What To Bring To Classes
(See Below For Additional Covid-19 Rules/Restrictions)
Proof of dog's vaccinations or titers (first class only). Failure to provide proof of vaccinations may eliminate you from participation.
A 4-6ft nylon or leather leash (no flexi/extendable/retractable leashes).
Your dog should be wearing a regular flat collar that does not include a sliding plastic snap (these have been known to pop open/break and are potentially dangerous as a result). A well fitted body harness is also accepted/preferred. A martingale collar or non-slip head halter are acceptable as long as they are fitted correctly and not used in a manner to correct, cause pain, fear or to punish the dog.
Note: The following tools are strictly prohibited; any and all shock equipment, choke chains, slip collars/slip halters/slip leads, pinch/prong collars and retractable leashes or any tool or technique designed or used in a manner to cause injury, pain or fear to a dog. For more information visit the Resources Page on our website or; www.ipdta.org for detailed links/research.
Healthy soft training treats with a lot of aroma (not kibble). A variety of treats will be available at our facility to purchase if you don’t have anything or run out.
Bring your dog on a fairly empty stomach with at least a 4 hr window since any meal. If your normal evening feeding time is close to the time of class, we recommend adjusting the schedule to suit or skipping the evening meal and feed them that one when you come home from class instead (deduct the quantity of treats used in class). This is to prevent any cramping or bloat due to exercises and/or playtime, and maintain the value of the temporary training treats used to focus and motivate your dog.
Minimum 1 adult handler/dog is required.
Handlers should dress appropriately. During cold/rain/inclement/extreme heat/humidity, classes will be held indoors. When the weather permits, classes will held outdoors. Handlers should be wearing comfortable, rubber soled shoes (no bare feet, plastic soles, flip-flops, dress shoes/high heels).
Male dogs over six months of age must be neutered. Females in season are not permitted.
Only dogs that are friendly and receptive towards other dogs and people may attend classes.
Aggressive, reactive or dogs with extreme fears are not suited/permitted in classes - see Private Training page for this service.
**COVID-19 Rules/Restrictions:** (As of September 2022 & still in place as at March 2023 )
It has been a very difficult few years and we appreciate and thank every one of our clients for their kindness, understanding and support throughout all of it. Here are the additional Covid Policies still in place:
Handler Limit: Only 1-2 Handlers Per Dog Allowed & Must Be Healthy Adults Over 18 years of Age - (No Exceptions). While we have always enjoyed family member involvement (including children), due to safety and social spacing requirements, we have had to enforce this limit.
Face Masks: Effective March 21, 2022, the Ontario Province and Region of Waterloo lifted the mask mandate. Delightful Dogs continues to care very much about everyone's safety and comfort. Whenever in close contact with a client inside of our facility, our staff will continue to wear masks. We will also continue with our sanitation and social distancing protocols that are already in place.
Following the advice and recommendations from the government; it is encouraged that anyone who has not received all recommended doses of the vaccine or those who are immune compromised, wear one. However, we respect that it is an individual decision and we will support everyone's choice. We implore that everyone be considerate and kind towards one another for whatever choice they make.
Covid Exposure: Should you have been exposed or tested positive for the Covid virus, please contact us immediately with dates and details to verify/confirm exposure and risk. The following recommendations from the CDC are to be followed before you may return to classes: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html There are no make up classes or refunds and private training is not an option. You may have an alternative friend or family member (that is Covid free) bring the dog to classes in your stead. If this is not an option, you will be given instructions of what exercises to refer to from your manual to work on at home until you are safe to return again.