Course Dates

The next course start date is 2nd February 2012. please phone or email for availability and further information.

Course description

The course is run over five, one and a half hour sessions, covering real life issues in real situations eg walking calmly on a loose lead, recall (coming back when called), food manners, answering the door and jumping.

A training manual is supplied with the course for your reference and telephone and email support is available between sessions.

The cost of the course is £50. This covers all sessions, telephone and email support and the training manual.

Who the course if for

My basic course is suitable for all ages of dog, puppy or adult, rehomed or from the breeder. It is designed to give you the basic skills to become an effective leader figure to your dog.

Why should you consider this course?

If you are about to take on a new Puppy or Rescue dog, are a first time dog owner or even if you have had dogs all your life and feel you would like a refresher course in effective dog handling methods, or  things just aren't going the way you would like with your dog. This course can help. I am here to teach you how to handle your own dog. In practical, everyday situations.

Size of class

The way to a well behaved well mannered dog is through calmness and consistency, which cannot be achieved with a stressed dog or handler. For this reason classes are kept small, so you are guaranteed plenty of individual attention and the chance to highlight areas of particular concern to your own circumstances.

Theory and discussion

There is a lot of theory and discussion involved in the course which needs to be properly explained and demonstrated in order for you to go away with the correct skills to deal with situations you encounter in your own environment between sessions.

Class format

The classes are not traditional with dogs and handlers marching forward together in lines of heelwork, during the course we concentrate on building a balanced relationship between you and your dog, once your dog sees you as the leader in the equation and you understand how they think, anything you wish to teach them in the future will be much easier. It is more important that people learn to communicate with their dogs and that dogs learn basic good manners before set exercises, although some exercises can really help to build up a good relationship between dog and handler.

Where the course is held

Set in beautiful countryside with a friendly atmosphere where both you and your dog can feel calm and relaxed, (essential for effective learning), refreshments are provided throughout the sessions. Couples are welcome to attend together but this course is not suitable for children, because of the intense nature and the length of the sessions children would find it difficult to remain focussed. I am more than happy however to advise on getting the children involved with the training at home or you can book a private consultation where your children can be part of the training team.

Anxious or aggressive dogs

The only situation in which I would advise against this type of course would be if your dog has aggression issues or some anxiety problems, although there are not as many dogs and people as in a regular class situation, it is not advisable to put dogs in such a position until you have addressed the issue. Thrusting an anxious or aggressive dog into the middle of a class small or large can be very distressing and counter productive not only for the dog and handler concerned, but for the rest of the class too. In those circumstances I would be happy to see you and your dog on a one to one behaviour consultation.