Frequently Asked Questions

Wonder Dogs has been creating wonder dogs for 20 years!

Our instructors have more than 40 years combined experience, from Montana to NYC to Rhode Island and even right here in Oregon. We understand that behavior change (including yours!) takes time and consistency, and we want you both to succeed!

Q. what should I bring for my dog’s training?

A. Training is easier when your dog has the support they need to make good choices. Please bring the following supplies each time you come to Wonder Dogs so your dog can settle, focus, take breaks, and be rewarded generously.

Many of these items are also available for purchase at Wonder Dogs, including pre-stuffed and frozen enrichment toys.

Please bring:

  • Your dog, ready to work for treats and recently given a chance to potty

  • 2–4 cups of pea-sized, soft treats
    Please bring real training treats rather than dry kibble or dog food.

  • A hands-free treat pouch, apron, or treat bag
    Zip-top plastic bags are distracting for dogs and hard to use quickly during class.

  • A size-appropriate blanket, dog bed, or mat

  • 2 stuffed Kongs, Toppls, or lick mats

  • 2 chew items, such as a Nylabone, bully stick, Benebone, antler, or other safe chew your dog enjoys

  • A tug toy

  • A well-fitted harness or flat collar with identification tags

  • A 6-foot nylon, leather, or biothane leash

For safety and comfort, please do not bring retractable leashes, bungee leashes, chain leashes, choke chains, prong collars, electronic collars, or other punishment-based equipment.

Not sure what to choose? Ask us before class or arrive a few minutes early, and we’ll be happy to help.


Q. at what age can puppies start group class?

A. Puppies can begin group class as early as 8 weeks old, as long as they meet our vaccination requirements.

Because puppies grow and change so quickly, our puppy classes are organized by age and developmental stage, not just by the skills your puppy already knows. A confident 10-week-old puppy, a mouthy 16-week-old puppy, and an adolescent 8-month-old dog all need different kinds of support!

Depending on your puppy’s age at the start of class, you’ll register for:

If your puppy is right on the edge between two age groups, contact us and we’ll help you choose the best fit.

Q. what if I have to miss a class?

A. Our curriculum is designed specifically to make training progress in the most timely and effective way possible, so attendance to all classes is paramount. But we offer flexible attendance options because we understand that life is still in session while you’re training your dog.

  • If your dog is sick they should not be brought to class. Humans may attend in person without their dog or via zoom with their dog from home. Continuing to practice at home is critical to your success!

  • Intact dogs are welcome to attend Wonder Dogs classes. If your female comes into season, please notify us and plan to bring her in dog britches for cleanliness.

  • We offer group makeup sessions and drop-ins for all students twice monthly for a nominal fee.

  • Your Wonder Student Resources Page will also go over the exact exercises you missed and provide handouts to guide your practice at home. 

Q. what are your cancellation policies?

A. We understand that circumstances may change suddenly or unexpectedly. Full details on our policies page.

Group classes: If you must withdraw from a class within the first three weeks, 50% of remaining classes can be refunded or used for a one-time transfer to a different class or credit account.

  • If withdrawal is due to unexpected human or dog injury, 100% of remaining classes can be refunded or used for a one-time transfer to a different class with presentation of doctor/vet note.

  • No refunds or transfers after the first three weeks of class.

  • Account credits expire after six months.

Private Training: We require a 72 hour notice to reschedule or cancel personalized services.

  • We set aside your appointment time just for you and your dog, and we want every session to be as helpful and productive as possible. Please schedule carefully and login to your account to double-check your appointment time and location.

  • If you need to reschedule or cancel your lesson, please contact us at least 72 hours before your appointment. Cancellations or reschedule requests made with less than 72 hours’ notice will be charged a $50 cancellation fee.

  • Same-day cancellations and missed appointments cannot be refunded or rescheduled, and will be billed at the full lesson rate.

Q. Does my puppy need to be fully vaccinated before attending puppy class?

A. No. Puppies do not need to finish their entire puppy vaccine series before starting class.

We require puppies to have their first round of vaccinations at least 7 days before their first class and to stay up to date on vaccines appropriate for their age throughout the course.

Early socialization is a very important part of puppy development, and waiting until all vaccines are complete can mean missing a valuable learning window. Our puppy classes are designed to give young puppies safe, structured socialization in a clean, supervised indoor environment.

We encourage you to talk with your veterinarian about your puppy’s individual vaccine schedule and risk factors. Bordetella, Lyme, and canine flu vaccines are not required by Wonder Dogs for puppy class, but your veterinarian may recommend them based on your puppy’s lifestyle, health, and local disease risk.

Safe early socialization does not mean taking young puppies to dog parks or high-traffic areas with dogs of unknown health status—it means choosing clean, thoughtful environments with appropriate supervision.

For more information, we recommend reading the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior position statement on puppy socialization and vaccination.

  

Q. can my dog skip a prerequisite for a class?

A. n most cases, no. Our prerequisites are there to make sure each dog and handler has the foundation skills needed to feel successful in the next class.

Even when a dog already “knows” a skill at home, group classes add new challenges: other dogs, new people, exciting smells, movement, distance, and distractions. Starting with the recommended foundation class helps us make sure your dog is ready for the environment, not just the exercise.

We know it can be tempting to jump ahead, especially when your dog is smart or has prior training. But strong basics are what make advanced work possible, and we want every team in class to have the best chance to learn, progress, and enjoy the experience.

If you have previous training experience or a specific goal you’d like to move toward more quickly, a private lesson can be a great way to assess your dog’s current skills, fill in any gaps, and create a plan for the best next step.

Q. my dog barks, lunges, growls, hides, or becomes overwhelmed around other dogs or people. Can we take a group class?

A. Maybe! Many dogs who struggle around unfamiliar dogs or people can absolutely learn in a group setting, but they often need the right starting point and setup to feel safe and successful.

For dogs who bark, lunge, growl, freeze, cower, or become too worried or excited to take treats, we usually recommend starting with a behavior consultation rather than jumping into a standard group class. This gives us a chance to understand what your dog is feeling, talk through your goals, and create a plan that supports both safety and progress: at home and in class.

Depending on your dog’s needs, we may recommend our S.T.A.R. program, private coaching, tutoring, or another option that gives your dog the space and support they need to learn well.

Not sure where to start? Please email us. We’re happy to help you choose the best fit.

Many Wonder Dogs classes can also be attended through Zoom, so you can still receive trainer coaching and follow along from home if the in-person environment would be too much for your dog right now.