New Rules: It’s All About Safety

We’ve always had rules here at Redfern to protect both you and your pup.  Keep three feet between you and any other dog.  No long leads. Pay attention to body language.  These rules are all in the name of safety, and they will continue.  COVID19 has caused us to take further precautions which you’ll read about below.  For the safety of our staff members and you, we’re going to be diligent, and ask that you are as well.

1.  Masks are mandatory. Our space, while comfortable, does bring us in closer contact with each other.  We will err on the side of caution, believing better safe than sorry.

2. Wait in your car upon arrival.  On good days, it’s easy for folks to bunch up at the entrance.  Please wait in your car until a staff member gives you the go-ahead to enter.  If you take your dog out to relieve itself, please maintain adequate social distancing, and do not enter the training center until we call you.

3.  If you’re training for the first time with Redfern, you are required to attend our training seminar prior to obedience classes.  Only one person from each family may attend, and as always, your pup will not.  The seminar is for humans only. 🙂

4.  Upon entering the center, you’ll find chairs have already been set in place.  Do not move them.  We’ve worked out how many folks we can train safely at one time and set up our space accordingly.  Each pup may have a maximum of two handlers in attendance.

5.  All of our Redfern toys are currently in storage.  If your pup will require a toy, or a bone to chew, please bring one with you, and take it home afterwards.

6.  When at all possible, help us to avoid cross-contamination.  Keep track of your belongings, and keep them with you.  Restroom facilities are of course available, but if you can follow your mother’s rule and “go before you leave home,” we can keep cleaning duties reasonable.  Our classes run back-to-back and there isn’t much time to do a complete decontamination of our restrooms in between each user.

7.  Keep six feet between you and any other classmates.  That goes for the furry, four-legged ones as well.  It’s easy to get caught up and forget, but we no longer have that luxury.

8.  We’re asking all folks that sign up for a nose work class to bring their own dirty box.  A dirty box isn’t actually dirty; it’s the box that holds the finds for your pup.  We always use the same box to avoid cross-contamination.  Having you bring your own box adds another layer of safety for all of us.

Thank you in advance for your time and patience as we navigate these complicated times.  We truly believe that it is all worthwhile for your safety, and benefits us all.