Class Etiquette

Last updated Jul. 15th, 2026

We want classes at The Hub to feel welcoming, productive, and manageable for every dog and person. Please review these expectations before your first visit (and as needed thereafter) so you know how to arrive prepared, move through the space, and support your dog during class.

Come Prepared

Please bring:

A variety of pre-cut foods or treats your dog will enjoy working for
A plush toy or tug rope if your dog gets mouthy or is toy-driven
A treat pouch that clips to your pants or fits around your waist
A water bottle and collapsible water dish for your dog
For dogs who become impatient or puppies: A silicone lick mat with a topper that your dog enjoys (non-fat yogurt, mashed banana, pumpkin puree, Rigby pouch, etc.)

Backup water and bowls are available, but they may not be immediately accessible and retrieving them can disrupt class or daycare.

Arrive on Time

Please arrive on the hour or up to five minutes early. This gives you time to enter, organize your belongings, and help your dog settle before class begins.

If the gym gate is closed, keep your dog at least four feet away from the fence until a Hub employee invites you through. A “Keep Back” sign is posted on the gate.

Give Other Dogs Space

Keep your dog close to your side while walking to your station and maintain at least three feet between dogs. Please avoid all on-leash greetings inside the facility.

To help your dog move past distractions:

Hold the leash close in one hand without pulling.
Place a treat inside a closed fist of your other hand.
Hold your fist hand near your dog’s nose as you walk.

This gives your dog something clear to follow while you move together.

Stay Engaged With Your Dog

Please do not stand behind your dog at the end of the leash while they stare at, pull toward, or vocalize at another dog.

Use the skills and pattern games covered in your pre-class materials to help your dog stay connected to you. This may mean reinforcing check-ins, using food to guide their attention, creating more distance, or giving them a brief break.

You do not need to wait until your dog is overwhelmed before engaging them.

Use the Leash for Connection, Not Correction

At The Hub, the leash is used to maintain connection, preserve space, and keep your dog within your orbit. It should not be used to force your dog to do something they are not ready for.

Please avoid leash pops, jerks, or pulling your dog into position.

Be aware of your own arousal level as well. If you feel frustrated, embarrassed, tense, or rushed, pause and help your dog complete one simple, familiar action. Your trainer will do their best to support you, but ongoing individualized attention is not possible in a group setting.

If Your Dog Is Vocal or Unable to Focus

Your trainer may support you by creating additional space, bringing over visual barriers, or providing brief individualized guidance.

It remains primarily your responsibility to actively re-engage your dog using the skills you have learned. Barriers can reduce visual stimulation, but your dog may still hear, smell, or remain aware of the other dogs.

If your dog remains highly vocal or unable to participate despite additional space, barriers, and trainer support, you may be asked to leave class early. This is not a punishment. Remaining in an environment where your dog cannot recover is unlikely to be productive and may significantly disrupt the other dogs in class.

If this behavior is new or unexpected, we recommend consulting your veterinarian. Ear infections, allergies, gastrointestinal discomfort, muscular injuries, and other medical concerns can affect behavior.

If the behavior continues across visits, group-class eligibility may be paused or revoked. Your trainer may recommend private training, self-directed experiences, solo playdates, or another option that gives your dog more individualized support.

Tell Us About Training Tools Used Elsewhere

If you use an electronic collar, bark collar, prong collar, slip lead, or another corrective tool outside The Hub, please tell your trainer.

We ask because these tools can affect your dog’s behavior, body language, responses to cues, and comfort around certain people, movements, or equipment. Knowing the full context helps us provide safer and more accurate guidance.

Clean Up After Your Dog

Please take your dog out to use the bathroom before entering the facility. The best place for potty breaks is along the grassy / dirt path on the opposite side of Bishop Drive, between Sunset Drive and Camino Ramon. Please carry poo bags with you to clean up any waste.

We understand that accidents can still happen. In that case, you are responsible for cleaning up if your dog urinates, defecates, or vomits anywhere in the facility or on equipment, fencing, barriers, or furniture.

Solid Waste

Use a poop bag to collect all waste.
Do not place poop bags in the Simplehuman trash containers. Either take the bag with you or give it to the daycare team for disposal in the Diaper Genie, depending on the amount of waste.

Liquid Waste

Use a blue potty pad to absorb the liquid.
Thoroughly spray the affected area with a white spray bottle.
Let the spray sit for 15–20 seconds.
Use the white napkins to gently dab the area.

Please dab rather than rub. Rubbing the napkins into the floor tile can leave a visible mark.

Ask a Hub employee for help if an accident occurs on a surface you are unsure how to clean.

Please also be mindful of your dog’s marking outside of The Hub and around City Center. To the best of your abilities, refrain from letting your dog mark posts, corners, or furniture belonging to the surrounding restaurants and businesses at City Center.