I get to meet most people the first time in good circumstances, they call me all excited, having just brought their puppy home (or even better , before they bring him/her home). They want to start off training on the right foot, with supervised socialisation & training in a safe environment.
Week by week I see progress, sharing in their achievements & helping out with fresh ideas & encouragement if things go a bit off track (Which they always do, it's perfectly normal !!)
Progress varies tremendously as the pups grow, dependant on many factors, breed, home environment, owner dedication etc, but everyone finishes the puppy course with the basics under their belt.
This is when one of 2 things happens, the owner gets the training bug & we see them week after week, or, the owner is happy that their dog is "trained" & we never see them again.
This week I've had a couple of calls, from people with older pups, wanting help.
They've all attended puppy classes elsewhere & when the course has ended not enrolled for more classes, as they were happy with what they'd been taught.
HOWEVER, 6 months down the line, their now adolescent dog is much less than the well behaved dog it once was. They are too embarrassed to return to the classes they first attended, as they feel like they failed, so are seeking to join us at K9 Capers.
This got me thinking, I wonder who OUR former puppy attendees & their owners will turn to if they hit problems? I'd like to think they are confident they can come back & carry on their training, with us.
The answer to the question posed in the title?
A dog is never trained, they are constantly learning behaviours & these can be unwanted ones , as well as good ones.
Every new situation your dog finds itself in is a new learning experience & how YOU handle it will make all the difference.
Training's not a race to see who can teach the most, the quickest.
It's all about repetition, in various locations , with varying distractions.
Puppy owners often tell me; "Oh, he/she does it at home...just not here" !!!
The whole point of the class , is having the opportunity to test what you teach at home, in an environment with managed distractions.
These basic exercises ,look,settle,sit,stand,down,wait & come (along with their associated rewards of course) are the foundations on which you can build all your dogs future behaviours ....rush them & you'll have a wobbly, unsafe future. Take your time & you'll have a good strong base on which to build.
We are very excited to announce a Fun Trick Training Workshop to be held on August 4th 2013, with guest trainer Nando Brown.
Nando is Head Trainer for ‘In The Doghouse’ in Spain. Nando is a certified pet dog trainer, clicker trainer, trick dog instructor and member of the Pet Professional Guild. Nando writes for various publications and hosts the ‘In The Doghouse’ Pet Show on iTalkFM every Sunday evening.Trick training is a fabulous way of building a partnership with your dog.
A dog that does tricks will impress your family & friends & dogs just love showing off their new found skills.
The possibilities are endless, all you need is enthusiasm, a sense of humour & a good supply of treats. A mat/bed for your dog to settle on would also be handy.
This workshop is suitable for all ages & abilities (Our venue is wheel chair friendly) ...all we is ask that your dog is happy to be in close proximity to other dogs.
A limited number of both handler & spectator places are available.
Handler £75 Spectator £35* (A discount will be applied to K9 Capers DTC members)
Uber Dude Certification available on the day
There will be an opportunity to have your hard work assessed on the day and maybe even walk away with a certificate. Don’t worry if you think you might need more time as it is possible to be assessed by video submission too!
To book or ask any questions please email
or call Lorraine on- 01753 572192
*To include Light Refreshments....please bring a packed lunch or take advantage of the excellent , Dog Friendly tea rooms on site.
You research before buying a car or major electrical appliance.
You research before going on holiday, or before booking flights.
If there are problems with any of the above you would complain & tell everyone about the poor service you'd received , vote with your feet & never use or recommend the service to anyone.
In business reputation is everything & you should strive to give good service to ensure customer satisfaction.
In recent months we've had numerous calls from people looking for help with their dogs (Not unusual as we're a dog training club) But, what links all these people is their experience with "Puppy Parties".
I've had owners in tears on the phone, recounting their experiences.
Pups being "pinned" having water sprayed in their faces, shouted at etc & to make it worse in 100% of these cases this has happened at the same establishment.
You research before choosing schools for your children & (Hopefully) have done your research before choosing your pup.....why would you allow this harsh handling & use of outdated methods?
When questioned the instructor has told the owners that these methods work & "cure" bad behaviour.
Luckily most owners walk away (losing all the money they've paid up front) & seek out an enlightened, force free approach, based on fun, not fear and, in the majority of cases, no lasting harm done. But sadly some pups will carry the experience with them into adulthood.
If you're reading this & thinking about enrolling in any type of training classes ,PLEASE go along & watch one or two. Ensure both dogs & handlers look happy & relaxed, speak to class members & ask the instructors questions about their methods (a reputable club will invite you along anyway & will probably offer you a free session too) if you feel in the slightest bit uncomfortable.....walk away.
Getting your 1st puppy should be a fun time, despite the sleepless nights & puddles.
For Adam & Emma however the fun was shortlived.
Their puppy, Dudley, came via Preloved. A product of puppy farming, where the "breeders" breed solely for money, not caring for the physical or mental welfare of the pups,or their parents.
Adam & Sarah learnt a very hard & sad lesson, unfortunately it was too late for little Dudley. They don't want others to perpetuate this cruel trade.
Please read Dudleys Tail & spread the word....together we can educate unsuspecting people & stamp out this vile trade.
I'm sure many of you have read THIS ARTICLE, Another article written before all the facts are known.
Over & over again we read "There is no such thing as a bad dog – just a bad owner" It's not true, the owner is the person in charge of the dog NOW, they might be a great owner, but
something a previous owner has done has messed up the dog in some way.
Again I say it, get to know your rescue dog BEFORE letting it run free, BEFORE leaving it with your child, other dogs, friends & family , in the home. (even then I would NEVER leave a child or vulnerable adult alone with a dog)
A rescue dog will very often have a complete change in demeanour, once settled in a new home.
I'm not saying any of the above is a factor in this recent case, but everyone involved in a dogs life shapes their behaviour.
I'm constantly in touch with rescue dog owners who are seeking help for unwanted behaviours. They are embarrassed at their dogs reactions to other dogs, cars, people, objects......but they (the owner)are not to blame for their dogs behaviour !
Pet Theft Awareness Week runs from March 14th - 21st
Visit the website for further details
...............Holly, Tanus & Finlay,on gaining their Puppy Foundation awards today
Please take a look at the puppy class page for a new video showing how we train & reward
