Why take classes?

 

Seeking instruction from someone who knows the sport inside out can help you in a multitude of ways, and often in ways you didn't even realize. When trying something new, you don't know what you don't know, right?  Whether your goal is to compete or to just have fun, there are very subtle but distinct things to do and not to do when introducing your pup to the pool.  We are here to help you do your best to help your dog feel as comfortable and confident as possible going into the water, and to continue to build on that confidence over time.

 

What if I don’t care about actually competing?

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No problem!  We are here to help you have fun with your dog in the safest and most positive way possible, so that you and your pup can enjoy pool time together in a way that makes you both happy, whatever your goals may be.

 

How do classes work?

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Classes are usually booked as either 3 dogs per hour, or 6 dogs per 2 hours. Each dog/handler team will have two training sessions of approximately 10 minutes each, done in a rotation with the other teams in the class to give each team a break between sessions.  This may not sound like a lot of time, but we have found this to be the ideal time period and process to not overwhelm the dog either physically or mentally, and to allow for maximum learning for everyone involved. Believe it or not, sometimes even two 10 minute sessions are too much at first. 

 

Can any breed of dog do this?

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Yes!  Big dogs, little dogs, mixed breeds and purebreds of all kinds enjoy this sport!  Your dogs breed or type alone does not prevent them from participating.  Just like us, every dog is an individual, so there will be some that are just not into it, but we have found that, as long as they are introduced properly and with patience (never force!!)  most dogs discover that they really enjoy it.

 

What if my dog is reactive or dog aggressive?

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Even though the classes themselves include multiple dogs, each actual dog/handler session is strictly one dog at a time unless Vit is specifically utilizing a 2nd dog for training purposes. The dock itself is fully contained, and the pool and dock are also contained within a perimeter fence. No other dogs are allowed within these fences while you are having your session. We are also very sensitive to and savvy about the logistics of working around reactive dogs, especially in a highly stimulating dog sport situation, so we are fully capable of providing a safe and comfortable working environment for you and your reactive dog.  All we ask is that you please let us know when scheduling your class that you have a reactive dog so that we can be sure to plan accordingly for you.

**PLEASE NOTE:  Dogs that are aggressive toward humans will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us to discuss ways we might be able to help you participate.

 

What should I expect during our first class?

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Be patient and don’t go into it with any specific expectations, other than to listen to what your dog needs and to do the best to support them as they learn.  I promise you, if you give them the time they need to become comfortable with the process, you will be investing in the bigger picture, which will result in a more comfortable and confident dog.  Remember, you need to create a solid foundation of trust and confidence upon which to build.

 

Will my dog jump off the dock during our first class?

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It is possible, but many dogs who are being introduced to the pool for the first time need time to become accustomed and comfortable with the location, the dock itself, the water, etc.  For some dogs this takes a matter of minutes, but for many dogs it is a process that takes several exposures to the pool.      

 

What if I want to learn and maybe compete, but my dog isn’t a “Big Jumper?"

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That’s okay!  This is about having fun with your dog, not breaking world records!  As long as you and your dog are having a good time, the distance they jump is just a number!  If you choose to compete, there are several divisions based on the distance they jump, so you can still earn ribbons and be in the top of your division.

 

What can I do to help my dog be as ready as possible for our lesson?

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This sport strictly uses toy drive as a motivator (no food or treats are allowed on the dock), so anything you can do to build up your dog’s toy drive will only help once you get to the pool.  You want to be sure you are building excitement for a toy that floats, but you also want it to be a toy that you can actually be interactive with (tugging, etc.), as well as a toy that gives the dog a decent sized “target” to go after. We recommend avoid using tennis balls or similar sized toys.  We suggest toys like Wubbas (made by Kong), ChuckIt! Bumpers, etc. -  toys that will both fly and float well, are easily visible to the dog, and are also relatively easy to use to build toy drive at home.  There are many very helpful articles and videos available – just Google “Building toy drive in my dog” to find them.

 

My dog is deaf, can she still come to a class?

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Absolutely! As long as the dog is willing to go into the water on their own - absolutely NO pushing, pulling, or physical coercion of ANY kind will be tolerated and may result in your being excused from the class with no refund.   The only time we would decline a dog from class is if they have either a temporary or permanent physical limitation that would make it unsafe for them to be in/around the pool or the dock.  Examples of this would be dogs who are completely blind, obviously lame, significantly overweight, have open sores or wound(s) anywhere on the body, etc.  A dog missing a leg would be considered on a case-by-case basis due to the intense physical nature of the sport.  Please understand that your dog’s health and safety are our first concern.  If for any reason we feel that it is unsafe or potentially harmful to your dog (either physically or emotionally) to attempt any of the exercises or training provided, we reserve the right to decline to allow participation in class. Should such circumstances occur, a full refund of your class fee will be provided..

 

Are private lessons ever offered/available?

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Occasionally.  If you are interested in booking a private lesson in order to focus on a specific thing (such as fine-tuning your bumper throw, for example), or to try to troubleshoot an issue you’ve encountered, please reach out to us. Private lessons are scheduled for 30 minutes and are scheduled by prior arrangement.

 

Do I need to bring anything specific to class?

Yes, there are a few items that should come with you to class:

• Your dog’s favorite toy(s) that floats

• Towels for drying your dog

• A water bowl for your dog

• Plan to sit with your dog in between sessions while others in the class rotate their sessions.  If you prefer, you are welcome to bring a crate for your dog.

• A swimsuit and/or change of clothes and a towel for yourself in case you need to go into the pool to help your dog feel more comfortable at first.

 

We are excited to offer these classes and really enjoy helping others strengthen their bonds with their dogs through dog sports.  We are hugely supportive of fun competitions, and we will always do everything possible to teach you and your dog in a way that will give you a great foundation to compete if you choose to do so.  That said, we will also encourage and frequently remind you that, while competition is great, at the end of the day it’s all just a game. We are playing with our best friends to HAVE FUN!