Dog Training Classes (merged thread)

Lotti · 23-05-2006, 18:15

For anyone choosing a training class - please make sure you go along (with or without your dog) and watch before you decide to join.

Make sure that they use techniques that you agree with.
Make sure that they use positive techniques only. This should include lots of praise when things are done right, and possibly the use of tit bits and/or clickers.

The dogs should be enjoying themselves and training should be fun. It should be clear that the trainers are animal lovers themselves.
There should not be lots of shouting, occasionally an owner may correct a dog's negative behaviour, but there shouldn't be a lot of this otherwise it indicates that positive reinforcement is not being used enough.

There should be a mix of cross breeds and pedigrees and the trainers should take on any dog regardless of breed or gender. Some trainers may descriminate against hard to train breeds or bull breeds.

Generally, it's advisable that the trainer should ask for a vaccinations certificate if your dog is only a young puppy as these are susceptible to disease and unvaccinated dogs attending could be carrying something to pass on to an unvaccinated puppy.

Finally, do not rush into anything. Have a look around at different classes and if you have any doubts talk them through and if you're still unsure don't go. It could result in a worse trained dog!

Strix · 23-05-2006, 19:27

vaccination certificate? I've never been asked for one of those, presumably because I would need my dog to be up to date to meet the same dogs in the street.

Have you been asked for one Lotti?

Lotti · 23-05-2006, 20:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Strix

vaccination certificate? I've never been asked for one of those, presumably because I would need my dog to be up to date to meet the same dogs in the street.

Have you been asked for one Lotti?

At a training class I went to the other day they asked a puppy owner.
I don't think it really applies to older dogs, because some dogs aren't vaccinated but as they get older it's supposed to be less of a worry but for young puppies, it's important they get their initial set of vaccinations as the immunisation they got from their mother wears off.

I personally haven't been asked for one, it depends on the age of your dog and where you go.

nichola2 · 31-07-2006, 10:13

Note: Threads merged

Dear all,

Can any one reccommend a dog training class, or obedience class for my mum, she has a collie who is 18 months old, who is quite lively, and doesnt take any notice of her.

When he sees dogs he just wants to play with them, which is ok if the dog responds well, not like what happenend last week when mum took him out.

So I would appreciate any feedback

PM or reply

Cheers Nicky

harmony · 01-08-2006, 17:04

I can greatly rccomend Katie Patmore who woked wonders with my Dobie a few years ago...

Millhouses dog training have their won website but I can't link it 'cos I haven't made enough posts

edit: http://www.bestofbreeds.net/millhouses/

nichola2 · 01-08-2006, 18:02

Thanks for that Harmony,

She worked with my dog about 13 years ago, and our dog is still going strong

Cheers Nicky

Lotti · 01-08-2006, 22:55

Hi,

I was after a class that wasn't a course, as sometimes I'm too ill to go and didn't want to spend lots of money to miss lessons. I found a Tuesday night class on Slinn St, Crookes which is great.

The trainer is lovely and knows her stuff but she aims for obedience, no fancy tricks, she just wants a well behaved dog that will concentrate on you rather than other people/dogs.

It's very friendly there, everyone loves each other's dogs and she works on a positive reinforcement method using treats and praise. You are allowed to use a clicker if that's what you do and she never shouts at or hits any dog.

PM me if you want more details.

Strix · 01-08-2006, 23:22

I assume a beagle who ignores treats when he intends to be naughty wouldn't be welcome there Lotti?

TattyBear · 02-08-2006, 10:31

Note: Threads merged

HI,

Does anyone know of any dog training classes near where i live at southey green? someone told me there is one on halifax road opposite somerfield at a church? does anyone know of this? i saw the posts earlier re: one at millhouses and crookes but as i dont drive they are too far.

Thank you

joffandanmum · 02-08-2006, 14:00

A.D.T.C.attercliffe dog training committee
run from grimesthorpe family centre every monday night from 7pm
puppies can come at any time adult dogs welcome to come and have a look see but we have new dogs night every eight weeks.
look out for ad in the star, next one is in about5 weeks

we do basic obedience work, walking to heel right up to retrieving articles. there is also a wealth of advice from the many trainers.

good luck

Lotti · 02-08-2006, 14:55

yes there is one at Halifax road, at the Wadsley Bridge Dog Society or something. I can't voice my opinions here so will pm you

Lotti · 02-08-2006, 14:58

Please also remember to go either alone or with your dog, to watch a class first before enrolling.

Training classes should use positive reinforcement methods which means play or food as a reward and lots of praise when something is done right. There shouldn't be lots of barking or upset dogs and the handlers should not be shouting at dogs or yanking on collars (although I'm sure you knew that!)

Lotti · 02-08-2006, 15:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Strix

I assume a beagle who ignores treats when he intends to be naughty wouldn't be welcome there Lotti?

LOL any dog is welcome there! They never discourage the dogs from things, for instance when you put them in a down and wait, we are taught that if the dog looks as though it's going to get up as you walk away, call it to you rather than shouting 'no!' that way if you get your command in on time, the dog is still responding to you.

Strix, they've even welcomed Eddy who isn't good with other dogs and is 11 and a half years old!

TattyBear · 03-08-2006, 09:44

Thanks for your pm and for replying. I will be extra cautious! : )

Strix · 03-08-2006, 16:11

Any news on the scent following courses yet, Lotti?

Strix · 03-08-2006, 17:32

I have to agree with Lotti's recommendation to go and watch first.

We had a temporary trainer whilst ours had puppies (we used to go to a club in Wath), but this guy was advocating punching large dogs in the shoulder

scoop · 03-08-2006, 20:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lotti

Hi,

I was after a class that wasn't a course, as sometimes I'm too ill to go and didn't want to spend lots of money to miss lessons. I found a Tuesday night class on Slinn St, Crookes which is great.

The trainer is lovely and knows her stuff but she aims for obedience, no fancy tricks, she just wants a well behaved dog that will concentrate on you rather than other people/dogs.

It's very friendly there, everyone loves each other's dogs and she works on a positive reinforcement method using treats and praise. You are allowed to use a clicker if that's what you do and she never shouts at or hits any dog.

PM me if you want more details.

hiya Lottie, I'm trying to PM you but your box is full. Could you let me have the contact details for that class, as my dog is getting naugtier by the day, and Tuesday nights are my free night, so that sounds ideal.

toytiger · 09-08-2006, 06:42

Note: Threads merged

Hi All,

Having just become an owner of a retired Greyhound i thought it might be good to get him some training, just the basic stuff nothing to fancy as he is retired he is about 6 now so not sure how much you can teach an old dog new tricks.

I was just wondering if anybody could reccomend any good classes around the Hillsborough area for dog obedience and very probably owner training as well.

Many thanks in advance

jamiexx

Strix · 09-08-2006, 12:22

Welcome to SF pets Toytiger

Daisy129 · 24-08-2006, 14:04

Note: Threads merged

Hi

Does anyone know of any dog agility classes in Sheffield? I have taken Tia to dog training classes and she picked everything up within a couple of weeks so we stopped going, I feel ready for a bit of a challenge. The trainer said Tia would be brilliant at agility and I wouldn't mind having a go myself! Had a look on internet and can't find anything!

Daisy.x