Training Guidelines & General Information
For several of our classes, the first scheduled class is an orientation. Orientations are held for owners ony, no dogs please. Be sure to know whether or not your class is having an Orientation. Check our class schedule for this information.
If you are pre-registering for our Small Breed Play Group and have multiple dogs, there is a limit of 2 dogs per family per group. This limit enables the attending dogs to socialize with other dogs outside of their living environment.
If your dog is in heat, please call the training department so we can discuss appropriate class options as this cycle can be very distracting to other dogs.
Children 6 and older are welcome in obedience classes (unless otherwise noted) as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
All dogs must be under the handlers/owners control and supervision at all times.
No choke, pinch, or electric/shock collars are allowed in classes.
The State of Rhode Island requires all dogs 3 months and older be vaccinated against the Rabies virus. Please attach a copy of your dog’s current Rabies Certificate to your registration. You also may want to talk with your veterinarian about the Bordetella vaccine. This vaccine protects your dog against K-9 cough, which is contagious between dogs. This vaccine is NOT required but suggested.
If you have a puppy under 3 months of age, please submit all current vaccine records.
For your comfort, wear comfortable clothing and sneakers. No flip flops please.
Because classes are held indoors, weather conditions do not affect the class itself; however, SEVERE weather can certainly affect safety in driving to class. In case of severe weather conditions, call us at 401 846-8276 for information regarding possible cancellations.
Please make EVERY EFFORT to attend EACH class you are scheduled for. The success of training is impacted by socialization and interaction with other dogs.
It is to your benefit that you and your dog receive the training you desire without distractions; therefore, we ask that you please arrive on time for each class. Folks more than 10 minutes late risk being denied admittance and losing their place in class.
Cell phones must be turned off during classes.
Class tuition fees are NON-REFUNDABLE.
Please be aware of your class dates and times. Make-up classes are only given if the entire class is cancelled by the instructor.
Please complete a registration form. This form will be valid for all classes/groups you pre-register for and will expire one year from the signature date.
To secure your spot in a class, we require all paperwork and fees be submitted no later than 48 hours prior to the date of your first class.
Submit a registration and a copy of your dog’s current rabies certificate, or puppy vaccine history, along with the class fee to:
Potter League, Attn: Training Dept., P.O. Box 412, Newport RI 02840
Checks can be made out to: Potter League
For your convenience, you may also email your registration, with an actual signature, and vaccine history to Training@PotterLeague.org or fax your information to 401-367-0122, Attention: Training Department.
We also accept class payments over the phone using your credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard or Discover).
What to bring to each class:
A ‘slightly hungry’ dog!
“High Value” treats. Which may include chicken, turkey, hot dogs, and cheese cut into small bite sizes; whatever your dog will “work” for!
If you are currently using a training tool (Gentle Leader, Head Halti) please bring it to class.
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you and your dog!