About Our Classes
 Firstly our classes have limited numbers; there is a maximum of 8 to 10 dogs in each class. We have one main trainer per class, along with an assisstant trainer so we can give you a much more one to one help when you need it.
We run classes on an 8 week course basis. This means that you work with the same group each week, which is nicer for you, and much better for your dog - dogs would not normally naturally live within a pack whose members kept changing, so working in a class where dogs join and leave each week is very unsettling and stressful for them.
At the start of each course block we have a dog free Open Evening. On this evening, we talk about what clicker training does, what we are going to cover in the course, things that you will need during the course, and the important role that diet plays in dog behaviour and learning.
When we first bring dogs into our classes, they come in one by one into a room which has been enriched with toys, food and interactive obstacles. From this, the dog discovers that the hall is a great fun and safe place to be. This controlled introduction has shown that dogs settle quicker, are less stressed, focus on their handler more and bark less.
If a dog is stressed (either by being overexcited, fearful or anxious) it cannot learn!
All our classes are topic based; for example we may spend a class covering skills used in dog walking, or in developing your dog's self-control. This means that our topics are based on developing realistic, everyday skills. These skills are built from their foundations in our puppy class and developed level by level up through our other classes.
At the end of each class, we give the handlers task cards which give blow-by-blow instructions of what to work on this week and exactly how to do it. This way, if you have a busy week and can't do much practice you still know how to teach your dog, and others within your family will also know exactly what to do.
We offer "mini-clinic" time at the end of the class where you can have a 1-1 with a trainer to deal with problems that have come up during the week.
Choose a class to see more information:
Puppy Class
Adult dogs
 Previously conventionally trained dog? Experienced handler but want to try a new way of training?
You are classed as "cross over" dogs and handlers. We have many people join us who are dog experienced or have dogs which have trained conventionally. We have lots of experience in teaching you both! We were all originally "conventional" trainers and understand the challenges which come with converting to clicker training. Likewise we can offer support in the process of teaching your dog to think for himself so that he can become and active participant in your training "conversation".
In our top class (beyond KC Gold level), handlers are given a work plan with skills to practice over time, and an optional test which can be taken to test these skills. The work plans are based around key topics as well as extra topics which extend both you and your dog.
Interested in competition obedience?
If you want to do serious obedience you can come and learn our methods but we don’t teach a class for competition obedience! However, once you have learnt how to use the clicker you can take these methods and use it to teach your dog competition obedience skills. Clicker training is ideal for teaching competition obedience moves as it allows you to make fine adjustments to already known behaviour to bring it to competition level. Handlers interested in this skill work in our Top Class, following their own set of personalised goals.
Want to teach Ringcraft?
Occasionally we run "proper" ringcraft classes (dependent on class numbers), but we can teach you clicker trained ringcraft skills at any time. Using this method you can teach you dog to show himself to his maximum - no more placing his feet or bumping him on his turns when running him out. You can teach him to "sparkle" when the judge looks your way, and keep him mentally busy when the judge is busy elsewhere but without him getting bored or jumping about with other dogs in the line.
Nervous & Fearful Dogs
Although we welcome all dogs regardless of the age or breed, we specialise in dealing with nervous or fearful dogs. The traditional way of working with a nervous dog is to keep making the dog deal with the thing they are afraid of - based on the principle "if you make them keep doing it, they'll get over it!". However, we work with a similar technique that is used in helping people deal with their phobias. Rather than forcing the dog into a situation it cannot cope in, we use distance and pack leadership to show the dog it does not need to deal with the situation - you, as the leader we will sort it out. Gradually this technique teaches the dog in a way it can understand that it is safe and the nervous or fearful behaviour will subside. We have a Fearful Dog Programme which is created to help these dogs. This programme can be taken through distance learning, as well as locally.
About Our Classes:
We teach at Ash Village Hall, Queens Road, Ash, Nr Canterbury, Kent (approx 5 mins from Sandwich, 15 mins from Deal, 20-30 mins from Canterbury & Thanet).
MONDAY
6:45pm Puppy class
7:45pm Unruly Beasts
8:45pm Novice class
WEDNESDAY
7pm Top Class
If you would like more information about when the next term begins, cost for the term, or want to come and observe our classes please call Anne or Tamzin on 01304 612164 or 07860 124138, or you can contact us through the Contact button above.
Application pack letter
Application pack form
Read our Testimonials to hear what people say
Term Dates 2010
If you have problems printing any of these documents, please contact us by email and we will email the documents to you.
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