What happens in the sessions?

Every month there will be obedience exercises, as well as other exercises linked to more specialised dog activities that develop drive and confidence for your dog, and strengthens the handler-dog relationship. All training uses positive, science based methods.

General obedience exercises:
- loose lead and off-lead heel
- stays
- recall
- leave it including walking past distractions
- settle on a mat

Examples of other exploratory skills that may be introduced:
- Fetch skills including gundog style fetch and learning to 'hold' an object.
- Learning or proofing sending through a tunnel.
- Scent-work indication foundations and searching for a toy.
- Obedience competition style send-aways.

As dogs progress, there will be added challenge in each area.

Example of an exercise
A typical 'stay' practice session may look like 5-10 minutes of practice where one group of dogs work on building reliability for a normal stay, an intermediate group will be working on a stay at 5 paces, and an advanced group may be practicing a 2-minute timed stay, similar to a competition environment.

Required equipment for sessions

  • 6ft+ non-extendable lead a lead that is comfy to hold along the length, not just on the handle.
  • Flat collar A normal collar, that does not tighten or pinch if the dog should pull. No slip leads.
  • Rectangular dog bed or blanket A rectangular, flat article the dog can lie down on, or use as a stay target.
  • Treat pouch & non-messy treats
  • Tug toy (non squeaky) Please ensure there is no squeak in at least one of the toys you bring, as squeaks can disrupt other dogs' concentration.
  • Harness with a back attachment, for any activities involving a long line.
  • Extra optional items you may bring: Clicker, long line (10m or less), a waist attachment, head collar, other type of toy (ball etc), water with towel to mop up drips.
  • Please get in touch if you have any queries about what to bring.

What methods of training do you use?

All training follows a positive reinforcement approach, prioritising reward-based training and the welfare of the dog. Aversive, coercive, or punitive methods are not part of the club’s approach. Some of the methods we utilise include luring, shaping and capturing.

Our training is taught with a focus on learning more about how dogs understand and learn with their handler. Exercises are designed to help you understand why and how they are useful, and how to support your dog to enjoy their training and progress at their own pace through the exercises.

How well trained does my dog need to be?

We welcome both new enthusiastic handlers as well as more experienced handlers looking for somewhere to enjoy new challenges while spending some quality time with their dogs around like-minded people.

As long as your dog shows an understanding of stay, loose lead, recall and leave it when you try them in your kitchen or garden, they should be at a good level to come and practice the skills in the classes.

If you aren't sure, please contact us and we will be happy to answer any questions.

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