Policies & Procedures

At imPETus Animal Training, our policies are designed to support safety, learning, and a positive experience for dogs and their people. Clear expectations help create confidence, consistency, and a supportive training environment.

Training Philosophy

All training at imPETus Animal Training is:

  • Reward-based
  • Enrichment-focused
  • Force-free

Our programs support dogs’ physical, mental, and emotional needs through training, enrichment, and relationship-building.

Eligibility & Participation

  • Dogs must be healthy and up to date on age-appropriate vaccinations.
  • Dogs participating in group training must be able to work safely around people and other dogs.
  • Dogs with fear, anxiety, or aggression begin in our Private Training Program.
  • Participation is always adjusted to support safety and emotional well-being.

Health & Vaccination Requirements

  • Dogs must be current on age-appropriate vaccinations.
  • Healthy puppies may attend group classes before completing their full vaccine series, following modern veterinary guidelines.
  • Dogs must be free from contagious illness, including kennel cough, parasites, or gastrointestinal illness.

Equipment Policy

Allowed equipment:

  • Flat collars
  • Front-clip or back-clip harnesses
  • 6-foot leash (longer leashes permitted for sport classes)

not permitted:

  • Choke chains
  • Prong collars
  • Electronic collars

Treats

  • A variety of pea-sized, novel, high-value treats is recommended.

Safety & Behavior Management

  • Dogs must remain on leash unless instructed otherwise.
  • No forced dog-to-dog greetings are permitted.
  • Distance, barriers, and structured setups may be used to keep dogs under threshold.

Group Class Policies

  • Group classes are structured to support learning, choice, and emotional regulation.
  • Dogs work at their own pace; interaction is never required.
  • Class sizes are intentionally small to support focus and safety.
  • Handlers are expected to remain engaged and follow trainer guidance during class.

Puppy Training

  • Puppy classes are available for dogs as young as 9 weeks old.
  • Early, structured socialization and training supports confidence, coping skills, and long-term success.

Private Training

  • Private training is recommended for individualized goals, behavior concerns, or flexible scheduling.
  • Sessions are customized to the dog’s needs, environment, and family goals.
  • Private training may be recommended before or along with group classes.

Virtual Training

  • Virtual training is available and effective for many families.
  • Especially beneficial for fearful, sensitive, or reactive dogs.
  • Ideal for busy households seeking convenience.
  • Sessions take place in the dog’s familiar environment for focused learning.

Registration & Payment

  • Pre-registration and payment are required for all classes, workshops, and private sessions.
  • Space is limited, and enrollment is not confirmed until payment is received.

Cancellations, Attendance & Make-Ups

  • Cancellations must be made at least 72 hours before a class series begins to receive a refund, minus a $35 processing fee.
  • Group classes are non-refundable once the series has begun.
  • Missed sessions are not refunded.
  • Make-up sessions are not available.

Your Responsibilities

  • Handlers are responsible for their dog’s behavior and supervision.
  • Children may attend select group classes and must be supervised at all times.
  • Handlers agree to follow trainer instructions and safety guidelines.

Liability

Dogs are animals, and behavior can be unpredictable. Participation in training involves inherent risk. Clients agree to assume responsibility for their dog and release imPETus Animal Training from liability to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Photography & Media

Photos and videos may be taken for educational or marketing purposes. Clients may opt out of media use upon request.

Meet the Trainer Sessions

Complimentary 15-minute Meet the Trainer sessions are available by phone or online. These sessions are designed to discuss goals, program fit, and next steps. They are not training sessions or behavior consultations.