First Steps in Dog Training

Registration Policies and Procedures for Members

You do not have to be an NYOC member to register for training classes.

Registration and Payment

• Registration is completed online only. We do not accept registrations by telephone.
• If you have questions before registering, please contact our Training Secretary.
• Handlers under 14 years of age may be accepted at the discretion of the class instructor.
• Once a class is full, additional registrations will be placed on a waiting list or refunded, as appropriate.
• Withdrawals received less than seven days before the start of class are subject to a $25 administration fee.
• No refunds will be issued once classes have begun.
• Fees are not reduced for late registrations.
• Information provided on your registration form will be shared only with the class instructor and the Training Director. If your dog has health or behavioural concerns, or displays disruptive or aggressive behaviour in class, the Training Director may contact you to discuss the most appropriate course of action.

Member Discounts and Complimentary Classes

• First-year members should register using the member registration form but are not eligible for discounted class fees.
• Members who have made a significant volunteer contribution to the club (add link or definition) during the previous one or two years may apply for a 50% discount off the non-member class fee.
• Members who have served on the training staff during either of the previous two years may apply for one complimentary class per session.
• Depending on their level of volunteer involvement, training staff may apply for one additional discounted class.
• Member discounts and complimentary classes apply to one dog only, and that dog must be owned by the member.
• Up to two discounted or complimentary spaces will be reserved in each class until two weeks before classes begin. After that date, discounts will be granted only if space is available.
• When demand exceeds the number of discounted spaces available, priority will be given to members who did not receive a complimentary or discounted class in the previous session.

Health Requirements

To help provide a safe and healthy training environment for everyone:

• Proof of a current rabies vaccination is required for all dogs attending classes, except puppies that are not yet old enough to receive their final rabies vaccination. A photo, scanned copy, or the original certificate from your veterinarian is acceptable. Proof must be provided once each training year before your dog may participate in class.
• Puppies must have received their first set of vaccinations, including protection against parvovirus. Documentation is required.
• Female dogs in season may not attend class. We encourage handlers to attend without their dog so they can continue learning.
• Dogs that are ill should not attend class. If your dog becomes sick before class, please stay home and notify your instructor. You are welcome to attend without your dog to observe the lesson.

Safety

The safety and well-being of all dogs, handlers, instructors, volunteers, and spectators is our highest priority.

• If, in the opinion of the instructor or Training Director, a dog poses a safety risk or is unable to participate safely in a group class, NYOC may require the dog to withdraw from the program. In these circumstances, a prorated refund may be provided at the discretion of the Training Director.
• If a dog requires training or behaviour modification beyond the scope of a group class, we will recommend more appropriate resources, such as private instruction or behaviour consultation.
• The decision of the Training Director regarding participation in a class is final.

Liability

While every reasonable effort is made to provide a safe training environment, participation in NYOC classes and activities is at the owner's risk. NYOC, its officers, instructors, volunteers, and members are not responsible for the loss of, injury to, or damage involving any dog, person, vehicle, or personal property, whether caused by accident or otherwise.