your pup loves. This will help keep him/her distracted for the first half of the initial session while we talk.

All dogs prior to their first session must complete our Contact Form and Waiver Form.

+ There is more than one person in my household. Should the whole family attend the sessions?

We encourage the whole family to get involved from the beginning. This will ensure everyone is on the same page and will increase the likelihood of success as consistency is key in dog training. However, we do understand that matching schedules is not always possible. If this is the case we simply ask that the primary caregiver(s) of your dog attend.

+ What if I have questions between appointments??

If you're working with your dog between sessions and feel stuck or have a question, just shoot us an email or give us a call and we'll gladly help! Emails and calls are unlimited and free for all Shelby Semel Dog Training clients!

+ Speaking of fees, how much do the lessons cost and how long is each lesson?

Appointment prices vary based on initial Vs follow up, In person Vs Virtual, and what trainer you are working with. More infortmation on the private session page of this website.

Package of 5/10 Follow Up lessons - 10% discount and expire in 6 months.

Multi dog households or aggression cases- Prices can vary. Please inquire.

+ What methods of payment do you accept?

Credit Card is our preferred method of payment. We also accept Venmo. We ask that all payments are made at least 24 hours before your appointment by contacting us and we require payment to hold your time slot.

Note: Weekday appointments sessions takes place between Monday - Friday between the hours of 12:00pm and 4:30pm.

Evening appointments sessions start at 5:00pm or later.

Weekend appointments are the entire day!

+ What happens if I have a scheduled appointment that I have to cancel or reschedule?

We understand that sometimes things come up and you cannot make your scheduled appointment. If this is the case we simply ask for a 48 hour notice before canceling or rescheduling an appointment. Without this 48 hour notice you will be charged 50% of your fee. IF YOU CANCEL WITHIN 5 HOURS OF YOUR SESSION THERE WILL BE 100% CHARGE.

+ What is the refund policy?

Once your payment has been processed we have a “no refund” policy.

Please note that, in lieu of a refund, training time may be transferred to another dog or, in some cases, to another client if the purchaser so wishes.

All private session packages expire within 6 months of date of purchase.