Dog Training

Basic obedience and recall are taught with ease early on, through play and reward. However, the good news is that a dog will learn at any age, so whatever age your dog arrives in your home, training should commence immediately. The most effective method of training is one that can be integrated into daily patterns of life at home. I teach exercises that you can repeatedly practise whilst going about your daily life.

Dogs are not born with an inbuilt instinct to return to their owner each time they are called. In fact, particularly when out in the world full of smells and distractions, the natural inclination is to explore and experience rather than return to an owner who is likely to put them on the lead and take them home.

Recall therefore, which is an absolute must in any relationship between dog and owner,if the dog is to remain safe and the owner retain their sanity, must be taught from day one. Whether the dog is a six week old puppy and training begins with toys indoors or an older rescue dog, the answer is consistent and appropriate training. It is true that certain breeds are more receptive to early recall learning than others, but dogs of all breeds, depending on your relationship with them and the effort you put in to training, will learn to return to their owner

Basic obedience, of which sit is one of the first commands to teach, is vital to the establishment of a balanced relationship between dog and owner. Dogs are pack animals and you are their human pack and must therefore provide leadership. Training basic commands is the foundation for providing this whilst also ensuring that your dog's behaviour is acceptable and safe

The stay command as well as helping you establish your relationship with your dog, is vital to safety and handling. In the busy modern world, the ability to put your dog in a stay at a distance can literal mean the difference between life and death.

Like most things in life, you will get out of training your dog what you put in. It may seem like a lot of effort to consistently and repeatedly train your new dog - but the rewards speak for themselves. Not only do you gain a dog that is easy to live with and safe to walk in all circumstances, but you will have built a bond of understanding with your companion animal that is hugely rewarding.

This will take place in the client's home and will last approximately two hours. This may well be the most valuable two hours spent in the relationship with your dog and should occur immediately your puppy is brought home. Correct and informed interaction with your pup from day one will avoid any number of potential behaviour or obedience problems later on. All areas of puppy well

Vital information and guidance will be given on:

• Diet and exercise
• Problem avoidance, destruction, chewing.
• Socialisation – it's importance and timing
• Handling skills and grooming
• House layout and puppy access to it
• Safe car travel and travel sickness
• Basic obedience and reward based puppy training
• House training
• Puppies and children where relevant
• Appropriate play
• Suitable toys
• Play biting