Online Registration for Basic Obedience Class

2008 class starting dates and times:

Class 01: Jan 12 to Feb 16, 10:00 a.m.

Class 02: Jan 26 to Mar 01, 11:30 a.m.

Class 03: Feb 23 to Mar 29, 10:00 a.m.

Class 04: Mar 08 to Apr 12, 11:30 a.m.

Class 05: Apr 05 to May 10, 10:00 a.m.

Class 06: Apr 19 to May 24, 11:30 a.m.

Class 07: May 17 to Jun 21, 10:00 a.m.

Class 08: May 31 to Jul 05, 11:30 a.m.

Class 09: Jun 28 to Aug 02, 10:00 a.m.

Class 10: Jul 12 to Aug 16, 11:30 a.m.

NO CLASSES BEGIN DURING AUGUST

Class 11: Sep 13 to Oct 18, 10:00 a.m.

Class 12: Sep 27 to Nov 01, 11:30 a.m.

Class 13: Oct 25 to Nov 29, 10:00 a.m.

Class 14: Nov 08 to Dec 13, 11:30 a.m.

NO CLASSES BEGIN IN DECEMBER

LOCATION: RAOT obedience classes are held UPSTAIRS at RAOT’s Education and Activity Center at 2648 Broad above Hollywood PetStar. Enter Hollywood PetStar, turn immediately to your left and go through the blue doors, go up the stairs, follow our signs (with the logo above) to our Center. (DRIVING DIRECTIONS: On Broad in Midtown Memphis, west of Scott Street, click MAP to see a map of the general area or DIRECTIONS for "point to point" driving directions). NOTE: Broad no longer goes all the way to East Parkway.

ABOUT THE CLASSES:

1.	There are normally 2 instructors and usually 4 and 10 students per class.
2.	We teach sit, down, stand, stay, come, heel and six tricks. We understand you want a well-behaved pet, whether it is "on command" or not so our focus is on shaping better behavior and not on competition level obedience responses.
3.	There are SIX one hour sessions, held on consecutive Saturdays for six weeks. The first two sessions tend to run 15-30 minutes longer. The first three classes are the most important, please plan ahead to insure you can attend these classes.
4.	We use operant conditioning with an emphasis clicker training and positive reinforcement. Most of the animals on Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel that are trained have been clicker-trained. Our methods can be used to train any animal, including pets (such as birds, cats and dogs), livestock (such as chickens, cows, horses, pigs) and exotics (such bears, elephants, lions, tigers, whales and dolphins) and even fish!

A WEEK BEFORE CLASS: Start hand feeding your dog all of its food each day. Unless instructed otherwise, do not hand feed for more than suggested seven days. The night before class, do not feed your dog after 6:00 p.m. Do not feed it the morning of class. If your dog is hungry, it will be much easier for you to get it to focus on you and your instructions.

THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS:

1.	Bring your completed application and proof of vaccinations! You can have your vet can fax the proof of vaccinations to us at (901) 357-7443 if you like. Your dog needs all normal vaccinations, plus kennel cough (Bordetella.) (If you have the records faxed, be sure your name and your dog’s name are on the fax.)
2.	Bring THREE types of treats, cut into pieces no larger than an English (green) pea or the eraser on a number two pencil. You will need at least 100 pieces per class. Treats can be dog treats (Beggin’ Strips, Pup-Peroni, Snausages, Nutro Training Bits) or people food (cheese, chicken , beef, or hot dogs.) Whatever you use, it should be soft or semi-soft, not hard or crunchy.
3.	*Bring a five or six foot leash – NO CHAIN LEASHES OR FLEXI-LEADS –* and a flat or buckle style collar.** Harnesses are permitted only if your dog has a medical condition requiring one. Additional equipment may be necessary in some cases, if so, the cost is usually under $30.
4.	*Be on time.* This is especially important the first three weeks as we cover a lot of information quickly.
5.	Miscellaneous: Normal "shedding" is expected and not a concern; however, if your dog is shedding excessively, you should groom your dog before class each week to remove excess hair.

PARKING: Hollywood Petstar asks that you park at either end of the parking lot so their "shopping" customers can access the store while you train and that you clean up after your dog if it eliminates anywhere in the building. Should you want to shop after class, please take your dog outside first for a "potty" break before doing so.

COST: The fee is $80* for the course (six weeks) and includes printed materials and a clicker.

REGISTRATION: You have three registration options: (1) pre-register and pay with a debit/credit card, the debit/credit option is ONLY available online, (2) pre-register and pay cash the first day of class, no personal checks are accepted, or (3) mail your registration form along with a certified check or money order to us postmarked at least seven (7( working days before class to insure we receive it in time. Click here to download a registration form. Be sure to indicate which class you are registering for on your registration form before you return it.

Should you need additional information or have any questions about any of the above information, please call Donna at (901) 353-1805.

CHOOSE A PAYMENT OPTION:

1. PRE-PAY NOW and get a $5 Discount using your DEBIT/CREDIT card - $75.

2. Animals adopted from any government run Animal Shelter (i.e., Memphis, Bartlett, Germantown, Marion, etc.), Responsible Animal Owners and other affiliated rescues are eligible for a 25% discount. To be eligible, you must: Provide proof your dog was adopted from a rescue or shelter withing the last six months by bringing your adoption paperwork to class the first day. No extensions.

3. Rescues and animal adopted from other rescues are eligible for a $10 discount. To be eligible, you must: Provide proof your dog was adopted from a rescue or shelter withing the last six months by bringing your adoption paperwork to class the first day. No extensions.

4. Dogs currently in foster homes or shelters in need of behavior modification, socialization and/or training are eligible an 80% discount. To be eligible, you must: Provide proof your dog is currently being fostered for a rescue or shelter on their letterhead the first day of class. No extensions.