Dog Training
Ideally, training is intended to teach new skills. Once a dog is a juvenile, it will already have discovered techniques that help it to cope with tricky situations e.g. barking, lunging and pulling on the lead. Although training will teach your dog alternative responses, in certain circumstances, your dog may choose to adopt its previous behaviour as more appropriate to its needs at that time. If you are already experiencing problems with your dog's behaviour you may benefit from a behaviour consultation before starting a training programme - this will enable your dog to start again with a 'clean sheet'. Alternatively, if your dog has difficulties with social situations, you and your dog may make better progress if you start your new training programme on a one to one basis with your trainer without other dogs present that might distract you.
For adult dogs that are ready to join a class, we have several different types to offer:
The Intermediate Class - six weekly one hour lessons.
Any dog is welcome to join this class, but it is a very popular continuation option for our young dogs that have graduated from puppy and juvenile class.
Owners learn about modern learning techniques that make it easy for dogs to learn and co-operate with their owners. As owners work throughout each session as individuals, the techniques can be practiced and applied to each individual dog's specific issues. (back)
Obedience for Real Life - a six week course.
This course is limited to the summer months as it focuses on the techniques learnt in the intermediate class but takes them out of the training barn and into the 'real world' of open areas and distracting smells. Many of the practice sessions are weather dependent, and on rainy days the classes continue indoors with fun activities introducing agility and rally obedience skills. (back)
The Advanced Class - a six week course.
This course is for graduates of the intermediate class whose owners have truly appreciated the enhanced opportunities for learning that positive reinforcement can bring. The basic skills learnt in the intermediate class re further developed and more complex techniques explored. (back)
We at Companion Animal Behaviour Referrals are passionate about the need for children and their dogs to build a relationship based on mutual respect and fun! This is a course specifically for young people (8yrs upwards) and their dogs. It is intended to give young people opportunities to learn about canine communication, to gain confidence in their ability to control their dog's behaviour as and when required, and to learn how to have lots of fun with their dog through agility and obedience exercises.
We hope that through improving your child's understanding and respect for their dog we can reduce the risk that is posed when pet dogs are unintentionally driven to use aggression within families.
Please note: the 'Kidzown' class is not intended for 'problem' dogs. Owners should take advice on how to resolve problems before enrolling their children on this course. (back)