FAQ

Below are some commonly asked questions.  Please contact us if you have any questions we have not answered.

 

What classes do you offer for dogs with special needs (such as fearfulness or aggressive behavior)?

Not all dogs are ready for group classes.  In beginner-level classes, every attempt will be made to help owners work through behavior problems their dogs might have.  However, some dogs have issues which need to be addressed before they join group class.

  • Excessive barking
  • Excessive fearfulness
  • Uncontrollable behavior
  • Unfriendliness
In these cases, students may be referred to our list of private trainers.

 

What is your refund policy?

To help support our clients and students, refunds are given on an individual client basis.  Refunds are pro-rated based on the number of weeks remaining on a student’s training pass, minus a 10% administrative fee.

 

Do you offer any discounts? 

We have several discounts available to club members, senior citizens, active or retired military personnel.  Click here for more information about our discounts and payment options.

 

How do I make up a class in the open registration classes?

If you are unwell, contact the office before your class. We will accommodate 1 make-up sessions if you are ill and have to miss a class. We do require that you notify the office BEFORE class. Call/text 314-832-DOGS (3647) or send an email to office@gsltc.org

 

Are children allowed in class?

We welcome two Covid-19 fully vaccinated and up-to-date boostered handlers per dog so yes, an adult can bring one child.


Because of their quick movements and louder voices, children can sometimes startle dogs. For safety reasons, we ask you to remember the following:

  • Your child should stay with you at all times; moving around the room on their own can be distracting to dogs and people.
  • Most of class is spent practicing training skills, but there are times when the instructor will be talking. Please consider bringing quiet activities for your child during the “talk” time in class if they have difficulty listening quietly.
  • Although we only allow dogs in adult classes who can be around people, all adult dogs have not been around children. Your child should approach/pet other dogs only when supervised by the instructor in Foundation Manners classes.
  • In Puppy Classes, children can play a helpful role in helping socialize puppies. But to make the experience a positive one for everyone, the interaction needs be supervised. Your instructors will give specific directions, which we would expect you to help your child follow.
  • If your child struggles with sitting quietly, please remove your child from class.

 

Class cancellation due to weather?

All class cancellations will be posted on our website by 1:00 pm on the day of class, during inclement please remember the check the site before you head to class.

 

Returning to classes after a break?

If you’ve attended a Behavior and Training 101 seminar within the last 2 years, you’re not required to attend again.  Students are welcome to take the seminar as a refresher.  However, students who have attended a seminar more than 2 years ago are required to attend again.  Fees are waived for students repeating the seminar after 2 years or more, or taking it as a refresher course. Contact us at office@gsltc.org if you’re attending again as a refresher.

 

What are the club’s vaccination requirements?

Please visit our  Vaccination Requirements page for details.

 

What training methods do you use in your classes?

We use reward-based, force-free training methods. We incorporate a special marker, usually a “clicker,” to increase the rate of learning for your dog. For more information on the benefits of reward-based training, visit Our Training page.