FAQs
WHO CAN ATTEND?
Are these courses appropriate for someone who is not a professional dog trainer?
Yes. They are for anyone who wants to get better at the art and science of dog training.
CLASS HOURS
What are the class hours each day?
10am to 5pm, depending on the class size and composition, with a one hour lunch break.
How many days per week?
Most classes run 5 days per week, M-F, but we do have some weekend courses. Watch our schedule for specific dates.
CLASS STRUCTURE
Will the classes be like a seminar?
The classes are more in-depth than one of Michael’s seminars. We have more time to delve into the hows and whys.
How much lecture and how much hands-on work do the classes contain?
The courses are pretty much evenly divided between lecture and practical work.
Although some courses require more discussion and some require more practice.
CLASS SIZE
How many students are in each class? Is there a maximum?
Classes are limited to 15 students, but 8 to 10 is the average.
Will the classes run regardless of the number of participants?
Yes.
WHO TEACHES?
Is Michael personally instructing the classes or do you have assistant trainers that teach them?
Michael does the bulk of lecturing and teaching, but other members of the teaching staff will do some of the coaching and practical portions. Guest teachers also occasionally teach portions of certain courses.
COURSE PREREQUISITES
Is there a required order for taking the classes?
Students should take the Puppy Development class or the OB Intensive before most classes. And they should attend Protection 1 before Protection 2.
Which classes have prerequisites?
Advanced Obedience – Obedience Intensive or attend seminars
Protection 2 – Protection 1
Sports Clinics – Obedience Intensive or attend seminars
Do I need to take a test to attend the Advanced Obedience class?
You need to have taken the Obedience Intensive or attended Michael’s seminars and demonstrate proficiency/understanding of our system.
SPLITTING CLASSES
Can I take the first week of class now and take the second week later?
No, classes cannot be split.
MAKE-UPS
Can I make up a class if I miss one?
No. Although we will make an effort to help you fill in the gaps during the remaining days of instruction.
COURSE PREPARATION
What are the recommended books and/or videos that I should read/watch before attending classes?
Michael’s videos are available at Leerburg.com and a reading list will be provided in the OB Intensive.
COURSE COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS
What are the requirements for completing a class?
Attend all classes and participate fully.
What should I bring the first day of class?
Dog, crate, leash, long line, harness, training collars, treats, toys.
TESTS
Will there be tests during class?
No.
CERTIFICATIONS
Do you issue certificate for completing a class?
Yes. Each course comes with a certificate of completion and there is an overall certificate for completing all the core courses – Puppy Development, OB Intensive, Adv. OB, Protection 1 and 2, E-Collar.
PROFESSIONAL/PERSONAL TRAINING
When I graduate will I be able to become a professional dog trainer with my own business?
This depends completely on your experience. No school can totally prepare you for a job as a professional. Our courses are a good foundation if coupled with lots of hands-on experience.
COMPARABLE SCHOOLS
How is your school different or similar to the other schools in the country?
We are the only school that offers our program in modules that can be taken individually or as an entire unit. Many of our courses are unique as well, especially our Protection 1 & 2. The condensed format also packs more information into a shorter time frame.
COURSE REPETITION
Do the classes repeat?
Yes. Each class is offered several times per year. Please refer to our schedule.
RECORDING
Do you allow audio and/or video recording of the classes?
Students may audio record for personal use only, absolutely no video recording.
ENROLLMENT
When is the deadline to enroll in a class?
Students may enroll up to the first day of class, if it is not full.
RATES
Why do you require a deposit?
Deposits guarantee you a spot in the class.
Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
When is the balance due?
By the first day of class.
Do you have any kind of payment plan options?
Not at this time.
WHERE
Where is the school located?
499 Edison Court A-2
Fairfield, CA 94534
Are all the classes held at the same location?
Yes.
AIRPORTS / ACCOMODATIONS
Please refer to Locations and Hotels link on our website for complete info.
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