Please read our Training 101, Training Safely and Class Information pages.

If you have a question about our classes that is not answered on this web site, please send your question to our team of trainers - click here.

1. Do you have any other days or time when classes are held?

No. Classes are held only Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m.

Contact Bill Martin for classes he holds in other areas or Jeff Bornman for private lessons (click here for the Trainers page)

Map to Flagpole Hill - click here

2. How old should my dog be when I bring him/her to class?

Your dog should be at least four months of age for large-breed dogs and six months of age for smaller dogs.

The young puppy can be trained, but needs shorter training periods and less distraction. You may consider a private training lesson to get started on puppy training.

3. What time should I arrive for my first class?

You should arrive between 7:00 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. to register for your first class.

After the first class, all classes begin at 7:30 p.m.

4. Can I bring someone with me to class? Can my husband/wife/child also train the dog?

Anyone is welcome to come and watch the classes. One person should train the dog during the first few months. The dog will be under stress with all the other dogs at class and attempting to learn the lessons.

No two people train the dog the same way. It will confuse the dog if more than one person attempts to train before the dog has learned the lessons.

Most small children have a very difficult time training a dog, not just because of size, but because they do not understand the firm discipline required to train the dog.

5. What do I need to bring to the first class in order to register?

You need to bring your completed Registration Form (click here), a training collar and leash, and a check or cash for class payment.

You should know what shots have been given to your dog, but you do not need to bring proof of shots.

We strongly urge you to register your dog in whatever city you live. Information for Dallas residents can be found on the City's web site at this link.

For every class, if the weather is warm, you should bring water for you and your dog.

You need plastic bags to pick up after your dog. Also, bring bug spray for yourself - your dog should be sprayed or on a medication for fleas and ticks.

6. My dog is from a shelter/rescue organization. What do I need to show in order to get the discounted registration ($40)?

On the Registration Form, find the line How did you learn about the classes? and write the name of the shelter or rescue organization where you obtained your dog.

Please bring a copy of your adoption papers for us to review, but we will not retain them.

7. What type of collar and leash do I need?

The collar and leash are pictured on the Training Lessons page.

ABOTC offers leashes and collars for sale at class (prices @ Jan. 2010)

• Leather leashes: $20
• Choke chains: $10
• Pinch collars: $15
• Premier collars: $10

The collar must be measured to fit your dog. The leash should be either leather or nylon and at least six feet long.

8. What happens if I miss a class?

You sign in for class each week and we keep a record of how many weeks you have attended.

You can make up a class if you miss a class.

9. What class will I be in when I start?

You will start in the First Month Class, which will last four to five weeks, depending on the number of weeks in the month.

Then you will go on to the Beginner's Class for the second month.

This is followed by the Intermediate Class, if you elect to continue classes.

10. I enjoy the classes and would like to keep coming after eight weeks. What do I need to do?

The annual fee after eight weeks is $50 per year. This fee is collected after you have finished your eight weeks of classes if you wish to continue with lessons.

The annual fee is also collected at the first class of the new year.

Once you have paid the annual fee, you do not need to sign in, unless you have address, telephone, or email changes.

11. What happens if it rains or snows?

We will not have class if it is raining or snowing at Flagpole Hill, since the classes are outdoors.

Sometimes the rain is just passing through Dallas and the weather may clear by 7:30 p.m. Watch the 6:00 p.m. weather report - if it is not raining at Flagpole Hill, we will have classes, even if it is raining in other areas of Dallas.

If you miss the class due to the weather, you can always make it up the next week.