ZOOM ROOM FAQ
We hope our extensive FAQ collection will answer any and all of your questions about the Zoom Room, but if we've left anything out or if you have any additional questions specific to your dog, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Where are you located?
Our flagship location is in Culver City, CA. For the address and directions, visit Locations. We are also in the process of franchising, with more locations nationwide expected soon in 2009.
What are your hours?
In general, we are open Monday through Friday from 4 pm to 9 pm, and from 9 am to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday. However be sure to call us or check our schedule, if you are planning a visit.
What kinds of classes do you offer?
Agility training, obedience training, puppy classes, and a wide range of innovative specialty classes. To find out more, please consult our Master List of Dog Training Classes.
Can I enroll online?
Absolutely. You can enroll by phone, in person, or online. If you already know which class you're going to sign up for, go ahead and enroll, otherwise you might first want to check out our Master List of Dog Training Classes.
How big are the classes?
Class size is limited to six students for agility trainng and ten students for obedience and puppy classes.
How long are the classes? How often do they meet?
Most of our classes are one hour long and meet weekly for six weeks. Be sure to consult our current schedule of dog training classes.
Can I bring my kids with me?
Yes, we encourage kids, but each child must have an adult escort on site to participate in class. We also have after-school agility training classes specially designed for kids and their dogs.
How old do I have to be?
Children eight and up may participate in classes with an adult escort.
Is there an extra charge for couples?
If you and your signficant other or other family member wish to come together to classes, you are welcome to do so. There are no extra charges for more than one person to participate, but due to space restrictions in the center, there is a per-dog limit of two people for group classes. Private lessons have no restrictions for other household members.
Do you also provide grooming or boarding?
No, we are a dog training center only.
Will my dog be on-leash or off-leash?
Agility training is taught mostly off-leash, except for Agility 1. Obedience training is primarily taught on-leash.
Do I need to purchase any special equipment?
No, you just need to bring your dog on a collar and leash. Please consult our Zoom Room Policies & Procedures for a list of approved collars and harnesses.
Do you have on-site medical staff?
Safety is our highest concern, and all of our trainers are trained in basic first aid for dogs. A 24-hour emergency clinic is less than a mile away for conditions requiring more extensive care.
Can I bring both of my dogs to training classes?
Yes, although you may only handle one dog at a time during dog training classes. We recommend bringing a friend to handle your second dog, or signing up for private lessons.
What if my dog is aggressive to other dogs?
If your dog is great around people, but tends to get nippy and aggressive around other dogs, please call or contact us for a free consultation, so that we may advise you of the best course of action. We will either recommend private training classes or one of our specialty group trainings, such as our soon-to-be-offered Growl Class.
If my dog isn't learning, can I get a refund?
We find that all dogs can benefit from professional training, even if they'll never make it on Animal Planet. Refunds are only offered after the first class minus a teaching and administrative fee.
Can I come by just to use the agility equipment?
Yes, you may book private rentals to have the entire center to yourself, or you can drop by for Open Gym at designated times. Open Gym is only open to Zoom Room members. Be sure to read the Open Gym and Membership FAQ further down on this page.
Can I watch a class before I sign up?
Yes, you may come watch a session prior to enrolling, however please call ahead so we can greet you.
Enroll Today!What is agility training?
Agility is a sport designed for speed. Agility training takes place on an obstacle course where the owner directs the dog off-leash. There are many different obstacles, among them the teeter-totter, the weave poles, A-frame, elevated dog walk, and various jumps and tunnels. In agility competitions, the goal is to complete the obstacles in the shortest period of time over a given course. Time faults are given for obstacles completed incorrectly. Training for agility, however, does not mean that you have to compete. In fact, most of our members participate only for fun. Dogs and their humans of all ages, shapes, and sizes can succeed at agility!
Why should I do agility training?
Most dogs can benefit from agility training. It improves balance, coordination, and allows you to interact with your dog in a positive and fun environment. Dogs love agility training, and owners often notice that their dog is happier and better behaved when they train on a regular basis. Agility training can often alleviate behavior problems by channeling a dog’s frustration into something productive and fun. Agility training is also a wonderful bonding experience between owner and dog, affording a unique opportunity to develop and celebrate positive communication throughout the agility course.
Can I bring a puppy for agility training?
You can enroll your puppy in Puppy Agility if he is between four and twelve months old, provided that your puppy is up to date on all of his vaccinations.
I have an older dog. Can he learn new tricks?
Yes! We encourage older dogs to participate in agility as long as they are healthy and active. We do not recommend agility for elderly dogs that may have arthritis, joint problems, or balance issues. Please check with your vet if you’re not sure. We also offer a wide range of exciting and innovative trick training and specialty classes that are perfect for older dogs.
Is previous obedience training necessary?
In order to succeed at agility, basic obedience training is required; your dog must know sit, down, stay, and come on command. If your dog isn’t quite up to speed, we offer accelerated obedience classes to get you out on the agility course quickly.
What if my dog already had obedience training?
Are you wondering what your dog will learn that she doesn’t already know? Agility isn’t obedience, but rather a fun game much like an obstacle or challenge course. Your dog will learn coordination, balance and self-confidence by learning to negotiate the obstacles. In addition, you and your dog will learn to communicate effectively as a team.
Can all breeds participate in agility training?
Many people wonder if some breeds are naturally more adept than others. In fact, all breeds are capable of participating in agility training, and most dogs truly enjoy the experience. The dogs most suited for agility competition seem to be the herding or working dogs. However, we’ve seen Basset Hounds in competition, so anything is possible!
Do you offer advanced classes?
Once your dog has completed all of our classes, we also offer competition-level private lessons, or you and your dog can join and compete in our own Agility League once you’ve mastered the basics.
Are there competitions for agility?
Yes, there are many local agility competitions offered by different organizations. A listing of upcoming agility competitions and information on competing is available at the Zoom Room.
Can I enroll online?
Absolutely. You can enroll by phone, in person, or online. If you already know which class you're going to sign up for, go ahead and enroll, otherwise you might first want to check out our Master List of Dog Training Classes.
Enroll in Agility Training ClassesWhat training methods do you use?
All Zoom Room classes use only positive reward methods, including verbal praise and treats. In addition, some classes use clicker training - a purely-positive form of dog training that is widely considered to be an especially quick, enjoyable and effective learning method.
Do you use clickers?
Yes, in some of our classes, we do use clickers. And if you're already utilizing a clicker a home, you're welcome to bring and use your clicker in all of our classes.
What if I don't have a clicker?
No problem. We'll be happy to give you one to keep, free of charge.
If I train my dog with treats, will he always demand food rewards?
We believe that training with treats is the fastest and most enjoyable method of training for both owners and dogs alike. And, once your dog is getting into the swing of things, we always show you how to wean your dog off of the treats so that he eventually only listens to your voice without need of further reward.
My dog has a problem with aggression toward other dogs.
Your best bet is to call us for a free telephone consultation. You can give us some more specifics, and we'll be happy to advise you. We will likely recommend a combination of Private Training and our small group Growl Class (Coming Soon). If you know your dog is aggressive, please do not enroll in any group classes. Again, we would encourage you to contact a trainer at the Zoom Room for further assistance.
My dog is incredibly fearful and hand-shy.
We have a class just for your dog: it's a special training called... Shy Dog, of course. We'll help you socialize your pup and help him overcome his fears.
My dog is always bouncing off the walls.
Some dogs (and people) have a tough time outgrowing their puppy phase. We understand. That's why we created a special Calm Down! dog training class. However, please note that knowledge of basic obedience is a requirement for Calm Down! classes. If your dog does not yet have basic obedience training, please enroll in Obedience 1 first, and afterwards you can sign up for our next Calm Down! class.
Do you offer off-leash obedience training?
Yes. Obedience 2 prepares your dog for reliability when off leash, and Obedience 3 is conducted almost entirely off leash with its central emphasis on off-leash control.
My dog listens to me, but not to my spouse. What do we do?
This is called Selective Listening, and it's a common occurrence. We would strongly urge both you and your mate to come together to classes. However, if for whatever reason it's not possible for both of you to attend together, then the person who is having the difficulties getting the dog to listen should attend classes with your dog.
After obedience training, will my dog be qualified for Therapy Dog work?
We actually offer a specialized Therapy Dog Training class. This class will prepare your dog for the qualifying test. We will be happy to provide you with referrals to organizations in your area that actually administer the requisite testing.
Enroll in Obedience Training ClassesWhat's the youngest age puppy I can bring to the Zoom Room?
You can start bringing your pup to the Zoom Room at 9 weeks old. He must already have his first round of vaccinations. Please remember to bring a copy of his records from your veterinarian. Puppies generally receive their vaccinations for Rabies, Bordatella and DHPP at 8 weeks old, then again at 12 weeks, and then at 16 weeks. All puppies attending the Zoom Room must have vaccinations commensurate with their age, and proof will always be required.
My puppy doesn't have all his shots? Isn't that dangerous?
We have created safety and sanitation protocols at the Zoom Room that meet and exceed all industry standards, specifically to foster a safe, healthful environment for all of our guests, especially the wee ones who have yet to have all their shots. We take every imaginable precaution for the health and safety of your puppy. These precautions include:
- • Every adult dog that attends the Zoom Room is fully vaccinated. We require written proof from all owners.
- • The entire facility and all equipment is thoroughly sanitized with veterinary-grade disinfectants immediately prior to all puppy classes and Puppy Playtime.
- • All puppies enrolled in Puppy Classes or attending Puppy Playtime are required to have verified vaccinations commensurate with age.
- • We regularly swab and test our floors, equipment and reception area surfaces to test bacterial loads, conforming to the most exacting standards. You simply will not find this attention to detail in any other training facility. Visit us between classes and you'll think you're on the set of C.S.I.
- • We require that puppies who attend the Zoom Room do not visit dog parks or dog day cares until they have received full vaccinations.
- • We employ BioKennel™ Disinfectant Mats in our entryway, to combat any unwanted visitors you may have inadvertently picked up on the soles of your shoes. Again, this is a level of safety precaution not found in training facilities and virtually nonexistent even at veterinarian offices or boarding kennels.
- • Your puppy is supervised at all times by a qualified dog trainer, even during Puppy Playtime recreational periods.
- • And we do all of this because we firmly believe that early socialization is critical to the healthy, happy development of your puppy. We want your puppy to come Zoom with us - so we pull out all stops to make it as safe as possible for him to do so.
Have all the other dogs at the Zoom Room had their shots?
Yes. We insist upon it and verify each dog's veterinary records.
What kinds of puppy classes do you offer?
Puppies between the ages of nine weeks and five months can attend Puppy Preschool or Puppy Playtime. Puppies between the ages of four months and twelve months can attend Puppy Agility. Puppies of any age can also sign up for Private Puppy Training Lessons.
What's Puppy Playtime? It sounds fun.
Right you are. Puppy Playtime is exactly what it sounds like - a chance to socialize your puppy with other puppies, all under the watchful eye of a professional dog trainer. There are toys and treats and fun stuff all around the Zoom Room, but we're pretty sure your puppy will be far too busy making new friends to notice our other ameminities. It's also a great opportunity for scheduling play dates with all your puppy's pals.
My vet says my puppy is too young for agility training.
Our Puppy Agility program is specially designed to focus on balance, coordination and improved communication between you and your puppy. Furthermore, we use custom-designed agility equipment that cannot be found elsewhere; this specialty equipment allows us to adjust heights. Your puppy will enjoy a fun, safe, low impact form of agility training. We do not recommend serious agility training until your dog has the requisite mental and physical development, which typically begins at one year old. But when he's still a puppy you can lay down the foundation for excellent agility training with low jumps and the emphasis we place on coordination and communication.
Why is it so important to socialize a puppy?
Early socialization exposes your puppy to a variety of different enrichment experiences at critical periods in his development. This is extremely important to prevent aggression and fear-based behavior problems, with regard to both humans and other dogs, later in his life.
Can't I just take him to the dog park?
Before he's had all of his shots, it is absolutely not safe to bring your puppy to a dog park or to socialize with strange dogs in any uncontrolled environment. As important as early socialization is, it's just not safe to put his health in jeopardy. It is also extremely important that your puppy's first experiences with other dogs be positive ones. Just as exposing your puppy to illness is dangerous, it is highly deleterious to your puppy's later development to expose him to aggressive dogs, especially those not under their owner's control. At the Zoom Room, all dogs are individually and professionally screened for aggression and their vaccination records checked. All interactions are supervised by professional dog trainers. For the mental and physical well-being of your puppy now and later in life there is simply no comparison to the dog park.
Can you help me housebreak my puppy?
Yes. Puppy Preschool includes instruction on how to implement a housebreaking plan. But no, we don't do housecalls if that's what you were wondering...
How about crate training? Or getting him to stop chewing my shoes?
Yes, all of that and more. Puppy Preschool includes crate training as well as managing unwanted behaviors such as nipping, biting, chewing, barking and other common complaints.
Enroll in Puppy Training ClassesWhat is membership?
Membership in the Zoom Room allows you to use the facility and bring your dog in for dog training classes, Open Gym, Free Play, and more. Members receive special discounts, special rewards, and special recognition. When you sign up for a class, you automatically become a member.
How long does membership last?
Forever. How 'bout that? Your membership in the Zoom Room doesn't end when your first class ends. Zoom Room Membership is for life, with no annual or recurring dues or fees. We should, however, note the following: if you and your dog are members, it means your dog has already been personally evaluated by us. If at some future time your dog starts displaying aggressive behavior, membership is then revokable. We strive to maintain an environment that is fun and safe for everyone.
What are some of the perks of membership?
- • Open Gym! Access to our facility during designated times for socializing and playing.
- • 10% discount coupons for all Zoom Room-branded clothing, training equipment, and home agility equipment.
- • Exclusive shopping events with your membership card.
- • Special discounts up to 25% off at Zoom Room Friends and Family events including Doggy Disco™ and Yappy Hour.
- • $20 BarkBucks™ coupon when you sign up for new classes during certain times of the year. Learn more about BarkBucks™
- • Owner Handouts in our Agility and Obedience classes designed with information about the class and ideas for activities at home.
- • A Zoom Room Journal – provided in our Puppy Preschool and Obedience classes. The Journal includes information on your dog’s behavior in the first year, plus areas to record health and vaccine information.
You also get to participate in our online Members Only area. There you can hook up online with other Zoom Room members to share videos & photos, chat, and plan dog play dates for Open Gym. Each Member gets a personalized webpage and more! You will also enjoy access to exclusive online Zoom Room Learning Resources
Do I have to take a class to become a member?
No, although we would love to have you take a class, we know that some people can’t make it work for whatever reason. But we’d still love to have you take part in the Zoom Room! So, we’ve developed a Member-At-Large testing program for those that have not taken classes with us. This is a great option for dogs that are very social and already trained.
What is Member-At-Large temperament testing?
The temperament testing is very similar to the kind of temperament testing performed at dog day cares and cage-free kennels. During the testing, you and your dog will be evaluated to ensure that the Zoom Room remains a safe and fun place to be. Testing includes greeting people appropriately, sociability around other dogs, safe dog-to-dog interactions, toy aggression, food aggression, polite play style, and recall/control. What this basically means is that your dog cannot show any aggression OR excessively dominant behaviors toward other dogs or humans.
What if my dog doesn’t pass?
If your dog doesn't pass our Member-At-Large Temperament Testing, chances are that your dog needs more training! We will recommend the appropriate class for you and recommend steps that you can take at home to work on problem behaviors.
How much is Member-At-Large Testing?
The testing fee is $25 and includes the testing and educational materials. After that, you’re in! If you're taking one of our classes, the $25 fee is waived.
How can I sign up?
If you’re signing up for dog training classes, congrats! You’re already a member! Otherwise, you can sign up for a Member-At-Large Evaluation.
Enroll in a Dog Training ClassSign up for a Member-At-Large Evaluation
What is Open Gym?
Open Gym is a designated block of time in which you and your dog can come to the Zoom Room and play. You can play on the agility equipment, run around, play with our overflowing toy chest, meet other dogs and their owners, play games, enjoy gourmet dog treats, and generally make use of all of our amenities, including free WiFi, coffee bar, Hound Lounge, vintage pinball, snacks, etc.
You mentioned Members Only - how do I become a member?
You can learn more about Membership in the FAQ section right above this, but in a nutshell, there are two ways to become a member: 1) Take any of our classes, and you are automatically a Zoom Room Member. For life. 2) Or, if you don't want to take any classes, you can sign up for a Member-At-Large Evaluation. This test only takes twenty minutes and requires a one-time registration fee of $25. It's that simple - either take a class (and your $25 fee is waived) or come in for testing and whammo, you're a Zoom Room Member forever and ever - which entitles you to come in and enjoy Open Gym whenever it's offered.
When is Open Gym held?
We are adding more and more blocks of Open Gym time throughout the week and weekends, so be sure to check out our schedule to find meeting times.
Do I have to make an appointment first?
Nope. The whole idea is that you can just drop in whenever you (and your dog) like.
How much does it cost?
There is a $5 drop-in fee, per use, for Open Gym. At a later date, we may be offering monthly packages if you plan to be one of our regulars.
Can I use Open Gym to practice Agility Training?
Unfortunately Open Gym is not an atmosphere conducive to serious agility practice. You can play on the equipment, but we don't recommend that you use this for serious training time due to all of the distractions. The idea of Open Gym is much more laidback and play-centered. If you're enrolled in one of our agility classes, you'll have time after each class to practice. You can also schedule private agility lessons or rent out the facility. Our rental fees are extremely reasonable ($60/hour), so please contact us if you are interested.
Can my young puppy come to Open Gym?
Only dogs with all of their vaccinations can attend Open Gym. If you have a very young puppy, we'd recommend that you instead come to Puppy Playtime, for which no vaccines are required. Read the Puppy FAQ on this same page for more information.
Can my spouse, kids, friend, mailman come with me to Open Gym?
Of course, except due to space limitations we limit you to only one of them per visit. If your whole family wants to come, we'd suggest you consider renting the facility.
I took a class at the Zoom Room last year. Can I still come?
Absolutely. If you took a class, you're already a Zoom Room Member. And Zoom Room Members are Members for Life.
My friend and his dog want to come with me, but they're not members.
Read the question above about becoming a member. Your friend has to either take a class, or sign up for a Member-At-Large Evaluation. We'd love it if you would please tell your friend about the Zoom Room.
Can my friends and I have Open Gym all to ourselves?
Sounds like a perfect party. Please contact us to learn more about renting the facility.
