My family friendly, outdoor training classes help you achieve a PARTNERSHIP with your dog based on leadership, trust and a few well chosen commands. I achieve this by focussing on how your dog's mind works and demonstrating how this can achieve much faster results and more consistent success. I only use reward based methods of training and work on a system of "Jackpot Rewards". I use a "hands off" approach - no pushing your dog on his rump to make him sit, no pulling him around by his lead. We train in outdoor, real life settings so that the puppies and dogs learn in the real world with distractions all around them including people, children, other dogs, traffic, balls and anything else we can find !! I love seeing everyone progress their training at their own pace and there is lots of fun to be had at my lessons as well as the serious knowledge that underpins it. I can't wait to show you what you and your puppy or older dog can achieve and how much fun you can have.
TRAINING AVAILABLE : Puppy Patrol, Puppy Cadet, Pet Dog Beginners, Pet Dog Follow-on, Progression Sessions, Canine Combi, Scent School
All training is at owner's risk
Please see the Testimonials tab on the left to see what real people say about my classes.
I am an APDT Advanced Trainer and have studied extensively with other professional organisations in addition to my B.Sc for the canine end of the lead and a B.Ed. for the human end of the lead ! I am a subscriber/member of a number of canine training and welfare organisations including PACT, NICE, ISCP and IMDT and continue to study for CPD knowledge and information so that you can be sure I have up to date, science based knowledge. I buy or subscribe to all new programmes that are offered to the dog and puppy owning public so I can see what is new or being presented in a new way..........this means I can advise on what I think of the content before you part with your money.
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I believe that dogs need 3 things - what I call E.L.A.
Exercise, Leadership and Affection
We have asked our dogs to live in OUR world- it is up to us to keep them safe.
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I have owned dogs all my life and believe my best dogs are the ones who have been well trained without losing sight of their special characteristics and the fact that they are pets. I have studied extensively and worked with some inspirational trainers over the years to improve my skills and I believe my B.Ed. helps me to communicate effectively and deliver a fun and rewarding lesson, tailored to your needs. I always say, "I know the beginning and the end of a lesson, the middle is up to the class needs" I think dog trainers are helping both ends of the lead so a science based degree in animal behaviour and a degree in education both help me to get good results for both owner and puppy/dog.
The group obedience lessons cost £12 per session and last about 1 hour. The lessons are pay as you go so you only pay for the lesson you come to but you will need to pre book/pre-pay for your next lesson so I have an idea of numbers and can manage the waiting list effectively. If you have booked but are unable to come at the last minute, please let me know by text or phone.
The group classes are held throughout the year and up to date information is available on my Monthly Newsletter which you will need to sign up to via www.bravenet.com I also use bravenet to send out updates on an ad hoc basis so you will need to click the link I send to you.
Please note : you must be honest about your dog’s issues. Training is not a cut price option for behavioural issues which are potentially dangerous. My training classes are family friendly and it is totally irresponsible to not declare the problems with your dog when you first make an enquiry.
Apart from all the usual obedience commands, I also cover subjects such as –
Walking Through Gates – do you go first or the dog ? Why ?
Walking On Lead – sniffing and exploring
Dog Body Language – does rough play always lead to aggression – spot the signs
Calming Signals – how dogs communicate calming signals to other dogs
Meeting and Greeting People and Dogs – how do you do this
How to Recall your dog – why, how, when Non-verbal cues
I believe we are working in PARTNERSHIP with our dog but as we have asked our dog to live in OUR world, we need to support them to do so safely and happily. I do not believe in negative responses to inappropriate behaviour, I believe in distraction/ignoring and positive reward methods (reward does not always mean food).
I welcome questions at all times during the training sessions and would like everyone to be fully involved and motivated – these are your lessons – I just direct them J We are aiming to have fun as well as feel proud of our dog’s achievements.
See the checklist at the end of this leaflet for the things you need to bring to class.
You should wear comfortable shoes/boots/trainers and appropriate clothing for the weather. I will always turn up at the venue unless I am snowed in so it is worth you popping along just in case the rain cloud ends just where we are training !
Your dog must be fit and healthy and fully vaccinated and wormed. If your dog has a medical problem or physical incapacity you must take your vet’s advice if necessary before embarking on obedience training. Please let me know of any physical restrictions (you or your dog) that I need to be aware of.
You should bring a mix of treats such as chicken/cheese/cooked sausage. Food rewards should be titbits (smelly and very small). Your dog should not be worked whilst hungry (makes them distracted) but equally they shouldn’t be overfed (makes them lazy !). They need to have been exercised prior to a class otherwise they have too much energy to be well behaved – but don’t exhaust them ! Some dogs work better for rewards other than food – a ball or squeaky toy – we will discuss this and also clicker training and whistle training. We will phase out food rewards as training progresses and use my method which I call JACKPOT REWARDS.
You will need a long line/training line for secure recall (if you don’t let your dog off already) and returning to heel work (this is NOT a retractable lead – it is a long webbing line such as this one :
www.viovet.co.uk/CLIX_Long_Recall_Line_Black_Dog_Lead/c5219/?quick_find=146773&gclid=CjwKEAiA48fDBRDJ24_imejhwUkSJAAr0M5kUGcLDpypJWHfGNJ_dytBInrW2vleK0WduxLv6pOEGhoCNp3w_wcB )
plus there is this non-fabric longline which has been used successfully at class and it has the added benefit of not getting soggy on wet ground or at the beach !
http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/dogs/dog_collars_dog_leads/nylon_leads/special/194643
I do have a few spare lines but not enough to go round everyone and if you aren’t already doing off lead recall you WILL need a longline so you can practice between classes. I will explain at class why a retractable lead is not a good idea for training
You must make sure your dog is wearing a suitable collar and lead. Full choke chain collars are not acceptable under any circumstances and neither is a rope slip lead for reasons that I am happy to explain at class.
Some dogs pull and you may already use something to help teach your dog not to pull and these are perfectly acceptable to use at class.
We have tried and tested the following if you need any guidance BUT it is not compulsory to use these at class, these are just suggestions if you need help.
A Halti FRONT FASTENING harness has been particularly successful at class and is my top tip – order online as it is much cheaper but go to the shop to try one on your dog so you order the correct size. Using these is not cheating, it’s teaching !!! An ordinary harness is not a good idea – the dog can lean their whole weight into it and become even stronger because of their low centre of gravity ! A Figure of 8 lead, Halti Headcollar or a Gen Collar is perfectly acceptable at class but the Halti Front Fastening harness is my absolute top recommendation. The Perfect Fit Harness is a comfortable harness for dogs who do a lot of harness walking and may pull occasionally.
CHECKLIST
Titbits/rewards, longline ( I have spares if you need to borrow one for your first class), poo bags, the dog (!) with correct collar, lead, (and halti head collar/front fastening harness or other training “aid” if needed) and PLENTY OF PATIENCE. As I have said before (above) your dog MUST be exercised prior to class.
BOOKING IN SYSTEM : Please remember that I can only offer PAYG lessons if I can manage the numbers coming to class effectively. This means you must book in and although I accept life throws a curved ball occasionally, I would appreciate a text or phone call if you cannot come to class and as much notice as you can give me please.
The group obedience lessons cost £12 per session and last about 1 hour. The lessons are pay as you go so you only pay for the lesson you come to but you will need to pre book/pre-pay for your next lesson so I have an idea of numbers and can manage the waiting list effectively. If you have booked but are unable to come at the last minute, please let me know by text or phone.
The group classes are held throughout the year and up to date information is available on my Monthly Newsletter which you will need to sign up to via www.bravenet.com I also use bravenet to send out updates on an ad hoc basis so you will need to click the link I send to you.
Please note : you must be honest about your dog’s issues. Training is not a cut price option for behavioural issues which are potentially dangerous. My training classes are family friendly and it is totally irresponsible to not declare the problems with your dog when you first make an enquiry.
Apart from all the usual obedience commands, I also cover subjects such as –
Walking Through Gates – do you go first or the dog ? Why ?
Walking On Lead – sniffing and exploring
Dog Body Language – does rough play always lead to aggression – spot the signs
Calming Signals – how dogs communicate calming signals to other dogs
Meeting and Greeting People and Dogs – how do you do this
How to Recall your dog – why, how, when Non-verbal cues
I believe we are working in PARTNERSHIP with our dog but as we have asked our dog to live in OUR world, we need to support them to do so safely and happily. I do not believe in negative responses to inappropriate behaviour, I believe in distraction/ignoring and positive reward methods (reward does not always mean food).
I welcome questions at all times during the training sessions and would like everyone to be fully involved and motivated – these are your lessons – I just direct them J We are aiming to have fun as well as feel proud of our dog’s achievements.
See the checklist at the end of this leaflet for the things you need to bring to class.
You should wear comfortable shoes/boots/trainers and appropriate clothing for the weather. I will always turn up at the venue unless I am snowed in so it is worth you popping along just in case the rain cloud ends just where we are training !
Your dog must be fit and healthy and fully vaccinated and wormed. If your dog has a medical problem or physical incapacity you must take your vet’s advice if necessary before embarking on obedience training. Please let me know of any physical restrictions (you or your dog) that I need to be aware of.
You should bring a mix of treats such as chicken/cheese/cooked sausage. Food rewards should be titbits (smelly and very small). Your dog should not be worked whilst hungry (makes them distracted) but equally they shouldn’t be overfed (makes them lazy !). They need to have been exercised prior to a class otherwise they have too much energy to be well behaved – but don’t exhaust them ! Some dogs work better for rewards other than food – a ball or squeaky toy – we will discuss this and also clicker training and whistle training. We will phase out food rewards as training progresses and use my method which I call JACKPOT REWARDS.
You will need a long line/training line for secure recall (if you don’t let your dog off already) and returning to heel work (this is NOT a retractable lead – it is a long webbing line such as this one :
www.viovet.co.uk/CLIX_Long_Recall_Line_Black_Dog_Lead/c5219/?quick_find=146773&gclid=CjwKEAiA48fDBRDJ24_imejhwUkSJAAr0M5kUGcLDpypJWHfGNJ_dytBInrW2vleK0WduxLv6pOEGhoCNp3w_wcB )
plus there is this non-fabric longline which has been used successfully at class and it has the added benefit of not getting soggy on wet ground or at the beach !
http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/dogs/dog_collars_dog_leads/nylon_leads/special/194643
I do have a few spare lines but not enough to go round everyone and if you aren’t already doing off lead recall you WILL need a longline so you can practice between classes. I will explain at class why a retractable lead is not a good idea for training
You must make sure your dog is wearing a suitable collar and lead. Full choke chain collars are not acceptable under any circumstances and neither is a rope slip lead for reasons that I am happy to explain at class.
Some dogs pull and you may already use something to help teach your dog not to pull and these are perfectly acceptable to use at class.
We have tried and tested the following if you need any guidance BUT it is not compulsory to use these at class, these are just suggestions if you need help.
A Halti FRONT FASTENING harness has been particularly successful at class and is my top tip – order online as it is much cheaper but go to the shop to try one on your dog so you order the correct size. Using these is not cheating, it’s teaching !!! An ordinary harness is not a good idea – the dog can lean their whole weight into it and become even stronger because of their low centre of gravity ! A Figure of 8 lead, Halti Headcollar or a Gen Collar is perfectly acceptable at class but the Halti Front Fastening harness is my absolute top recommendation. The Perfect Fit Harness is a comfortable harness for dogs who do a lot of harness walking and may pull occasionally.
CHECKLIST
Titbits/rewards, longline ( I have spares if you need to borrow one for your first class), poo bags, the dog (!) with correct collar, lead, (and halti head collar/front fastening harness or other training “aid” if needed) and PLENTY OF PATIENCE. As I have said before (above) your dog MUST be exercised prior to class.
BOOKING IN SYSTEM : Please remember that I can only offer PAYG lessons if I can manage the numbers coming to class effectively. This means you must book in and although I accept life throws a curved ball occasionally, I would appreciate a text or phone call if you cannot come to class and as much notice as you can give me please.