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 sparksk9services@gmail.com.
If you do not recieve the email within 24 hours, please email us at sparksk9services@gmail.com.
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 access to Lesson 1 ; you will gain access to additional lessons each week as class progresses.
Once class starts you will gain access to Lesson 1 ; 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
The dogs in this class range in age from 4 to 7 months old. Some are just coming into the Adolescent Phase, others are nearing (or entering) the Sexual Maturity Phase.
What were once cute, wiggly little puppies, are now more curious, pushy, loud, and sometimes just rude young dogs.
We have simple safety and housekeeping rules for Beginner Novice Class:
What were once cute, wiggly little puppies, are now more curious, pushy, loud, and sometimes just rude young dogs.
We have simple safety and housekeeping rules for Beginner Novice Class:
- All dogs are to remain on leash and under the control of their handler at all times (unless instructed otherwise).
- Dogs are not allowed to meet/play/interact on leash in the classroom or parking lot at any time.
- Give other dog/handler teams at least 6' of space at all times (unless instructed otherwise).
- Pick up your garbage/dog feces.
