Class Info and Policies

If you have never taken classes at Y2K9s before, welcome to Y2K9s. You and your dog are about to have lots of fun! Before taking your first class, we may request a brief, free-of-charge evaluation.

If you register for Basic Canine Manners, Tina Fitzpatrick will automatically be in contact with you to coordinate an evaluation. For ALL OTHER CLASSES, unless you have approval by the class instructor, please contact Tina to schedule your evaluation.

At Y2K9s we use force-free training methods based on positive reinforcement. Bring a large supply of small, tasty treats.

Four to six foot leads and a buckle collar are recommended. Please, no Flexi Leads. We may recommend the use of an alternate head halter or harness; they are available for sale at class.

    Waiver required for all activities at Y2K9s

    Y2K9s Class Refund Policy

    • With few exceptions, there will be no refunds within 72 hours of the start of the first class.
    • If, for some reason, it looks as though a more basic or more advanced class may be more appropriate, the fee will be applied to that class.
    • If a dog or handler has been diagnosed with an infectious disease, refunds for missed classes will be offered, less bank fees. Please see Covid-19 mask policy for when you may return to class.
    • If a student knows ahead of time that he/she will not be able to attend all classes in a session, they may either sign up for the full session and miss those classes without receiving a refund OR take the class as a drop-in student.
    • Drop-ins are available at the instructor's discretion and only if a class is not full.
    • If you miss more than 2 classes during a class session due to severe lameness or illness on the part of the handler or dog, you may submit a request for a refund, which will require Board Approval.
      Please note: Requests involving elective surgery for a dog or handler will not be approved for a refund.
    • Workshops & Seminars: Working spots will follow the same refund guidelines as classes; an exception is if the working spot can be filled. Auditing spots in workshops and seminars can be refunded if requested prior to the start of the workshop or seminar.

    Instructor Discretion Policy

    Every Y2K9s instructor has the authority to determine if a certain class is appropriate for every dog/handler team. If the registrar approves your registration, that does not guarantee your spot in the class if the instructor feels that particular class is not the right fit for you and your dog. Every effort will be made to find you an alternate class. If a class can not be found to suit your needs a refund will be issued.

    Policy Regarding Certification of Rabies Vaccination

    At the meeting of the Board of Directors on May 17, 2026 it was agreed that the owner of any dog being presented for evaluation prior to registering for any class conducted at or by Y2K9s, must provide a current certificate of vaccination for rabies or a certificate of exemption from vaccination for rabies in accordance with Pennsylvania law, 3 P.S. § 455.8.

    Y2K9s Policy on Kennel Cough and Other Canine Respiratory Illnesses

    Kennel cough is typically a self-limiting virus that can be serious for very young, very old, and immune-suppressed dogs. The germs that spread the virus can be shed by dogs before they show clinical signs, so keeping a coughing dog at home is not enough. Because we are all crazy about doing things with our dogs and playing all kinds of fun games, the best thing that we can do is to make every effort to minimize the spread of kennel cough and other respiratory illnesses. We can do that in several ways:

    • Avoiding contact with other dogs and things they touch with their mouths.
      • No dog to dog contact.
      • No water bowls left out where other dogs can access them, and removed after class.
        (If you forget your bowl, there are paper bowls in the lobby closet which you can use and toss.)
      • Don’t leave toys around. If you find a toy left behind, put it on the lost and found shelf in the lobby.
      • If you use a target, bring your own and take it home with you.
      • Use disinfectant wipes to wipe out crates before use.
    • If a dog is observed coughing or showing other signs of illness, an instructor has the right to ask the owner to leave. If a dog has a chronic condition causing a cough, owner may be asked to show a veterinary note indicating that it has been examined and that it does not have a contagious illness.
    • Dogs who have kennel cough may not return to Y2K9s for two weeks AFTER the last symptoms were observed. This also applies to other dogs in the household who may not have shown symptoms.
    • Students who miss class because of kennel cough will be issued a credit for those classes missed, less bank fees.
    • Y2K9s will establish a routine for regular disinfecting of the club interior and potty area.

    Equipment Policy

    • Y2K9s is proud of its commitment to force-free training. Choke chains, prong collars, and any and all electronic collars will not be allowed at Y2K9s with the following exception: classes in which the use of a choke collar is required for the discipline, such as show handling. In those cases the collar shall NOT be used to correct the dog at any time, and the instructor will be able to require a change of collar if he/she deems appropriate.
    • At events held at Y2K9s under the umbrella of organizations that do allow a variety of collars to be used, the rules of that venue will be respected.
    • For the safety of dogs and handlers, Flexi (retractable) leashes are not allowed.

    Foster Dog Benefit Policy

    In furthering our mission to serve the community, Y2K9s is pleased to announce the following foster dog policy:

    • Individuals fostering dogs may take a session of one class at no charge (for members) and at half price (for non-members).
    • This policy applies ONLY to foster dogs who are intended for adoption.
    • As with all new canine students, an evaluation is required and some restrictions will apply.

    Please contact our Training Director before registering for class to confirm eligibility. You must use the provided discount codes at registration payment.

    Bitches in Season

    • Bitches in season are welcome in class, dependent upon permission from the instructor (as some classes are not conducive to allowing a bitch in season to participate). Bitches in season must wear panties at all times when inside the building, even when training in agility. If the bitch in season is not permitted to attend class, a credit will be given for the time missed.

    Parking

    • There is ample parking in the lot directly in front of our building
    • Do not block entrances and doors to our building, other buildings or loading docks

    Field Turf Floor

    We have made a big investment in this flooring and need your help to keep it in good shape

    • Do not let your dog run loose on the field turf
    • Use treats that can be easily found by your dog
    • No human food or drinks on the turf
    • Let an instructor know if you see any infractions; help enforce these rules
    • Should a spill or accident occur, use disinfectant in the spray bottle and paper towels to blot

    Clean-up

    $10 penalty for dog accidents ANYWHERE IN THE BUILDING

    PEEnalty Payment

    Payment for: PEEnalty Fine

    Amount: $10.00

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    • Outside the building please pick up and use our dumpster for disposal
    • Use the “Y2 Loo” (gravel area adjacent to parking lot) – bags available
    • Inside – See your instructor for location of correct cleaning product
    • Please do not leave any dog waste (liquid or solid) in any indoor trash can, including those in the bathrooms – place it in the dumpster

    Class Cancellations and Bad Weather

    • In the event of inclement weather, an email will sent to the Y2K9s GoogleGroup. To join, using the same email account that you want to use for your Google Group membership, open your email client and send an email to our GoogleGroups address.
    • Instructors may also contact their students, so check your email or reach out to your instructor
    • Message Center Phone Number: 215-821-9259 (for class cancellations information; also for general questions regarding Y2K9s, you may call our message center, leave a message, and we will contact you)

    Free Stuff to Borrow

    • Books, magazines and DVDs are available in the lobby bookshelf

    Join the Y2K9s email group on GoogleGroups

    • Email traffic is light, with useful club notices and news. To join, using the same email account that you want to use for your Google Group membership, open your email client and send an email to our GoogleGroups address.

    Items Available for Purchase

    • $25 – EZ-Walker Harnesses (see an instructor for fitting and purchase)
    • $4 – Clickers
    • Mesh tug bags
    • Y2K9s offers a variety of logo-printed items for sale. Check them out at the Y2K9s Merch Shop.