FAQ
Below are some commonly asked questions. Please contact us if you have any questions we have not answered.
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.
Do you offer classes 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 that need to be addressed before they join group class.
- Excessive barking
- Excessive fearfulness
- Uncontrollable behavior
- Unfriendliness
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?
Are children allowed in class?
Children over 5 years old are welcome in class with a supervising adult.
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.
- Children often make great trainers, but can be amazing distractions. One adult should supervise a young child while another trains the dog.
- 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 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 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?
We try to post class cancellations by 4:00 pm on the day of class. During inclement weather, remember the check the site before you head to class. We also attempt to contact students by email.
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 haven’t attended a seminar within the last 2 years, and haven’t continued to train with us 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 are your holiday breaks?
We have weeklong breaks for these holidays: Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving. From Thanksgiving until Christmas, we hold classes only for Puppy Kindergarten. There is then a break for all classes from Christmas thru early January.
What happens if a puppy ages out of class?
As your puppy ages, he will be moved up to the appropriate class. Should your puppy age out of Puppy Kindergarten (15 weeks) before using all 5 classes, those classes will transfer to Puppy Elementary. You will receive an email when it is time for your puppy to move up. You don’t need to do anything but bring your puppy to class.