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josta · Posted: Tue Sep 01, 2009 9:11 pm Post subject: Dog Training classes in the SE

I was wondering if anybody knows of any good training classes around the South East? I live near Kingston, Richmond, Twick, Hounslow and surrounding areas. Although Cooper is coming along very nicely I would like to keep him mixing with lots of different dogs during his adolescence so I can hopefully avoid him becoming dominant or anti social. He is showing no signs of this but just want to cover all bases, so to speak.

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If you can't decide between a Shepherd, a Setter or a Poodle, get them all ... adopt a mutt!

reclaimingrebus · Posted: Tue Sep 01, 2009 9:31 pm Post subject:

google APDT association of Pet dog trainers. They at least are assessed, and are committed to postive, reward based training. go a few times without the dog and watch from the back - then sign up if youre happy. If they arent willing for you to do that, look somewhere else.
good luck !
Elaine

Sharonr - Admin · Site Admin Joined: 05 Feb 2008 Posts: 2609

Send Dee a p.m., she will be able to advise you. Wink

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SHARONR - ADMIN

"My sunshine doesn't come from the skies,
It comes from the love in my dog's eyes".

Rigsby · User Joined: 07 May 2008 Posts: 116

There are very good classes near Chertsey by The Company of Animals which is owned by Roger Mugford. The classes are excellent - small, with lots of outside training. They have a very comprehensive website. Smile

eddieboy · Posted: Wed Sep 02, 2009 2:28 pm Post subject: Dog Training classes in the SE

I took a rescue dog we had to Capable Canines training classes. They have cover Richmond, Kingston and Feltham and were very good - both with the dog and me![/quote]

nickik · User Joined: 20 Feb 2008 Posts: 34 Location: Esher

Hi

I went to the company of animals in chertsey with our first dog
Tried Royvon in esher but personally did not like them

I have just rescued from RR and Dee suggested trying ABC dogs in surbiton
I was having a few probs with our new dog and she listened to me for an hr on the phone giving me advice and came off after talking to her feeling so much more confident

I am, def going to try her for classes

Paul&Annie · User Joined: 21 Dec 2008 Posts: 109

Hi. I completely agree with your point of view that dog training classes help well adjusted dogs to socialise and aren't just for dealing with problems. Even a well trained dog (or owner) can always learn something new and it is good physical and mental activity for the dog.

I also agree with all of the points on this thread. Personally we have found that getting a dog, even a happy and well balanced dog, into training clubs is harder than getting a kid into "the right school". We have also found it to be well worth the effort.

We had to go onto a waiting list for our dog trainer, but he is in Kent so no use to you I'm afraid. In that time we had a couple of one to one sessions with him to get some basic training done, introduce clicker training (which is amazing and the dogs love it) and it also gave him a chance to assess our dog and so put him in the right training group when a space became available.

Someone else has made a point about including outdoor training. The value of this cannot be understimated. Classes in the village hall can be excellent, but achieving a down stay or emergency recall in a field is far more realistic and all those distractions do make a big difference to the dog.

Class sizes are important too. We have been to a large group that is more about socialisation with a little bit of training. It has its place, but you could achieve pretty much the same thing walking in the park.

If you want dogs off the lead in "group walks" and some training advice aimed at your own dogs needs then look for smaller groups.

If Cooper has quite good obedience and you are looking more for socialising him and having a run about then maybe look at agility clubs.
Again you may find that they only have two intakes a year and you could end up on a waiting list. If that is the case then get on several lists and take your pick when the time comes.

You may even find that you have to go along and look willing so that your face is seen and people get to know you to get moved up the list. No, I'm not kidding! It's a dog eat dog world out there! Anyway, it would give Cooper a chance to get used to the atmosphere.

It was a good point that was raised that you should expect to be able to watch a class before you sign up (without the distraction of Cooper being there). If you see anything that you don't like or isn't going to suit you then look elsewhere. You have to feel comfortable about what your trainer is saying, and you would be amazed by the number of different view points out there.

Budget does also come into it. For one hour walking around with a group of sociable dogs where you can go to as many or few of the classes you like, doing a bit of heelwork and the odd recall we pay £4.00 (all of which goes to charity). For an hour and a half of training in a small group with individual attention we pay £15.00 per session. So you can pay anything in between. Some groups are on going and some groups have "term times" and run for a set number of weeks.

We have found big differences between the type of trainers, classes and venues. The right one will be out there for whatever you need. Good luck!

josta · Posted: Wed Sep 02, 2009 8:33 pm Post subject:

Wow Thank you all so much for your help Very Happy

I have a lot to go on now and some very sound advice Very Happy

.
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If you can't decide between a Shepherd, a Setter or a Poodle, get them all ... adopt a mutt!

EmmaSemple · Posted: Wed Sep 02, 2009 8:44 pm Post subject:

Lets face it...it is hard to improve on perfection. Smile

Emma
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Save a Life...Adopt a Staffie!

josta · Posted: Wed Sep 02, 2009 8:56 pm Post subject:

aaaaahhhh thanks Very Happy

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If you can't decide between a Shepherd, a Setter or a Poodle, get them all ... adopt a mutt!