Registration FAQs
How do I know my registration has been received?
You will receive an email when you register for a class. You will receive another email when you are confirmed in the class (i.e. payment has been received and processed). IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION EMAIL, YOUR PAYMENT HAS NOT GONE THROUGH AND YOUR SPOT IN CLASS IS NOT SECURED - CONTACT US AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AS OUR CLASSES FILL QUICKLY! The quickest way to ensure registration and confirmation in a class is to use our online registration system and pay via either a credit card or PayPal account. Payment online is the fastest way to secure a spot, but payment can be mailed or completed in person at our facility during our open administrative hours (Monday and Tuesday 5:30-8:00 p.m. or Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) I don't see the class I want or it isn't offered on the day that I want. We update our schedule frequently. Please check back every couple of days to see if new classes have been posted to our schedule. The class I want shows full. Can I be placed on a waiting list? We do not have wait lists. If the class shows full, our system will not allow you to register. It is rare that we have openings occur. We suggest you check our schedule every couple of days for additional classes to be added. Attendance FAQs
Why don't dogs attend the first week of Adult Basic Skills, Puppy Kindergarten, Puppy Basic 2-6 Months, Puppy Basic 6-9 Months, Nervous Nellie, Frantic Fido, and Reactive Rover when this is a 'dog' training class?
The handlers are a very important part of the training process and we've found that having one class where we can focus on the handlers makes the entire session more productive. The first time with dogs in class is pretty exciting and often handlers aren't able to focus on the foundation exercises when they have an excited dog bouncing next to them. Safety procedures, housekeeping items, and initial teaching information is provided during the first class. Please leave dogs at home for Week 1 of these classes. You are given homework the first week so you can get started right away. Can multiple handlers come to class with the dog? Yes, multiple handlers can come to class but only one at a time will be out on the floor with the dog. It is important that everyone knows how to train the dog. Handlers are welcome to swap out during class. Can my children come? Children may come to most classes (with the exception of Nervous Nellie and Reactive Rover) but they must be able to sit quietly. Very young children sometimes have a hard time sitting for an hour, so in order for you to focus on the class you might consider a babysitter on class nights. Children 12 and older may handle the dog in class if they are physically able to control the dog, and have a parent ready and willing to jump in and help. Timing and consistency are very important when training, which can make it difficult for children. We generally recommend that the parents start the training process and include the children once the dog has a basic understanding of the behavior. Bitches in Season Bitches in season are not allowed in any classes other than dog show handling (must wear bitches britches). Class credit will be given only if the bitch comes in season within the first 3 weeks of class AND student notifies us at adminstaff@akdogsports.com within 3 weeks of class start date. |
Vaccination FAQs
What vaccinations are required and do I need to bring copies of vaccination records?
Proof of Distemper and Parvo vaccinations is required for all dogs. Proof of Rabies vaccination is required by 4 months of age. Alaska Dog Sports follows the guidelines set forth by the American Veterinary Medical Association, and Alaska State Law. Distemper/Parvo:
Rabies:
Please read the excerpt below taken in part from the AVMA article on "Common Sense Measures to Protect Your Dogs, Yourself and Others" A note about puppy socialization and the risk of disease The socialization period for puppies, which takes place from 6-14 weeks of age, is critical for a dog's behavioral development. During this time positive experiences with other dogs, people, noises and activities can reduce the likelihood of fearful behaviors, such as aggression and phobias, later in the dog's life. Puppies that are not properly socialized are more likely to develop behavioral problems that can make them unsuitable pets and increase the chances their owners will relinquish them to shelters. This socialization period overlaps a period of vulnerability to disease, including canine parvovirus and canine distemper virus infection. Puppies need socialization with other dogs, but those dogs must be well vaccinated and healthy. To fully protect your puppy from canine parvovirus, the last dose of the parvovirus vaccine must be at 14-16 weeks of age, regardless of the number of doses given at an earlier age. Until your puppy is fully protected, avoid taking it to dog parks or other areas where it has uncontrolled exposure to dogs with questionable or unknown vaccination histories. Having a puppy 6-14 weeks of age in socialization classes can offer excellent opportunities to properly socialize puppies but there is a disease risk. To reduce the risk, puppies in the classes should be of similar age and vaccination history and should be examined and found to be healthy by a veterinarian prior to starting classes. Proper sanitation (including immediate cleanup of 'accidents') during the classes helps provide additional protection from infection. The puppies' first vaccine should be administered at least 7 days prior to the first class. Puppies with signs of illness (diarrhea, coughing, fever, etc.) should not attend puppy socialization classes until they have recovered from their illness. If you allow your puppy to interact with dogs belonging to family or friends, make sure the dogs have been appropriately vaccinated and are adequately socialized to avoid bad experiences that could have negative long-term consequences to your puppy's behavior. Similarly, if you own an older dog and plan to introduce a puppy into your house, make sure the older dog is adequately vaccinated. It is important to understand that it is not until 7-10 days after the last vaccination at 14-16 weeks of age that the risk of infection is very low and you can increase the puppy's introduction and socialization with all dogs. |