Intensive Obedience Course (IOC) Details

Thank you for your interest in our Intensive Obedience Course (IOC).

Please read the information below carefully, as it outlines course structure, suitability, training expectations, fees, and progression opportunities.

🐶 Course Overview

Duration

4 days, delivered across two consecutive weekends. Participants must complete the course they commence. Switching between dates or courses is not permitted.

Daily Hours

9:00 AM – approximately 3:00 PM

Day 1 may run until approximately 4:00 PM due to theory components.

📘 Day 1 – Important Information

The first half of Day 1 is theory-based. During this time, all dogs will remain in our air-conditioned kennel room, allowing them to settle and rest while handlers focus on learning.

Morning tea and lunch breaks will be provided before hands-on practical training begins in the afternoon.

📍 Location

Samford Valley, North Brisbane.

🐾 Dog Care During the Course

When not actively training, dogs will be kenneled or crated in a dedicated area. This space is air-conditioned and supported by fans to ensure a safe, cool, and comfortable environment. Rest periods allow dogs to decompress between training sessions.

Handlers may take their dogs out during designated breaks, provided dogs remain on lead and under control at all times.

🎯 Training Structure & Expectations

• Only one dog trains at a time
• Exceptions apply only when addressing specific two-dog behavioural issues
• All two-dog work is conducted under direct supervision of Dean or Nikki

This structure allows every session to be highly individualised to your dog’s needs.

👤 Suitability

• Adults only
• Some adult terminology and language may be used during instruction
• While nothing offensive is intended, this course may not be suitable for individuals sensitive to such language

🧠 Training Methodology

Tasaa are balanced trainers. We do not subscribe to or promote positive-only dog training.

Any corrections used are minimal, fair, and appropriate, based on:

• The size of the dog
• The behaviour being addressed
• The context in which it occurs

Please refer to our website for a detailed explanation of our training philosophy.

✈️ Interstate Participants

• You may attend without your dog — trained dogs are available for you to work with across the 4 days
• If you bring your dog, we are happy to recommend dog-friendly accommodation in the local area

💰 Course Fees (Fully Catered)

• Please refer to the booking page for the most up to date information on course fees

📝 What to Come Prepared With

A few behaviours you would like to stop, such as:

• Rushing out doorways
• Jumping on people
• Demand barking

A few behaviours you would like to train, such as:

• Loose leash walking
• Calm, settled behaviour
• Vet or café manners

🍖 High-Value Treats (Required)

You are required to bring high-value treats for your dog. These should be something your dog finds exceptional — not their normal daily food, unless your dog has an outstanding food drive and will happily work for their regular meals.

Examples include (but are not limited to): Ziwi Peak, Providore, cheese, bacon, etc.

Treats must be cut into very small pieces, as repetition is key in dog training. We need to be able to reward many behaviours without your dog becoming full too quickly. Please bring enough treats to roughly equal one full daily feed.

We strongly recommend testing treats at home prior to the course to determine what truly motivates your dog.

If treats require refrigeration, please bring them in a clearly named container. These can be stored in the training fridge during the day to prevent spoilage.

🚫 Children in Attendance

These courses are not suitable for children.

The days are long, and calm focus is essential while dogs are working. While we love kids, past experience has shown that the environment is not ideal. Children understandably become bored and restless, which can increase stress for parents and reduce learning outcomes.

For everyone’s benefit, we kindly ask that you attend without children, allowing you to fully focus and gain the maximum value from the course.

📍 Property Surveillance Notice

Please note that from the moment you enter the Tasaa property, the entire area is under video and audio surveillance. This monitoring is in place for the protection of our property, staff, clients, and all dogs participating in our training programmes.

By attending the course, you acknowledge and consent to this surveillance while on-site.

📄 Cancellation and Refund Policy – Intensive Obedience

Refunds and Cancellation Timeframes

Refunds, if applicable, are calculated based on the course fees paid, less any non-recoverable payment processing fees we have incurred (1.7%) and a $25 administration fee. The administration fee covers the time required to manually process refunds, verify enrolments, and manage course logistics, which ensures the smooth running of each small, highly personalised course.

1. More than 14 days before course start: You will receive a full refund of the course fees paid (less non-recoverable payment processing fees and the $25 administration fee).
2. 8–13 days before course start: You will receive a 50% refund of the course fees paid (less non-recoverable payment processing fees and the $25 administration fee).
3. Within 7 days of course start: No refunds are available.
4. Transfer of enrolment: You may transfer your enrolment to another person, provided their dog is suitable and meets all course prerequisites. Please email us to arrange the transfer.
5. Replacement enrolments: If we are able to fill your place, we will refund 80% of the course fees paid (less non-recoverable payment processing fees and the $25 administration fee). Please note that replacing enrolments at short notice can be challenging due to the preparation required for our courses.
6. Changes to course dates: Requests to change course dates are treated as cancellations, and refunds will be issued in accordance with this Cancellation Policy. You may then rebook for your preferred dates. We are unable to hold funds or transfer payments between bookings.

💳 Refund Requests

All refund requests must be submitted in writing via email to
info@brisbanetherapyanimals.com.au.

Please allow up to 10 business days for refunds to be processed. We are not responsible for processing timelines imposed by banks or payment platforms. Refunds will be issued automatically to the original payment method used at the time of booking.

TASAA Training Methodologies

📚 TASAA Training Methodologies

At TASAA, we are not a positive-only training facility. While positive-only methods can be effective for teaching behaviours—particularly when the handler is very patient and the dog is naturally compliant—we believe they are often inefficient and ineffective for stopping undesirable or dangerous behaviours, especially those that are highly rewarding for the dog.
Behaviours such as:

• Barking
• Jumping
• Fence running
• Chasing cars
• Door rushing
• Reactivity toward dogs or humans
• Treating children or other members of the household as part of the dog’s “pack,” rather than respecting appropriate human boundaries

are frequently self-reinforcing and, in some cases, pose a genuine risk to the dog, other animals, or people. Relying solely on positive reinforcement to stop these behaviours can be a very long and frustrating process.