Beginners Classes

The 'Warm Up'

After registering, all handlers and dogs meet up on the tennis courts for a warm up, before dividing up into classes. This is light hearted and informal, with lots of encouragement and a chance to catch up on new information and announcements.

We provide a range of classes for dogs and handlers.

The Assessment Class

A new member, who has not been through the puppy class, will begin in the Assessment Class. This is to introduce handlers to our policies and aims, the 'vocabulary' and terminology that we use, and the methods that we use to begin to train our dogs.

The traditional obedience commands and positions are taught, but handlers are also encouraged to increase the relationship with their dog and to get the best from it. Dog manners are taught, so that owning a dog should be a pleasure, and dogs should become more sociable towards both people and other dogs.

Puppy Class

Puppies are accepted from being vacinated upto 6 months old. Their training and socialisation incorporates the Kennel Club Good Citizen Puppy Foundation.

Adolescent Class

The Adolescent Class has been developed to provide a bridge for those dogs that have moved out of the Puppy Class, and are still on the lively side of enthusiastic!

Training Classes

Classes 1 - 3

Having completed the Assessment, Puppy or Adolescent course, dogs move into Class 1 where they build on the basics that have been laid down. This is seen as Companion Dog Training, where the exercises attempt to address the areas required by handlers who want a well behaved pet dog. For example, loose-lead walking, the recall and general good manners continue to be taught.

Regular assessments decide when a dog should move on to the next class, and on completing Class 3 a Certificate of Pet Obedience is awarded.

Classes 4 - 6

Classes 4 through to 6 continue with the exercises already taught, but at a higher level and with Obedience Exercises, such as the formal retrieve and distance control. These are more strictly tested.

Kennel Club Good Citizen Award Scheme

Throughout our range of classes, we integrate The Kennel Club's Good Citizen Dog Scheme and run special courses for the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards.