Welcome to See Spot Grin
Thank you for registering for the Treat/Retreat class at See Spot Grin at Hog Dog Productions, 470 Ski Lane, Millersville, MD. Please check the See Spot Grin calendar at any time to see if we will be skipping any weeks.
Once you enter the property, look for the See Spot Grin signs to assist you in finding my one room school house. We'll be meeting inside the grey building you'll eventually see on your right as you get to the bottom of the hill.
If you have video of any behavioral or performance issues you'd like me to see, please post them to YouTube and email me with the link so I can have a look.
Please plan to arrive on time each week. We've got lots to cover!
Dog Policy
It is important for your dog to understand that work time is not play time. Therefore, please refrain from allowing them to meet and play. Be sure to clean up after your dogs. Along those lines, please take a moment to read "He Just Wants to Say Hi" by Suzanne Clothier. She also offers expanded information in the way of a free e-book.
The house on top of the hill and the property that directly surrounds it is a private residence. There is also a green two story building and a yellow tiny house on the property which are also private residences. Please keep your dog and your vehicle away from those areas. Please pick up after your dog.
Equipment
Your dog should be working on a flat or martingale collar. No choke, prong or e-collars please. You may transport your dog to and from the classroom on a no-pull front clip harness or gentle leader, but please plan to remove it once you're in the building. Plan to work your dog on a long line. Flexi-leads are not allowed.
The Plan
We’ll be taking turns in the building. When it is not your dog’s turn, he’ll be required to wait comfortably in your vehicle while you participate with the other dogs in the classroom, so be prepared to make that happen. At the beginning of each class the humans will meet in the classroom prior to working dogs, so when you arrive, please come in promptly so we can start the class on time.
What Else to Bring
Lots and lots of high value treats. LOTS of small, throwable treats about the size of a cheerio. Dark in color is best as we’ll be tossing them on a tan floor and want the dog to be able to see them. No kibble or crunchy treats please, or treats that are wet or crumbly, and be sure they agree with your dog’s digestive needs. Think microwaved hot dogs, meatballs, Happy Howie’s meat rolls. Spot Farms dog treats also work very well, and are available on Amazon or Chewy’s. Do cut them to the recommended size prior to coming to class so they can be easily distributed to your helpers. Bring about three times the amount you think you’ll need!
The See Spot Grin classroom has both forced heat and air conditioning, but do dress in layers as temps are likely to be inconsistent.
Your First Home Work Assignment
Please read what is contained in the links below before your first class. (You’ll receive a separate email requesting your signature on the waiver prior to your first class.)
Register with Hog Dog Productions (the farm where See Spot Grin is located.) This free membership is optional, but recommended so that you can be kept up-to-date on other happenings that might interest you and your dog.
The Location
Feel free to email me for more information or questions. I'm looking forward to working with you and your dog!