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Dog and puppy training

In our job as Consultants in Animal Behaviour, we see many problems which could have been avoided. Our methods are based on rewards and motivation, and on developing an understanding between dog and family. The classes, held inside, are fun and enjoyable for dogs and owners.  The regular dog walks, and outdoor lesson which forms part of the Good Dog Course, are unique and enhance the learning experience for you and your dog.
All the classes which we hold are for pet dogs. They are aimed at teaching your dog the things he needs to know to fit in with your family and be a well-behaved pet for years to come.

We have small classes which means that there is time for individual attention and we can make sure that every puppy and dog is getting what he needs from the course. The size of class varies according to the requirements of the dogs attending and the venue, with nine as the maximum number.

All the family are invited to attend. We feel that it is extremely important that everyone is involved with a family dog and therefore, we like as many people to attend as would like to come. Children are most welcome to come along and be involved, provided they are well behaved

 


Class Training

The “Good Puppy” course is a five week course. It is for puppies as young as possible and so they should start as soon as the owner and veterinary surgeon are happy that the puppy has completed the vaccination programme.

The “Good Dog” course is a nine week course. It is complete in itself, although many people attend both courses. We have had puppies as young as thirteen weeks and dogs as old as thirteen years who have successfully completed the course. We are able to cover topics in more depth and are able to cover more areas.

The content of the course varies according to the dogs and puppies attending. Normally included would be



  • response to commands, especially coming when called,
  • avoiding problem behaviours,
  • reducing mouthing and play biting,
  • improving house training,
  • greeting without jumping up,
  • handling of puppies and dogs by owners and others,
  • socialising and mixing with dogs and other people,
  • understanding dogs in general and your own dog specifically,
  • time for individual questions
  • the first week of each course is to attend without dogs or puppies

The classes are not a “reform school” for difficult dogs. They could be seen as a “finishing school” for well cared for dogs.

The classes aim to give a basic education. Dogs which show specific problems, such as separation problems, will benefit from the course, but it may not be sufficient to overcome an established problem. A full behaviour consultation would be recommended in these instances.

Occasionally, there are dogs who are not suited to the classes. Dogs who are extremely fearful or that are aggressive towards people and dogs are unlikely to benefit from the classes as a first step. In these instances, we would recommend a behaviour consultation. It may be that the classes would be appropriate at a later stage, which we can discuss as the dog progresses.

We also run Novelty Classes for people and dogs who have completed the Good Dog course and want to continue learning with their dogs.
The classes are held in Melrose Hall, Melrose Avenue, Hoylake, Wirral (View Map) on Thursday evenings. Each lesson lasts for about 50 minutes.
You must pre-book a place, not just turn-up, as spaces fill very quickly.
To book a place on one of our training courses, please download the booking form here and return to the office

Current and upcoming course dates

Course name Start date Start time Details
Novelty 15th Apr 10 6.00pm This course is takes place on Thursdays at Hoylake and runs until the 15th Jul 10.
The course will be instructed by Erica. Kennel Club Good Citizen Gold. From the 17th June 2010 the class will start at 6.00pm and finish at 6.50pm. No classes on the 13th May, 20th May, 27th May and 10th June.
Good Dog 13th May 10 7.00pm This course is takes place on Thursdays at Hoylake and runs until the 8th Jul 10.
The course will be instructed by Erica. No class on the 3rd June.
Good Puppy 17th Jun 10 8.00pm This course is takes place on Thursdays at Hoylake and runs until the 8th Jul 10.
The course will be instructed by Erica.
Novelty 13th May 10 9.00pm This course is takes place on Thursdays at Hoylake and runs until the 15th Jul 10.
The course will be instructed by Erica. No class on the 3rd June.
Good Puppy 2nd Sep 10 7.00pm This course is takes place on Thurs at Hoylake and runs until the 30th Sep 10.
The course will be instructed by Erica.
Good Dog 9th Sep 10 6.00pm This course is takes place on Thurs at Hoylake and runs until the 18th Nov 10.
The course will be instructed by Erica. No class on the 7th and 28th October 2010
Good Dog 9th Sep 10 8.00pm This course is takes place on Thurs at Hoylake and runs until the 18th Nov 10.
The course will be instructed by Erica. No class on the 7th and 28th October 2010
Novelty 9th Sep 10 9.00pm This course is takes place on Thurs at Hoylake and runs until the 18th Nov 10.
The course will be instructed by Erica. No class on the 7th and 28th October 2010
Good Puppy 14th Oct 10 7.00pm This course is takes place on Thurs at Hoylake and runs until the 18th Nov 10.
The course will be instructed by Erica. No class on the 28th October 2010

If you would like to come along without your dog to watch one of the lessons, please let us know, as you are very welcome.

Dog walks

Each month, we hold a Dog Club Walk. This is where people from the classes are invited to meet, and we take the dogs for a walk together.

This is a wonderful opportunity for the dogs to mix in a more normal environment. For some owners, it is a chance to let their dogs off the lead for the first time. For owners who are already letting their dogs off the lead, it gives the opportunity to call a dog when there are many distractions.

Many people comment how lovely it is to see fifteen or so dogs of all shapes and sizes mixing happily on a walk.

In addition, we hold an Outdoor Lesson at some point during the Good Dog Course. This extra lesson is held in an open area, so the dogs get practice at listening to their owners when outside.


Private training

Individual training lessons can be arranged. These are sometimes more beneficial if there is a specific difficulty, such as pulling on the lead, whereas the courses provide a broader general education. One to one training sessions would normally take place in your own home or at a pre-arranged place, such as a local park etc. These sessions can be one lesson, a series of lessons or in conjunction with the training class.

Costs

Course fees include all course notes and relevant booklets. All handouts and course notes are available for download from our Members Area on the website, released weekly as the course progresses. You will be given a login name and password on the first night of the course.

  • Good Puppy Course £50 for the 4 week course.
  • Good Dog Course £90 for the nine week course (plus an outdoor lesson).
  • Novelty Course (or Kennel Club Good Citizen) £80 for the eight week course.
  • One to one Training £50 per hour plus mileage if appropriate

    We hope that this answers your questions. If you have any queries please contact us.