Programme of Classes
On joining - new members are given an introductory chat and are given details of the class that they should attend, depending on the ability and maturity of their dog. Any new intakes occur on the first Wednesday of the month.Puppy Starters
6.30 - 7.15 pm. Socialisation for junior puppies. Tuition in handling and management - playful and titbit techniques are used to show how to teach puppies the things they need to know. Sit, stand, down, come, to walk nicely on lead, to behave around other dogs, food and people etc.,etc. and as we work later on towards the Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme we start here with the K.C. Puppy Assessment.
7:15 - 8:00pm After four weeks puppies become "Senior Puppies" and spend more time learning basic exercises such as the heel position and where to sit when they come to you, to be confident with strangers and as much as we can fit in towards the basic good behaviour lessons that all dogs need. Before moving into classes 1 or 2, depending on their ability, puppies should be well socialised and confident. Very immature puppies can stay in this class for as long as needed.
1. Adult Starters Class
6.30 - 7.30 pm. Good behaviour training for older dogs. Attention, respectful behaviour on lead, where and when to sit, settle down, stay, come and to be manageable and sociable. We work here towards the Bronze Certificate and members have a chance to go in for it twice a year. Before promotion to class 2 a dog should behave sociably, any unacceptable behaviour must be controllable, and it must be obvious that the dog and owner are getting on well together and be familiar with the heel position, the present position, starting to get away on stays, and generally comfortable with what we do.2. Intermediate Class.
7.30 - 8.15pm. More good behaviour training for use in everyday situations. Further practice in the teaching of the basic commands. Adding new exercises to give the dog a wider range - retrieves, sendaways to mats, seek back to find articles, whatever will help in the work towards the Silver or Gold Certificate. Before the dog is ready for class 3 he must be consistent when staying, walk really well on a loose lead, be able to get to the heel position, recall to sit in front, go down on one command only and have begun to learn the basics of the retrieve.
3. Pre-Competition Class.
8.15 - 9.00pm. An introduction to competitive obedience. For those wishing to do more just good behaviour training. This class contains work on the style and attitude required in competition. The handler is being taught how to work on all the exercises for Novice and "A", with an introduction to Distant Control and Sendaway to add interest and motivation. Here we also add anything that is required for the Kennel Club Gold Certificate. Style and attention in heelwork, recall and retrieve and an interest in competing are needed for advancement to class 4.
4. Competition Class
9.00 - 10.00 pm. For those with dogs entered or capable of being entered in competitive obedience. All levels. Emphasis is put on enjoyment and activity, games are added in - variation in heelwork, motivational innovations in the exercises, some 'serious' training on detail and it is all much enjoyed by the dogs!
Outside the actual classes some of the instructors are able to give advice and help with individual problems or help when a member wants extra training.
CONTACT: Vicky Norton
