WLAOTC Obedience FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions for WLAOTC Obedience Classes

The class that I am interested in is marked "FULL" on the website, can I still register for this class?

- No. Once a class is marked Full it is closed for registration. Please check for classes that are not marked full and have starting dates. There is no waiting list for most of our Obedience Classes. Please check the classes page for special instructions for some of our Advanced classes.

The class I am interested in registering for has a start date of TBD, can I pre-register for the next upcoming session?

- No. Please keep checking the website until a start date is posted.

What is the size limit for group classes?

- Puppy, Novice, Int. Novice, Adv. Novice, All Comp Prep is 12 students. Beg. Rally is 10 students. Adv. Rally is 12 students. Conformation is 14 students.

I am interested in signing up for a Obedience class with my dog. What classes do you offer and what is the cost?

- Please check our website and go to the "Classes" page and click on "Obedience" to find a full schedule of the classes we offer and prices.

I took a puppy or novice obedience class not from WLAOTC, can I enroll in in a WLAOTC class?

- You may enroll in a WLAOTC class for the next level your dog is ready for. Please check the website for class requirements and include what previous classes you have taken when registering. i.e. If you previously took a puppy class, you may sign up for a Novice Obedience class. If you have taken a Novice Obedience class you may sign up for a Intermediate Novice Class.

I have two puppies/dogs, can I take a class with both of them?

- You must have a handler for each dog enrolled in class. If you handle one puppy/dog, you must have a different person handle the second dog.

It is raining currently, or there is a chance of rain tonight. Will classes be held?

- If there is a question as to whether classes will be cancelled due to weather please do not send an email or leave a message. Please call and listen to the message on the club phone at (310) 851-6350. If classes are cancelled the message will be changed to reflect the status of classes for that day or night. For night classes please call after 3 pm and for Sunday morning classes please call after 7 am to check for a rain update.

I recently rescued/adopted my dog and it is aggressive to other dogs. Would a group class be right for me?

- Dogs with behavioral problems such as aggression, fearfulness or extreme shyness should not be enrolled in these group classes. Such dogs and their owner/handler should seek private instruction with an animal behaviorist.

My dog is not aggressive, but needs manners. Is a Novice Obedience class right for me?

- Certain "adolescent" behaviors can be corrected in a group class situation. If you are uncertain about your dog's behavior please contact us at obedience@wlaotc.com outlining the behavior problem you are experiencing and we will help you determine if your dog should be enrolled in our classes or not. We do reserve the right to dismiss unsuitable dogs from our group classes. However, some of our trainers do provide private instruction on their own time. You may send an email to obedience@wlaotc.com and we will forward your information to one of our trainers. There is no guarantee that they will be available for lessons and we cannot provide any information on cost.

Can I make-up a missed class?

- No make-ups are allowed in Puppy, Novice Obedience, Int. Novice, Advanced Novice, all Rally classes, Confirmation and Open/Utility classes. There will be no refund of class fees.

I've recently adopted/rescued a young or adult dog. He is very smart and a quick learner. He is house-broken and knows sit, stay, down, etc. What class should I take?

- Even if your dog already knows basic commands, a Novice Obedience class would be a good choice to start your training with. Group classes offer a different environment for learning for your dog. Basic obedience skills for handler and dogs are taught and would be beneficial in helping to build a lasting relationship with your dog.

I just got a puppy, he/she is 8 weeks old, can I take a puppy class?

- Your puppy needs to be at least 3 months old and have all of its shots in order to sign up for a puppy class. This is for the safety and health of your puppy and other students in the class.

Do you offer private training as I am not available for the class times you have listed on your website and/or I do not think my dog would be right for a group class?

- We do not offer private training through our club. However, some of our trainers do provide private instruction on their own time. You may send an email to obedience@wlaotc.com and we will forward your information to one of our trainers. There is no guarantee that they will be available for lessons and we cannot provide any information on cost.

I've submitted my information on-line to register for a class, but I haven't mailed in the registration form or a check. Am I guaranteed to have a spot in the class?

- No. The on-line information you submit just informs the class registrar that you are interested in signing up for that class. Your spot will be held tentatively until your registration check and form are received. However, if the class fills quickly and you do not send in your materials, your space will be given to the student whose check and form are received first.

I've mailed in my registration form and check, but the class does not start until a couple of months. When will my check be cashed?

- Sometimes our classes fill in advance of the class start date. Checks are deposited as soon as the class is filled and marked Full on website. The exact date might vary due to certain circumstances and checks may be cashed well in advance of the actual class start date.

I've mailed in my check for a class but have not received a confirmation. Am I enrolled in the class.

- Typically, the registrar for the class will send a confirmation email that your check has been received and you are enrolled in class. If you have a question or concern you may email obedience@wlaotc.com

I am currently in a WLAOTC Obedience, Rally or Conformation Class (Novice, Int. Novice, Adv. Novice, Comp Prep, Open/Utility, Conformation, Beg. Rally, Adv. Rally) and I've had to miss a few classes due to vacation, health issues, my dog being sick, etc. Can I make-up a class in another class either this session or next?

We do not allow make-ups or pro-rated fees for any of our classes. The only exception is for Puppy And Manners Class. The rules for this class are included in the registration packet for the class. There will be no refund of the class fee once you have mailed your registration form and check in for a class.

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