Congratulations: You are now registered!
You should receive an email from us shortly that will let you set your password (check your SPAM folder).
If you do not recieve the email within 24 hours, please email us at [email protected].
If you do not recieve the email within 24 hours, please email us at [email protected].
We've put together some important information for you in the same format as your Course Homework, so you can learn how our homework system works, what equipment you will need for class, and why we don't allow dogs to interact face-to-face at class!
BEFORE CLOSING THIS PAGE: Bookmark this page or save the web address so you can reference it again.
BEFORE CLOSING THIS PAGE: Bookmark this page or save the web address so you can reference it again.
Click the BLUE bars below to expand.
How to Access your homework (Access limited to Index Page until class starts)
Now that you are registered in our homework system, once class starts you can simply go to www.sparksk9.com and use the navigatation bar to go to COURSE HOMEWORK-->BEGINNER NOVICE.
Once class starts you will gain full access to Lesson 1 materials; you will gain access to additional lessons each week as class progresses.
Once class starts you will gain full access to Lesson 1 materials; you will gain access to additional lessons each week as class progresses.
Equipment required for class
The basic equipment needed for class will be:
Longe Line For this class: each student will need a 15’ longe line. The basic 15’ x 5/8” cotton web longe line is what is fine. Longe lines MUST have a good quality swivel spring clip.
Collars: I recommend martingale collars for most dogs at this age, or quality slip chain collars, specifically, those made by Herm Sprenger, Mueller, or Titan. We typically have common sizes available for sale to our clients (measure the widest point around your dog’s head prior to the 1st class). Sizing collars Use the heaviest practical for the application. For most dogs, 3mm chain is the size to buy. For bigger dogs (90 lbs+) I use 4mm chain. The length of the collar should be equal to a measurement of once around the dog’s head (widest point), plus about 2 inches……or, just long enough to slip over his head and not have to pry it off.
Leash Material: I prefer and strongly recommend good quality leather leashes. Synthetic leashes are not comfortable in the hand and can cause burns/cuts. Length: 6’ (typical). Professional trainers will often find and optimized length based on several variables, but for our purposes in this class, you will want a good 6’ leash. We will have some leashes available for purchase at the 1st and 2nd classes.
- 15’ Longe line (required for week 1 homework)
- Properly fit chain choke collar (Herm Sprenger, Titan or Mueller brands only) or martingale collar (required starting day 1)
- 6’ Leather leash (required starting at week 1 class)
Longe Line For this class: each student will need a 15’ longe line. The basic 15’ x 5/8” cotton web longe line is what is fine. Longe lines MUST have a good quality swivel spring clip.
Collars: I recommend martingale collars for most dogs at this age, or quality slip chain collars, specifically, those made by Herm Sprenger, Mueller, or Titan. We typically have common sizes available for sale to our clients (measure the widest point around your dog’s head prior to the 1st class). Sizing collars Use the heaviest practical for the application. For most dogs, 3mm chain is the size to buy. For bigger dogs (90 lbs+) I use 4mm chain. The length of the collar should be equal to a measurement of once around the dog’s head (widest point), plus about 2 inches……or, just long enough to slip over his head and not have to pry it off.
Leash Material: I prefer and strongly recommend good quality leather leashes. Synthetic leashes are not comfortable in the hand and can cause burns/cuts. Length: 6’ (typical). Professional trainers will often find and optimized length based on several variables, but for our purposes in this class, you will want a good 6’ leash. We will have some leashes available for purchase at the 1st and 2nd classes.
RULES AND SAFETY
In our Beginner Novice Class, we work with dogs aged 4 to 7 months. Some are transitioning into the Adolescent Phase, while others are approaching or entering Sexual Maturity.
These once adorable, wiggly puppies are now becoming more curious, assertive, vocal, and occasionally, less polite young dogs.
To ensure a safe and productive learning environment, we have established straightforward safety and housekeeping guidelines for the Beginner Novice Class:
By following these rules, we ensure a secure and enjoyable learning environment for everyone in our Beginner Novice Class. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated."
These once adorable, wiggly puppies are now becoming more curious, assertive, vocal, and occasionally, less polite young dogs.
To ensure a safe and productive learning environment, we have established straightforward safety and housekeeping guidelines for the Beginner Novice Class:
- Leash Control: Keep your dog on a leash and under your control at all times, unless instructed otherwise.
- No On-Leash Interactions: For the safety of all, dogs are not permitted to meet, play, or interact with each other while on-leash in the classroom or parking lot.
- Respect Personal Space: Please maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet between your dog/handler team and others, unless otherwise instructed.
- Clean Up: Help us maintain a clean space by promptly picking up any trash or dog waste (inddors and out). There is a feces bucket outside at the side entrance. DO NOT throw dog feces in the indoor trash receptacles.
By following these rules, we ensure a secure and enjoyable learning environment for everyone in our Beginner Novice Class. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated."
