Challenge FAQ
[Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning TOC may get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you.]
How do I sign up for the Tails of Connection (TOC) Challenge?
To sign up, please visit our challenge page and purchase the challenge. Once you complete your purchase which gives you access to the challenge content (see more on that below), you will receive an email with instructions on how to complete your registration.
When does the TOC Challenge Start?
Following your purchase you can decide when you’d like to start the challenge. Even though it’s intended to be a 14-day challenge, please go at your own pace.
Following my purchase, when will I be able to access the challenge content and for how long?
The challenge content (e.g. the videos and text that’s behind the challenge paywall) will be unlocked as soon as you purchase the challenge. After that you will have access to the challenge for the foreseeable future, meaning you may still be able to access the challenge content as long as you are able to access the services that TOC provides.
Do I have to commit to a particular schedule during the 14 days to participate in the challenge?
Nope! You are free to go at your own pace. The challenge is set up to stand alone as a self-guided course.
Can I buy the challenge after the official live April 2021 window has passed?
Yes. Based on multiple requests, we've decided to extend challenge enrollment past the April 2021 live window. Now that the live April 2021 window has ended, the challenge continues as a standalone self-guided e-course without our same level of community involvement on Facebook and Instagram. You can of course still join our private Facebook community and access that content.
What will the community element be like after the the April 2021 live challenge has ended?
While we won't be commenting on Facebook as frequently as during the official April 2021 live challenge window, we will do our best to respond there when you post under the daily units (you get access to the group when you buy the challenge). The whole community can post videos of their own work and cheer each other on (or laugh with us at our MANY bloopers). You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@tailsofconnection) so we can celebrate your successes there, and so you can keep up with the latest TOC news and training advice in and outside of the challenge. We would be so thrilled if you tag us in posts and stories of you training or having fun with your dog. We will share as many as we can because we love spreading that joy.
Is this challenge a good fit for me?
Anyone can have fun with this challenge regardless of your experience level. Rather than launching with a course that’s focused on one specific skill (e.g. “Teach the perfect heel”), we’ve created a challenge to tackle the most important aspects of training:
Fun: Training should be delight for humans and dogs. Regardless of what you are learning or practicing, we want to show you why and how it can be fun.
Connection: At its core, training is a way to bond with your dog, so this challenge gives you a framework for some serious connecting! Because we think humans are great too, we’ve set up a community for this challenge, so we can all learn together.
Approachable: It’s easier to learn when information is presented in a more human way. We also know it can feel draining to constantly struggle to learn new things, so we mixed in foundation work (because we always benefit from that) and some moments to work on new behaviors.
Efficient: We know how busy you are, so we have very intentionally created bite-sized videos. We’ve also given you tasks that will take no more than five minutes per day.
Learning: We will show you how to teach your dog many different behaviors and explain why they are worth your time and how they benefit you in the real world. Through our private Facebook group (the link and password to join will be included in the intro section of the challenge content), participants will share their own training videos and ideas to #ShakeItUp, so we will all get to learn together.
Motivation and Accountability: For 14 days, we’ve got you covered. You don’t have to think or worry about what to do. Simply carve out five minutes each day, and we will help you cement a sustainable training routine that you can carry with you after the challenge.
This course is great for dogs of any age (including puppies) and experience level. If you are a beginner, you will learn a lot (and have access to revisit everything after the challenge to keep working and progressing). If you are intermediate, you will have access to a mix of foundation activities and new skills. If you are advanced, we offer ideas to #ShakeItUp and then give you the space to show us your progress.
What equipment do I need?
You should not have to purchase any additional products for this challenge. We have tried to list anything you might want below and have provided substitutes that you can use if you don’t have something listed here.* We’ve also provided some links (not every option) for potential products you could buy on Amazon below.
Food rewards (treats or regular food)*
Substitute: Put food in your pocket.
Substitutes: Use a clicker pen or simply say the word “yes” instead of using a clicker.
Substitutes: Use two toys that your dog likes (identical toys will be better if you want to carry this work on after challenge).
A short pedestal* (e.g. rubber bowl) that your dog can put his front paws on
Substitutes: A normal food bowl turned upside down (you may have to put a towel over it), a book, a bucket, a platform, etc.
A large ball* (e.g. soccer ball or a basketball)
A smaller ball* (e.g. tennis ball or any round toy that will roll)
Where can I find/what is your refund policy?
We offer full refunds of the price of the challenge with no questions asked up to 14 days after your purchase. If you need a refund, please email hello@tailsofconnection.com with the subject line CHALLENGE REFUND. Please note that some refunds will take up to 30 days to process depending on your payment method.
Once purchased, how do I view the challenge?
When you purchase the challenge, you will receive an email asking you to complete your registration. Simply log into the website to access the challenge content.
What training methods are used in the challenge?
The training in this challenge is all force free.
Are you a professional trainer?
“Yes, I am a certified professional dog trainer, knowledge assessed (CPDT-KA), and a Lead Trainer at Dog Trained. I fell in love with training as a pet parent who was simply trying to help her fearful reactive dog, and I will forever be a student. I am excited to share the joy that I have found and to learn alongside all of you. You can read more about my story here,” Christie Catan, co-founder of Tails of Connection.
Who do I contact for technical support?
If you are having technical issues with the challenge, please contact Podia at hello@podia.com.
Is there an age limit?
You must be 16 years of age or older to participate in the challenge.
*[Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning TOC may get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you.]