Canine building blocks Frequently Asked questions

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What is Canine Building Blocks (CBB)?
When do I start?
Where can I take CBB?
How do I register?
What will we learn in CBB?
What dogs are appropriate for CBB?
I have a puppy - what about socialization?
What if I want more than six passes?
Who keeps track of the number of sessions I have left?
How much does it cost?
Can I skip a week? (or more?)
What sessions are available each week?

What is Canine Building Blocks (CBB)?
CBB is a unique new way to take a group class with your dog. Instead of being roped into a fixed schedule, CBB offers incredible flexibility and convenience. It’s a group class that you can start any time, work on any of the skills you’d like, and in any order!

Smart Dog University offers the highest-quality training – now it's even more convenient!

When do I start?
Whenever you want! All classes start at 6:30p. You must register, pay, and come to an orientation session before beginning the CBB. Orientation is mandatory before starting the Canine Building Blocks class.

Orientation is offered at Kingsbrook Animal Hospital and at Mount Airy Animal Hospital several times a month. Orientation begins at 7:30p. Dogs do not come to Orientation.

Where can I take CBB?
CBB is offered in three locations:
Kingsbrook Animal Hospital located at 5322 New Design Road in Frederick, MD. Map and Directions.
Yellow Springs Veterinary Clinic located at 25 Thomas Johnson Drive in Frederick, MD. Map. (Located at the corner of Byte Drive and Thomas Johnson.)
Mount Airy Animal Hospital located at 1308 South Main Street in Mount Airy, MD. Map.

How do I register?
Like everything else about this course, registering is easy too! Click here to register and pay online or mail them in (along with your check). Payment is required before you can start CBB.

What will we learn in CBB?
There are five different Building Blocks in the CBB program:

Attention + Focus
Teamwork
Communicating with Your Dog
Teaching Self Control and
Public Appearances

Click here to see the specific behaviors covered in each of the Building Blocks.

What dogs are appropriate for CBB?
Dog- and people-friendly dogs are welcome at CBB. If your dog is aggressive toward people or dogs, please call Smart Dog University – private, one-on-one training would be a more appropriate option for you and your dog before enrolling in CBB.

I have a puppy - what about socialization?
Once a week at Yellow Springs Veterinary Clinic , there will be a 30-minute Puppy Social open to pups less than 20 weeks old and who are currently enrolled in Canine Building Blocks. During this 30 minutes, we'll cover common puppy problems like nipping, house training, crate training, chewing, jumping, and more. And, most importantly, your pup will get some playtime with other puppies. Note: Smart Dog University reserves the right to excuse inappropriate puppies from playtime.

What if I want more than six passes?
Once you've used your six passes, you can purchase additional passes in increments of 1, 3, and 6.
One - $30 (to be used within 2 weeks)
Three - $75 (to be used within 6 weeks)
Six - $149 (to be used within 10 weeks)

Who keeps track of the number of passes I have left?
Smart Dog University tracks the number of passes you've bought, used, how many you have left, and the expiration date of the passes. Your initial set of six passes expire within 10 weeks of your start date. Once you've used your six passes, you can purchase additional passes in increments of 1, 3, and 6.

How much does it cost?
Our basic package is six lessons for $159. Your initial set of six passes expire within 10 weeks of your start date. Once you've used your six passes, you can purchase additional passes in increments of 1, 3, and 6.
One - $30 (to be used within 2 weeks)
Three - $75 (to be used within six weeks)
Six - $149 (to be used within 10 weeks)

Can I skip a week? (or more?)
Yes! That's the beauty of this program - you come on the nights and to the locations that are convenient to you. Skipping a night (or more) is a-ok!

What sessions are available each week?
You can take a look at the live schedule to gauge session availability. Each facility has a capacity of five dog-handler teams, except Yellow Springs (Monday) which can accomodate six teams. After you register for Canine Building Blocks and attend the Orientation session, you will be given access to this calendar, which enables you to add yourself to the schedule.