Frequently Asked Questions:
If you still have a question about a training class please email us at registration@tntkennels.com
In TNT’s Foundation Obedience class, your puppy will learn the core skills needed to become a confident, well-mannered member of your household. Using positive, game-based training and reinforcement, the class focuses on building attention and engagement, responding to basic obedience cues, developing impulse control, and behaving appropriately around people and other dogs.
Your puppy will learn:
- Name recognition and checking in for better attention
- Marker training and targeting
- Sit, down, settle, and go-to-bed or mat
- The foundations of a strong stay
- Recall and the “come” command
- Loose-leash walking and polite walking skills
- Collar grabs for emergencies
- “Give” to help prevent resource guarding
- Calm, controlled behavior through doorways and gates
- Confidence-building obstacle exercises
- Appropriate manners around people and other dogs
- Ways to prevent common behaviors such as biting, mouthing, barking, and digging
You’ll also learn practical techniques for reinforcing positive behavior and continuing your puppy’s training at home as they mature into adulthood. Online homework instructions, how-to videos, and behavior-support resources are included to help reinforce what you learn in class.
The curriculum was developed by Janice Gunn, a Canadian Kennel Club National Obedience Competitor Award winner and an internationally recognized obedience trainer, seminar presenter, and sport dog competitor. Classes are taught by TNT’s team of trainers, who Janice has personally trained to deliver the course.
TNT Kennels & Training Center is located at 27624 Watson Road, Abbotsford, BC, V4X 1P4, serving puppy & dog owners throughout Abbotsford and the Fraser Valley.
Foundation Obedience classes include online access to step-by-step homework instructions, how-to videos that reinforce in-class learning, and solutions for common problem behaviours – so training continues between sessions, not just during class time.
TNT offers both. In-person group classes run at the Abbotsford, BC training center, and Janice Gunn’s Foundation Obedience course is also available online with over 50 training videos and printable step-by-step instructions, so owners can train at their own pace.
TNT Kennels & Training uses positive-reinforcement, game-based training methods. This approach rewards a dog for the behaviour you want, which encourages the dog to repeat it, rather than relying on correction or punishment – and because many of the various skills are taught through games both dogs and humans find training fun.
Puppies can start Foundation Obedience at TNT Kennels & Training from 9 weeks of age. The same curriculum is also offered for teens and adult dogs of any age, so there’s no cutoff for getting started.
Pet Classes
- Foundation Obedience (Puppy to Adult): Our foundation obedience covers all the core skills that your puppy or dog will need to become a successful part of your household. Our course is suitable for puppies from 9 weeks through to adults of any age. Our Foundation classes are divided by age.
- Intermediate Dog Training (Canine Good Neighbour Prep): If you have graduated from one of our Foundation obediences classes OR you have done a beginner obedience class elsewhere and are wanting to continue to challenge both yourself and your dog to a higher level of communication, then our intermediate class is the class for you! This is a great stepping stone for preparing to train for the Canine Good Neighbour test.
- Advanced (Dog Sport Foundations): This class will introduce you to these dog sport skills: rally, tricks, agility, competition obedience and scentwork. Each class is designed so that you and your dog will discover some of the foundation skills to these enticing dog sports that can turn into a lifelong hobby.
Specialty Classes
During the year we offer a variety of specialty classes. For our Graduate Advanced class you need to have done either puppy or super dog class at TNT. For our other speciality classes your dog should have knowledge of basic foundation skills such as sit, down, stay. Not all specialty classes are offered at each new set of classes.
- Come When Called: If you are having trouble getting your dog to come – this class is for you! This class is typically offered during the spring and summer.
- Canine Good Neighbour Class – Test Ready: This course is for students that have already taken a foundation obedience course and are looking to enhance their everyday life skills. It is a good preparation course for therapy dog work and will cover all aspects of the Canine Good Neighbour test.
- FUNAgility: A fun introduction to Agility for dogs 6 months or older featuring tunnels, jumps and weave poles and a variety of other equipment.
- Tricks Class: Learn how to teach a variety of tricks with a positive marker training methodology. Our instructor is certified to judge if you decide you would like to earn trick dog titles.
Competition & Rally
Both Competition Obedience and Rally are great dog sports to do with your dogs. Both sports offer opportunity to compete.
- Competition Obedience: You would start with either a Pre-Novice or Novice class – when you were ready to advance your instructor would recommend the appropriate next class.
- Rally: You would start with Rally Novice – when you were ready to advance your instructor would recommend the appropriate next class.
Refund Policy
One week’s notice (7 days) prior to the start of your class is required for cancellations. There is a $25 cancellation/office charge (even if you cancel 7 days prior) which will be deducted from the amount you originally paid, no exceptions. Our classes are in high demand and late cancellations make the opportunity for someone else to join no longer an option.
Please check your calendar carefully and plan to attend the classes you signed up for or have someone bring your dog to class on your behalf.
Classes are NOT REFUNDABLE unless we are given 7 days written notice. If you request to be transferred to a different class (if space is available) we require 10 days’ notice and a $15 office fee will apply.
When registering for a class in the current health climate, you are registering knowing that there is a risk that you may have to miss a class or two due to quarantine. There is no refund or make up class for missed lessons. Please review our FAQ – What if I have to miss a class or two for more info.
Please check your calendar carefully and plan to attend the class you sign up for or have someone bring your dog to class on your behalf if you have to miss one. If your dog is injured or cannot attend, you may come without him. Classes are non-refundable unless written notice is given to us no less than 7 days prior to the start date. Make up classes are not available as they overload our other classes.
For the majority of our classes, we provide comprehensive online resources that encompass a diverse range of videos and step-by-step written instructions for lessons covered each week. Additionally, a homework practice checklist is available to assist you in staying on track. These resources will guide you through the material covered, enabling you to practice independently at home.
If you request to be transferred to a different class (if space is available) after you have already registered, we require 10 days’ notice and a $15 office fee will apply.
The TNT Training Center is committed to training in a positive way. We use reward and game-based methodology to teach the dog required behaviours. This method of training sees quick results and builds a strong connection between dog and handler.
Studies have shown that positive training methods, that do not punish the dog for making mistakes but instead rewards the dog for successful behaviours, to be the most effective training methodology. And… its a lot of fun for both handlers and dogs!
For our puppy classes your puppy needs to have had his first set of vaccines which include Parvo & Distemper.
Adult dogs are required to be current on their yearly vaccine protocol.
Typically, puppies receive 3 sets of vaccines, however, more vaccines do NOT mean more protection.
You do NOT have to wait until your puppy receives the entire vaccine set before coming to classes. Click the links below to learn why:
https://avsab.org/2018/03/Puppy_Socialization_Position_Statement.pdf
We recommend the below. If there is anything different for your particular Speciality class we will let you know.
- flat buckle collar
- approximately 4ft – 6 ft (no flexi-leads) You can purchase the best training leads from TNT at your first class if needed
- 2 or 3 types of treats – one should be of high value for the first couple of classes
- Rollover (Chicken) – not the gourmet variety
- TNT carries made in Canada treats you can purchase at first class – prices range from $12-$15 (cheaper than at pet stores!)
- Hot Dogs (Slightly microwaved & blot with a paper towel to get some of the grease out).
- Beef heart (High Value)
- Liver (High Value)
- Chuck Steak (High Value)
- Pork Loin (High Value)
- A training pouch to keep your treats in – we sell these at TNT
Harnesses can be more difficult to train in. If you come to class with your dog wearing a harness, please also consider having your dog wear a buckle collar. This allows you to switch to a flat collar if training in the harness feels awkward.
If you’re having difficulty walking your dog, TNT also sells NO PULL harnesses that can make walking easier.
A maximum of 4 people per dog are allowed to attend class.
If your dog is injured or cannot attend, you may come without him. Classes are non-refundable unless written notice is given to us no less than 7 days prior to the start date. Make up classes are not available as they overload our other classes.
For the majority of our classes, we provide comprehensive online resources that encompass a diverse range of videos and step-by-step written instructions for lessons covered each week. Additionally, a homework practice checklist is available to assist you in staying on track. These resources will guide you through the material covered, enabling you to practice independently at home.
If your dog is sick please do not bring him or her to class. If you are unsure if what they have is contagious please check with your vet. We encourage you to come to class without your dog so you know what to practice during the week.
For Puppy Class, Super Dog /Senior Puppy, Graduate Advanced & Scentwork classes we offer extensive online resources that include a variety of videos and step by step instructions for each lesson covered each week as well as a homework practice checklist to keep you on track. This will guide you through what was covered in the week you missed so you can practice at home.
Yes! Your girl can still train when in season! She must attend class wearing a rear covering (doggie diaper or hot pants) to catch the drippings. Please ensure that you potty your dog before you come and not on the property.
Is your dog aggressive or reactive? If your dog lunges, growls and barks in a serious manner at other dogs or people then these are signs of aggression.
Please check the front page of our TNT Website for updates. If a class has to be postponed we will post it there. We will also make announcements on our TNT Training Facebook Page. Make sure you LIKE our FB page. We do not send out emails or make phone calls, so please ensure you check before heading out. Announcements are made approximately 2 hours before your class starts if we have to postpone.
In the event that an unexpected event occurs and requires that the TNT Training Center shut down, in-house classes we will change to our online training program so that you can continue training and finish your set of classes.
