Dog Training

Are the dog training methods successful?

Our dog training methods have been tried and tested over many years and are very effective. After only a few weeks on our residential dog training course we will demonstrate to you that your dog is steady and obedient. We are so confident of our dog training methods that we are able to guarantee this.

How long does the residential dog training course take?

We are able to achieve the required standard of dog training for most dogs within three weeks. However if additional dog training was required it would be carried out free of charge with only standard boarding fees due.

We are also able to offer shorter courses for dogs of certain breeds and at the optimum age for training together with courses aimed at tackling particular problems. Please ask for details.

How do we train your dog?

The aim of dog training is to control the actions of the dog through the medium of the canine mind. It is the mind of the dog which we are training. This method is often called psychological dog training.

Dog training must be adapted to each dog’s particular character and disposition: one dog is shy, another bold; one is sensitive, another insensitive; one responsive, another self-centred etc. Dogs vary in temperament just as much as people do – no two dogs are alike. It is essential therefore that the dog trainer sees things from the dogs point of view and plans his/her dog training course bearing these factors in mind. After initial observation our dog trainers are able to tailor a dog training course to suit your dogs particular characteristics. This is the key to the success of our dog training course.

Can you see things from your dogs point of view?

Probably the most common error that dog owners commit is that of crediting their dog with more powers of reasoning than it really possesses. How many times have we seen a dog out in the park, running free, with the owner attempting to recall the dog and being totally ignored? Eventually the dog returns and is greeted with a reprimand and/or punishment and then put on the lead. It is perfectly clear to the owner why he has done this but unfortunately the dog is completely mystified and can’t figure out why it has been punished. However it does use its intelligence and decides (quite rightly!) that it’s not a good idea to return when recalled. The owner has now succeeded in training their dog not to come back when commanded!

Do you like to be praised and rewarded?

Of course you do! Although a pat on the back and a dog biscuit may not be your idea of a treat for something well done it is more than enough for most dogs. When we want the dog to achieve a task we try to arrange the situation so that it is almost certain that he will carry out the action required. On completion the dog is immediately rewarded and guess what - he wants to be rewarded again and again.

How do we become the centre of interest of your dog?

One of keys to dog obedience training is to become the main centre of interest to the dog and modify any other predominant interests that the dog may have. When pupppies are first born their dam is the initial centre of interest and quite quickly after weaning she is replaced by food and the other members of the litter. As the dog matures he develops other interests eg attractive scents, other animals, opposite sex! Unless we as dog trainers can become the chief centre of interest it is unlikely that we will succeed in our aims. Residential dog training helps us to achieve this by isolating the dog from most of its distracting influences and to focus the dog’s interest and attention on to the dog trainer and the dog training. The dog has time between training lessons to think over and digest what he has learned with undivided attention. The dog training sessions become the highlights of his/her day.

It is important to remember that dog training is not like programming a robot which once programmed will follow all subsequent commands without fail. A dog is a living thing that responds to changes in its environment, how it’s treated and very importantly how it is handled. Its rather like someone wanting to ride a horse that’s been trained to be ridden ... they have to learn some basic riding skills. It is therefore necessary for owners to be able to learn some very basic dog handling skills and methods for the course to be successful.