Obedience Classes

We offer four levels of Obedience Class at Dig it dogs - Puppy, Bronze (beginner), Silver and Gold.

The 8 week training courses are held in the Obedience Hall on a Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evening. Plus Saturday afternoon classes.

PLEASE CONTACT SANDRA HATFIELD FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK ONTO CLASSES: obedience@digitdogs.co.uk

Registration forms and full payment must be returned prior to the start of any course. This reserves a place on the requested course.

Course costs (8 weeks):  Puppy £65 - Bronze, Silver and Gold £48

 

BONUS: We offer all handlers a FREE Agility Taster session after each class has finished!

We have a maximum of 8 dogs per class.

 

Children are welcome to attend training classes but please do read our guidelines first - CLICK HERE for guidelines.

 

Classes for 2012....

 

TUESDAY - Bronze 6pm. Puppy 7pm. Bronze 8pm.

29th May

24th July

25th Sept

15th Jan (2013)

 

THURSDAY - Puppy 6pm. Bronze 7pm. Puppy 8pm.

14th June

9th Aug

4th Oct

24th Jan (2013)

 

SATURDAY - Puppy 1pm. Bronze 2pm. Silver 3pm. Gold 4pm.

23rd June

18th Aug

13th Oct

 

MONDAY – Puppy Foundation.

21st May

16th July

10th Sept

7th Jan (2013)

 

Kennel Club Bronze, Silver and Gold Classes.

The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme is the largest dog training scheme in the UK. Its aim is to promote responsible dog ownership and in turn, enhance our relationship with our pets and to make the community aware of the benefits associated with dog ownership.

Getting a dog is one of the rare occasions you actually choose a member of your family! So if things are going to work out, your choice must be a good one. So what happens when you find the right dog and bring it home? Will it behave itself in your home?
Will it get on with your family and what will it be like when you take it out? These are just a few questions that a new dog owner will ask himself or herself when bringing a dog into the home. How do you learn to live with your new addition?

 

Method

The type of training that will be used in the classes is positive reinforcement. If a dog finds something rewarding, it is more likely
to repeat it. At one time, there were only conventional/compulsive types of training methods which generally worked by dominating the dog into doing what the owner wanted. As times have moved on, we have found that with positive reinforcement, we can actually give our dog a choice. Our job is to convince him that if he makes the right choice, he will be rewarded! It’s as simple as that!
This clearly gives a better relationship than before with our dogs.

 

Equipment

Choke chains, (check chains) are not allowed during the classes. Recent studies have shown that not only can they damage the dogs neck, but they also cause physiological problems and aggression in some dogs. Please use a broad flat collar, together with a reasonably long lead. (3-4ft long)

 

Treats

From now until the next class please find out what really motivates your dog. The best option is a treat, or could be a favourite
toy. Fresh chicken, cheese, sausages or liver usually work very well and although sound extravagant, usually cost less than commercial treats. (Only a very tiny piece of food is used and the tit-bits need be no larger than 1/2 cm square) Only use these ‘special rewards’ for training.

 

Toys

We use a variety of methods to motivate your dog in the classes. If your dog is not particularly treat orientated then being along his/her favourite toy to play with and use than as a reward instead. Fleece tuggy toys are great and if you forget we have a wide range of toys available from the Club shop.

 

Feeding your dog

Bear in mind that we want your dog to work well for the treats you use in class, so if he has just had lunch/super, he’s not going to be terribly interested in your treats. Therefore don’t feed him within 3-4 hours prior to the class. On a full stomach the dog will not be very comfortable running round and there is also the chance that a full stomach can twist – which we definitely don’t want!

 

Useful hints

• When you arrive please park sensibly on the car park as other cars may need to leave before you.
• You must enter the OBEDIENCE HALL at the middle door which opens outwards.
• Your dog should have time to relieve himself before entering the classes but any mess must be removed and put
  in the ‘poo bin’.
• Allow you dog a short walk or some exercise before arriving at the class to let off some steam and release some
  excess energy!
• Please arrive on time for your classes.
• A calm and confident attitude will help your dog to settle into the class easier, by allowing your dog to get used to the
  new surroundings will help promote calm behaviour. Focusing exercises are good to make sure your dog understands
  they come to classes to work for you!
• Please listen to your instructor, not just to learn lots but for your own and your dogs safety.

A comprehensive outline of each award from Bronze, Silver and Gold is available on our website.

And finally…… Please note this is a working farm and consideration should be given to the other people on the farm not attending the training classes. Therefore, dogs must be kept on a lead at ALL times and ALL dog mess must be removed immediately and put in the ‘pooh bin.’ Toilet facilities for humans are located next to the car park.