Frequently Asked Questions


What Equipment Do I Need?

Great question! To set you and your pup up for success, here’s what you’ll need for Memphis' Puppy Play & Train, Ginger's Canine Command Camp, and Max's Personalized Pup Program:

Required Gear:

  • A properly fitted, flat buckle collar (no prong, choke, or e-collars, please!)

  • About 100 pea-sized treats per class (the yummier, the better!)

  • Poop bags (because accidents happen!)

  • A 4- to 6-foot nylon, cotton, or leather leash (sorry, no retractable leashes—they can be hazardous if a dog suddenly pulls or stops abruptly).

Optional, but Helpful:

  • A properly fitted harness for extra control.

  • A 30-foot training lead for practicing long-distance cues like recall.

Having the right gear ensures a safe and productive learning experience for both you and your pup!

Do I Need To Do The Group Class Homework?

Think of training like learning a new language—practice makes perfect! While it’s not required, spending at least 30 minutes a day training your dog is strongly recommended for the best results.

But don’t worry, this doesn’t mean one long training session! Instead, break it into quick 2- to 3-minute sessions throughout the day. Training isn’t just about practicing cues—it’s also about rewarding good choices in real life (like praising your pup for keeping all four paws on the floor instead of jumping).

With this approach, that 30-minute daily goal will be a breeze! Plus, the more you practice, the more confident and well-behaved your dog will become.

What Vaccinations Does My Dog Need To Participate?

For everyone’s safety, we require all pups to be up-to-date on their vaccinations before joining class. Here’s what your dog will need:

For younger Memphis' Puppy Play & Train attendees (2-4 months old):

  • At least one shot in the Bordetella series

  • At least one shot in the DHPP/DA2PP series

For older Memphis' Puppy Play & Train attendees (4-6 months old), as well as all dogs in Ginger’s Canine Command Camp and Max’s Personalized Pup Program:

  • Rabies – Completed

  • Bordetella – Completed

  • DHPP/DA2PP – Completed

Keeping all dogs healthy and happy is our top priority! If you have any questions about your pup’s vaccinations, feel free to reach out before signing up.

What Are The Age Restrictions?

We offer classes tailored to different age groups to ensure the best learning experience for your pup!

Memphis' Puppy Play & Train is split into two groups:

  • Younger Puppies: 2-4 months old

  • Older Puppies: 4-6 months old

Ginger’s Canine Command Camp & Max’s Personalized Pup Program require dogs to be at least 4 months old to enroll.

If your pup isn’t quite the right age for one class, don’t worry—we’ve got a perfect spot for them to learn and grow!


Can My Child Be Involved In Training?

We love seeing families train together! However, for safety and the best learning experience, here’s what you need to know:

For kids under 12: Group classes aren’t recommended, but they’re welcome to watch and learn!

For kids 12 and older: They can participate, but an adult must accompany them. It’s best if the adult holds the leash while the child practices giving cues.

If a child is attending but not participating: An additional non-participating adult must be there to supervise them.

Training should be fun and safe for everyone, and these guidelines help ensure both dogs and humans have a paw-sitive experience!

Can More Than One Family Member Attend A Group Class?

Training is a fantastic way to bond as a family, and it’s important that everyone is on the same page to keep training consistent at home! That said, group class works best with a calm and focused environment, so we allow a maximum of 2 people per dog to attend each session. You’re welcome to alternate who attends so everyone gets a chance to be involved!

If you’d like the whole family to participate, consider Max’s Personalized Pup Program, where we can tailor private lessons to your crew’s needs!

What If My Dog Struggles In A Group Class?

Not every dog thrives in a group setting, and that’s okay! If your pup is struggling with the environment, we’ll discuss the best next steps. In some cases, we may recommend private lessons to better suit your dog’s needs. Our goal is to set every dog and owner up for success, and we’ll work with you to find the best approach!

Referred to Private Lessons

If your dog is referred to private lessons after starting a group class, the remaining balance from your group class will be credited toward private training instead of refunded. This allows us to tailor a training plan that better suits your pup’s needs while ensuring you still get value from your investment.

  • The credit will be pro-rated based on how many group sessions were attended.

  • If the private lessons cost more than the remaining balance, you will only pay the difference.

If you do not wish to continue with private lessons, a partial refund may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

What If I Miss A Class?

Cancellation & Refund Policy for Group Classes

  • Emergencies (Single Missed Class): If you must miss a class due to an emergency, we do not offer refunds for single absences, but we’ve got you covered! You’ll receive a recap email, video demonstration, and homework to practice at home.

  • Major Life Changes (Multiple Missed Classes): If you are unable to continue training due to a significant life change (such as moving, medical issues, or job loss), a partial refund may be offered based on how many classes were attended.

  • General Cancellations (Changing Your Mind or Scheduling Conflicts):

    • No refunds will be given after the second class. Even if you didn’t attend.

By enrolling in a class, you acknowledge and agree to this policy. If you have any concerns or questions, please reach out—we’re happy to help!



What Training Methods Do You Use?

At Groovy Paws Training, I believe in using science-backed, humane training methods that set both you and your dog up for success! My approach follows the LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) principle, meaning I prioritize positive reinforcement—rewarding the behaviors we want to see more of instead of punishing mistakes.

This means:
Lots of rewards (like treats, praise, and play) to motivate your pup
Clear communication so your dog understands what’s expected
Building confidence by setting dogs up for success instead of using fear or intimidation

Training should be a fun, rewarding experience for both you and your dog. My goal is to help you strengthen your bond and create a well-mannered pup in a way that’s fair, effective, and enjoyable!

Which Class Is Right For My Dog?

Choosing the right class depends on your dog’s age, experience, and training goals! Here’s a quick guide to help:

Memphis' Puppy Play & Train – Designed for young pups who need early socialization, handling desensitization, and an introduction to basic cues.

  • Younger Puppy Group (2-4 months old): For puppies just starting their training journey.

  • Older Puppy Group (4-6 months old): For slightly older puppies who still need foundational training before moving on to basic obedience.

Ginger’s Canine Command Camp – Ideal for dogs 4 months and older ready to build on their skills or start fresh with structured training. This class covers essential obedience cues and helps tackle common problem behaviors.

Max’s Personalized Pup Program (Private Lessons) – Best for those who want one-on-one attention or need a more customized approach. Great for dogs who are easily overstimulated in group settings or have specific training needs.

What If My Dog Is Reactive Or Aggressive?

At this time, Groovy Paws Training does not offer training for reactivity or aggression. My group classes and private lessons are designed for dogs who are friendly with people and other dogs and are comfortable learning in a group or one-on-one setting.

If your dog is showing signs of reactivity (barking, lunging, growling at other dogs or people) or aggression (attempting to bite, snap, or attack), I highly recommend working with a trainer or behaviorist who specializes in behavior modification for these issues.

Your dog’s safety—and the safety of those around them—is my top priority. If you’re unsure whether my training programs are the right fit, feel free to reach out, and I’d be happy to help point you in the right direction!