So what will your dog learn?
Beginner Classes
We have introduced a new system which we found to be particularly effective.Every dog attends an introductory session first. It is a very intense session where we can assess the needs of the owner and dog so that when they join the classes they can be monitored and taught at their particular level. Also in the introductory session we look at safe introductions to strange dogs and how to behave in the company of other dogs which prepares the new dog for working in a class of dogs. The owners are introduced to the training techniques of a reward-based training method. They will be taught how to mark the correct behaviour and how to reward correctly. The cost is £35 for the Introductory Session then just £5 a night thereafter when the puppy comes to classes.
Some of the exercises taught in the beginner class: -
- Walk to heel on a lead
- Recall to the handler
- How to stand to be groomed
- How to stand to be examined
- Sit and stay
- Down and stay
- Retrieve an object to hand
- Touch targeting
- How to greet strangers
- How to behave in the company of other dogs
- How to teach good toileting habits
- How to stop play biting
Throughout the training the emphasis is always on promoting good socialisation with people, dogs and novel situations.
Intermediate Classes
When the young dog is ready he will progress to an intermediate class. The school has listed status with the Kennel Club and is therefore entitled to run the Good Citizen Scheme. There are three awards to work through and when each dog is proficient in all the exercises the owner will be invited to attend a test night where an outside examiner will come and test the dogs. Below is a description of each the exercises in each award. The cost of these classes is £5 per night.
Bronze Award
- Cleanliness and identification
- Correct fitting of collar and lead
- Examination of the dog
- Control through a door or gate
- Lead walking
- Recall to the handler
- Stay for one minute
- Controlled walk with distractions
- Calm behaviour whilst being groomed
- Responsibility and Care Questions
Silver Award
- Playing with the dog
- Road walking
- Recall to handler
- Stay for two minutes
- Vehicle Control
- Come away from distractions
- Controlled greeting
- Food manners
- Examination of the dog
- Responsibility and care questions
Gold Award
- Advanced road walking
- Recall to handler’s side
- Free walking by handler
- Stay down out of sight
- Send the dog to bed
- Emergency stop the dog
- Relaxed isolation
- Advanced food manners
- Responsibility care questions
Advanced Class
These dogs have proved themselves to be extremely well trained companions so now new challenges are set. Handlers are introduced to more advanced training skills and dogs can be taught scenting exercises, targeting exercises and foundation work for competition exercises. The work is very varied and great fun and still only £5 a training session!