Facility Rules

Facility Rules & General Class Information:

Welcome to The Right Steps! You may look at the Facility Rules below and be a tad overwhelmed ~ please do not be ~ as these rules are in place to provide a "Safe & Fun Positive Class Environment & Experience for both puppies, dogs, & their people" (a priority for us). 'Please read with enthusiasm knowing they are in place to provide a great & positive learning environment'! ~ :o) ~

"Please follow these rules while on the training site, so it can be a safe, fun, and enjoyable experience for everyone! Thank You."

Parking: Parking is available in front of and behind the training facility (please do not block drive ways or garage door ways ~ 'Park in marked parking spaces only.'). There is NO PARKING along the side of the building. I cannot emphasize this enough. It is a wide driveway for trucks that come in and out, even late at night. There is one marked disability space on the left side/front of our building for disabled parking only. Also after business hours and on weekends, parking may be available at the building to the left of our building (as long as they have a minimum of 3-4 parking spaces remaining for their clients, should they come in to work after hours/on weekends).

The Right Steps Training Facility has a gate at it’s entrance that functions as a double lock. If anyone is in the space between the front door and the gate, please wait to open the front door. When entering the facility, be sure the front door is completely closed before opening the gate and be sure to close the gate behind you. This helps to ensure the safety of the puppies during the class. One family and their puppy coming and going at a time. Safety is a must!

For safety of both puppies and people during puppy play time do not open exercise pens or climb over the exercise pens. If you need to exit the play area or need a mop/etc. please get the Trainer's attention for assistance. If you see a puppy pee or poop during the play session please let other puppy owners in your area know, so you may all leash your puppies until it can be cleaned up properly.

Potty areas are limited to the indoor facility potty and the fire hydrant near the street. The bushes and planters in the parking lots, as well as the surrounding residential areas, are off limits. Always clean up after your puppy. Carry plastic bags for quick and easy cleanup. While the rubber floor will not absorb urine, if your puppy urinates on an area where it interlocks, it needs to be taken apart and cleaned after class. Circling the area with chalk will help me locate the area later. Chalk can be found on the window sill and on both white shelves.

The red fire hydrant trash can in the Puppy Potty Area is for all puppy waste and other type of personal trash. The trash can in the restroom is only for paper towels, toilet paper, and feminine hygiene trash. Please only put toilet paper in the toilet as plumbing bill are VERY expensive/costly and there are no reasons for anything to go down the toilet other than toilet paper! If you find the restroom is out of toilet paper, paper towels, or soap please let us know right away~"Thank You".

You will want to bring your puppy to class on a flat collar (and/or a body harness for small breed puppies especially) with a 6 ft. leash. Use of a quality leather leash is promoted (6 feet in length and no more than 3/4 inch in width) for the owners comfort (easy to grip and keep a hold of, as well as gentler on your hands). Please do not use a Flexi-leash (retractable leash), choke or pinch collar, or shock collar.

Owners whose puppies are hard to control are asked to consider using a Sense-Ible Harness or a headcollar. Sense-ible harnesses sold at the facility include a personalized fitting. Gentle Leader Headcollars are available along with a private session to acclimate the dog and teach the owner how to use it.

Again, No Flexi-leashes, no Choke Chains, no Prong Collars, and no Shock Collars please as we only use and promote positive training methods in our Training Facility.

Bring to class a variety (4-5 types) of small/tiny treats already prepared/sized for your puppy and a toy (greenie, stuffed Kong, rawhide, etc. but no squeaky toy please) to distract them if they begin to bark during the Trainer's demonstration. The facility provides each puppy with one canvas treat bag to tie around your waist so it is easy for students to use their treats in class. The student with the treat bag and leash should be working the puppy, when switch to new handler in your family hand them the bag and leash with the puppy. The Person with the leash works the puppy (unless in the case of an adult/child, then adult may need to hold the leash while the child works with the puppy).

There is always water for the puppies in the facility, please let your puppy drink when thirsty. Water bowl area is only closed off during the play time to keep the puppies from making a water mess. However, water will be offered during the play time. If your puppy needs water during play time before it is offered please get the Trainer's attention to bring your puppy water. For class time there are treats on the wall in small dispenser bins, if your puppy is not working for your treats you may try one of ours.

*Vaccine Requirements: Please make us aware of any concerns of your Veterinarian. We promote good relations between puppy owners and their Veterinarian and staff as this is very important! Copies must be provided for all vaccines that the Facility may keep for their files. Copies must be received before puppy comes to class or puppy will be unable to enter the facility. "Proof of a Veterinarian Exam by your Vet. is required, this is to insure healthy puppies are entering our facility to keep puppies in class as safe as possible."

Prior to their first class, with the puppies (week #2), the puppies must have been in your home more than 10 days and have been examined by 'your' Veterinarian.

*Junior Puppy Class are ages 10 weeks of age to 16 weeks of age, these puppies must be current on their puppy vaccines based on their personal age and their Veterinarian's vaccine guidelines. We understand these puppies are too young to have all their vaccines, however they must be current on their puppy cycle of vaccines based on their ages. "Proof of a Veterinarian Exam by your Vet. is required." The facility is vacuumed & mopped prior to these puppies arriving for their class and we offer an indoor litter box.

Jr. Puppy Classes include an optional 'complimentary' 20-25 minute off leash puppy playtime. These play sessions are encouraged. However, The Right Steps reserves the right to decline any puppy’s participation in the play group if it is warranted, as play group is for friendly and nice playing puppies only as the goal of the play session is the bulk of the puppies have 'positive' play experiences.

*Senior Puppy Class are ages 16 weeks of age to 32 weeks of age, these puppies must be current on all vaccines (including Rabies for puppies 5 months of age or older). Bordetella is "highly" recommended every 6 months, to avoid the contact and/or spread of the Kennel Cough Virus. "Proof of a Veterinarian Exam by your Vet. is required."

Senior Puppy Classes include an optional 'complimentary' 15 minute 'on leash' fun session (fun content varies & may include: tricks, leave it, agility fun equipment to build confidence, go to your spot, clicker practice and exercises, or other fun options) after each class. However, these classes do not include an off leash play session.

*"Complimentary" Play Sessions in our Group Puppy Classes are "Complimentary". Please Note: Clients are paying only for the Group Class Time/Space not the 'complimentary' playtime. The goals of puppies in the group puppy classes are to promote calm behavior and focus on their owners. Please understand the goal of the playtime &/or meet and greet time is to provide the 'bulk' of the puppies in the class with a 'positive' experience. "The goal is to set the puppies up for success, not failure." Trainer decision is final. No refunds.

If your puppy is ill, please leave it at home. You are welcome to come and participate yourself, so you will know what to work on the following week. If you miss a class, homework will be sent to you so you can keep up with the class. If your puppy is to ill to continue multiple classes we will await a clean bill of health from your Veterinarian before transferring the healthy puppy to a new class. We will personally contact your Veterinarian before transferring puppy to a new class.

Spay and Neuter: Although we recommend spaying and neutering your puppy, please refer to your Veterinarian on the best time to spay or neuter your pet. Please understand the general rule from Veterinarians for puppies with no complications is no running/playing type activity is 14 days. Veterinarians generally allow puppies to attend class after a minimum of one week after a spay or neuter, and attend the play sessions after 14 days. For the safety of the puppies please strictly follow your Veterinarians directions. Puppies in heat are unable to attend classes. It is your responsibility to schedule you puppy's spay or neuter best so that it does not impact your scheduled class. For their safety puppies spayed/neutered under the advised time by your Veterinarian will not be allowed to attend class or play time. Owners may come to class without their puppies and watch the session and pick up their current homework for the time they will miss.

Please choose your Class Date and Time carefully as there are "no" free make up group class sessions offered. For students who miss a week, the homework is sent out via e-mail, so the said student may keep up with the class. There are no refunds. Classes are not transferable.

*Children & Puppy or Dog Group Classes Policy: Please note only "well behaved children" age 10 years and older are allowed and encouraged to attend puppy classes with parental supervision (at all times). Children attending ages 10 and over must be well behaved and not disruptive to the puppy classes, other students, and trainer (examples but not limited to: no running, no yelling, interrupting the trainer while talking, standing or lying on chairs, out-talking the trainer, up and down up and down in chairs, in/out of the training facility, etc.) for their safety, safety of puppies and clients in class, & as well as out of respect for the other paying clients there for "puppy training". Trainer decision is final. If a child is no longer able to attend due to disrupting the class parents will be notified in writing via e-mail, there are no refunds, it is the parent's sole responsibility to make arrangements for child care at home so they may come and train the puppy in the "puppy and/or dog" class.

"Please understand Clients are here to train puppies/dogs and need to be able to hear the Trainer ~ Trainer as well needs to be able to focus on paying students and not supervise clients children".

*For families with young children age 9 years and younger and/or childcare issues we do offer Private Lessons by appointment for both puppies and dogs and their families. Standard Private Lesson Fee applies.

Please note: we do offer a one time 45 minute Make Up session as a Private Lesson for $50.00 by appointment at the Training Facility (Tues. or Thurs. morning or afternoon by appt.).

While one of the goals of this class is to socialize puppies, it is important to realize that each puppy will have to find it’s own ‘comfort zone’. We all need to be aware of how our puppy is responding to a particular situation, or how other puppies are responding to ours. In this class and elsewhere as you travel about, ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS be willing to remove your puppy from situations you are uncomfortable with. It’s all about POSITIVE experiences! Please pay attention to your puppy and be supportive if your puppy is fearful or unsure both during class time as well as play time.

We have bandanas at the training facility your puppy may wear if you wish, for puppies that may be nervous or concerned, when other puppies are too close to their personal space during class time. We have white, blue, and red bandanas. Please ask to borrow one, then return to the Trainer at the end of each session.

Please be aware that some puppies are not comfortable with other puppies blasting into their space. If you have an eager greeter, be conscious of other puppies response. If you have a puppy with space issues, caution the owners of other puppies when they are getting too close to your puppy, please advise the Trainer if you need assistance with this.

If you are feeling frustrated because your puppy is either to hyper or too shy to be able to work and focus on you please bring it to our attention right away. There are things we can do to help you both out while we teach you to get and maintain your puppy's focus or build it's confidence. We can pull a exercise pen out across the facility and put a sheet over it to help you both relax and focus. As you are able to start to work together as a team, the barrier goes away.

Please bring any concerns to our attention sooner than later. In order for us to address any issues, we need to be made aware of your concerns or questions. We work hard to promote good relations between clients and The Right Steps.

Puppies who are found to be either dog or people aggressive in class will be pulled from that class and future classes. These puppies will be referred out to special training options as Private Lessons.

To prevent your puppy from being a slug and sleeping through class, it may help to feed him no closer than 6 hours prior to class, and to give him ample ‘down time’ a few hours before class starts (please contact us for any health concerns). For high energy puppies allow them time to have ample exercise and play time during the day prior to class. Also give him a chance to relieve himself at home. Most puppies are excited in a new environment and find it difficult to get down to business.

Please wear shoes with soles that provide good, stable traction. Avoid open toe shoes, sandals, thongs, high heels, etc that can cause you to slip, fall, &/or get toes/foot stepped on by puppies/dogs.

If you have hearing difficulties or other special physical needs we should be advised of, please let us know, as we try hard not to leave anyone out. For example clients with hearing difficulties we will go to first after doing the class demos to make sure they understand the exercise, then go on to assist the other students. Also, you are welcome to bring with you a friend or family member to assist you during the class.

In the event that you experience ‘technical difficulties’ with your puppy, please don’t wait until class to discuss them with me. Many problems have simple solutions. The whole purpose of these classes is to offer support to the puppy owner: "Please call or e-mail. Remember, we want to know so we can assist you to succeed"!

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Please respect The Right Steps Trainer and it’s students:

Turn cell phones OFF during class and play as it is disruptive to the other students and trainer!

When attending your class or play time, be courteous and be on time as late entries are very disruptive to the Instructor, puppies, and their families.

Other than taking a puppy outside to go potty when needed, please do not go in and out/in and out the door during class or play as door activity is very disruptive!

*Well-behaved children "age 10 years and older" are welcome and encouraged to attend and be part of the training session with their family and puppy.

"Please Understand: Clients are here to train puppies/dogs and need to be able to hear the Trainer ~ Trainer as well needs to be able to focus on paying students and not supervise clients children".

*Children who are disruptive to the class, the other students, and/or the Trainer, parents and child will be immediately asked to leave for that class session and the child or children stated will not be invited back to future sessions. There will be no refund or free make ups for missed sessions.

*It is advisable for some children there be one parent attending for the puppy and one for the child as there is no running, yelling, or otherwise disruptive behavior allowed in the training facility both for their safety as well as the other students safety puppy and human alike! Children must remain with parents at all times. Minors (under age 18) must be accompanied by an adult during both class and playtime.

Rough handling of dogs will not be tolerated whether by adult, teenager, or child (this includes but is not limited to: slapping or hitting your puppy, alpha roll overs, and rough scruff holds/shakes)! As this is a positive puppy training class, there is a "zero" tolerance policy to any and all rough handling of puppies in class. Owners will receive a polite, but immediate reminder to please handle their puppy with more positive methods and respect in class and play. If rough handling occurs a second time, the owners and puppies will be ask to immediately leave the training facility and will not be allowed to continue any remaining classes. Homework will be e-mailed to the puppy owner for any remaining classes; however "NO" refunds will be given. This policy is not negotiable.

Our goal is to create and promote a fun, positive, and quality learning experience both for puppies and owners in the class. Please understand, rough handling is not only uncomfortable for the puppy being handled, but for the other Students and Trainer as well. If you are feeling frustrated with your puppy, please address the issue with the Trainer before frustration mounts; other training options will be offered and discussed (Private Lessons are available upon request, rates will be quoted at that time or can be found on The Right Steps website www.therightsteps.com under Private Lessons). We understand puppies, like small children and teenagers can be frustrating; we are here to assist you and your puppy in surviving the experience so you may enjoy a quality lifelong relationship.

The area in the back of the facility, behind the exercise pen that is attached to the wall is off limits for all students at all times (except the emergency door in an emergency). This area is for employees only. Please do not open gate or reach over the fence. This area is maintained for the trainer's dogs as a quiet, relaxed, safe area when they are in attendance. Please do not sit personal items on the totes behind the fence as they might fall off or behind and be missed. There is a back door that may be used by any student in the facility, in the event of an emergency, as an "Emergency Exit "~again this door is used for emergency exits only. "Thank You."

Repeated violations of any of the above Facility Rules may result in removal from the training site, at the discretion of The Right Steps Trainer. In such cases, no refunds will be given.

There are no refunds for classes and classes are not transferable. As our classes are kept small to allow for personalized attention, students are purchasing a specific class space, date, and time whether puppy &/or owner is or is not present. $125.00 payment, complete application packet, and all vaccine records must be received no later than 48 hours prior to your first class date and starting time to reserve your space.

Please note our prices, for what we offer at The Right Steps, are very competitive for the Sacramento Area. "Quality customer service is very important to us". We are truly a small local business with an excellent reputation!

Welcome to The Right Steps! You may look at the Facility Rules above and be a tad overwhelmed ~ please do not be ~ as these rules are in place to provide a "Safe & Fun Positive Class Environment & Experience for both puppies, dogs, & their people" (a priority for us). 'Please read with enthusiasm knowing they are in place to provide a great & positive learning environment'! ~ :o) ~

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Please note we encourage and welcome potential Clients to call and speak with the Trainer prior to signing up for a class, come and visit a class in session (without your puppy), &/or sign up for one of our "Free Seminars" on Positive Solutions to Problem Puppy Behavior.

"We look forward to meeting you soon!"

"For questions please contact:

Cindy C. Smith at The Right Steps at (916) 966-6883".