+ 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.

+ Where do the training sessions take place?

Our initial consultation always occurs at your residence, and, depending on your goals and your dog’s training history, may progress to working outside. Subsequent sessions may occur outside in totality, be split between inside and out, or may occur inside only. It all depends on your dog and your training goals!

+ What is covered in the first session?

Initial consultations are approximately 90 minutes. This will be the time for your trainer to learn your dog's history, including prior training (whether professional or on your own), your dog’s life experience, personality quirks, health, and an approximation of daily schedule. You’ll also discuss any current behavioral issues you would like to work on. This is also the time to answer any questions you may have.

The second portion of the appointment will be hands-on work. You and your trainer will determine a training plan together, which typically involves management strategies to prevent unwanted behaviors from occurring, and training strategies that teach your dog what behaviors to do instead. Your trainer will demonstrate how to teach the new behaviors and then coach you as work with your dog.

Follow-up sessions start with a review of your dog’s progress since your previous session as well as answering any questions you may have before moving on to the next steps in your training plan. Follow up sessions are 60 minutes.

+ How do I schedule my session?

Scheduling is easy! First, fill out our intake form here. Once you’ve submitted your form, keep an eye on your email inbox for a welcome email from your trainer within 36 hours. Make sure to check your spam folder if you don’t see an email in your main inbox! You will schedule your session directly through your trainer, who will provide you with available times to choose from. Once you and your trainer have selected a date and time, we do require payment to officially book your session. Unfortunately, trainers are unable to hold your appointment time for you without payment.

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

Session fees and length vary based on type of lesson (initial consultation vs. follow-up, homeschool, fast track, and in person vs. virtual) and fees vary by experience level of the trainer. We match new clients with a trainer based on your location and training goals.

+ What methods of payment do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards through our website. We also accept Venmo (@shelbysemeldogtraining). When using Venmo, please put your trainer’s name in the “what it’s for” section so payment confirmation is forwarded to the correct trainer.

+ There is more than one person in my household. Should everyone 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 coordinating 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!

+ How should I prepare for the first session?

We ask that you do not feed your pup at least two hours before the session. Hungry dogs work better. Please make sure you have a chew or food toy your pup loves, especially for the initial consultation! This will help keep them occupied for the first half of the initial session while you and your trainer talk. We encourage you to have three types of treats for all your training sessions:

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

Additionally, all clients must have filled out the waiver.

+ What if I need to cancel or reschedule my training session?

We understand that sometimes things come up and you cannot make your scheduled appointment. If this is the case, we simply ask for 48 hours’ notice before canceling or rescheduling an appointment. Without this 48-hour notice you will be charged 50% of your fee. If you cancel within 12 hours of your appointment there will be a 100% charge.

+ What is your refund and expiration 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 consultations and follow up packages expire 6 months from purchase date.

+ Do you offer discounts?

We offer a discount on packages of 5 or 10 follow up sessions. Ask your trainer for more information!

+ What other private training options do you offer?

We have a lot of offerings to make sure our training programs are tailored specifically to your needs!

For puppies 6 months or younger, we offer a 10 session fast track program where one of our trainers will come work 1:1 with your puppy for 2 weeks. Four days per week your trainer will work 1:1 with your puppy for 45-60 minutes, and one 60 minute session at the end of each week for you and the trainer to demonstrate what your puppy learned and teach you how to practice on your own!

• You must have completed an initial consultation prior to signing up for the fast track program.
• All 10 sessions are required to be completed within a 2 week period
• All sessions must be scheduled with your trainer prior to purchasing the fast-track.
• Once purchased, this program is not able to be refunded or rescheduled

For puppies and adult dogs working on basic obedience and manners, we offer a homeschool program where a trainer will work with your dog 1:1 for 45 minutes per session. This program is ideal for owners with a busy work or family life!

• An initial consultation is required prior to purchasing a homeschool program
• A follow-up training session with you and your trainer is required prior to purchasing additional sessions
• You must complete all homeschool sessions within 30 days of the first scheduled session for packages of 5 sessions, and within 75 days for packages of 10 sessions
• Homeschool sessions that are rescheduled with less than 48 hours notice are charged a 50% fee
• Homeschool sessions that are rescheduled with less than 8 hours notice are charged a 100% fee
• This program is not eligible for behavior modification

For puppies and adults with behavioral concerns (fear or reactivity), we offer a 15 session reactivity fast track where one of our trainers will work 1:1 with your dog for 3 weeks. During this program, your trainer trains your dog for four 45-60 minute sessions weekly, focusing on management strategies and behavior modification. You’ll also schedule one 60 minute session weekly for your trainer to demonstrate what your dog has been learning and coach you on using these strategies with your dog.

• You must have completed an initial consultation prior to signing up for the fast track program.
• All 15 sessions are required to be completed within a 3 week period.
• All sessions must be scheduled with your trainer prior to purchasing the fast-track.
• Once purchased, this program is not able to be rescheduled or refunded
• Dogs with aggression and/or a bite history are not eligible for this program