Life Skills - lets keep our dogs safe, happy and owner focused.

Every penny we raise through our puppy and dog-training classes goes directly towards the animals in our care and to improving our welfare facilities for the ever-increasing number of stray, neglected and unwanted pets.

  • We run the APDT Good Companion Puppy and Foundation Training Awards at the Animal Shelter on a Monday (7.30 - 8.30pm) and Tuesday (7.00 - 8.00pm) and also on other days / nights when we are able.
  • Our training courses run for 6 weeks and each class lasts for approximately an hour (give or take). There are a maximum of 6 (or on a rare occasion 7) dogs per class allowing us to give each dog lots of individual attention.
  • The total cost of the 6 week course is £70
  • All of the puppies must be under 6 months of age
  • Puppies must have had their second vaccinations before they can begin the puppy course.
  • Our approach is hands off and we teach using positive reinforcement techniques. We want the dogs to learn because they find it rewarding NOT because they are trying to avoid a punishment or correction.
  • We do use the Clicker as part of our training. Please 'click' on the link below for more information. 
  • We teach a mix of basic commands such as sit, down, walking nicely on lead and recall as well as working through focus exercises, calm greeting of people and other dogs on lead and exercises to prevent / stop jumping up. We demonstrate activities that owners can do with their dog to help build and strengthen their bond, the dog’s responsiveness and thus increase owner control.
  • We continually assess each dog and advise on any behaviour problems that the owners may be experiencing.
  • Our aim is that people leave the classes with a greater understanding of their dogs and why they do things. We try to give the owners the skills to deal with anything that their dog throws at them while helping them to enjoy being a dog owner, after all that's what its all about.

Click the button below to download an Application Form

Lorna Chadwick mAPDT 01123, Helen Bourgourd and Anna Brehaut (Canine Behaviour Guernsey) take the classes so we have a good range of knowledge and experience depending on your individual needs. We are members of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers see http://www.apdt.co.uk/ for more information.

Lorna has a lifetime of experience with a wide variety of breeds. She started out in traditional dog training and ‘showing’ becoming the Channel Island Junior Handler in the early eighties. She moved from formal dog training to applied canine behaviour when she joined the Rehabilitation Department at Battersea Dogs’ and Cats’ Home. Lorna trained temperament assessors and worked with the more difficult dogs in the Home and their future owners. During this time it became clear that the most important thing a dog needs is to learn to trust its handler.

Dogs that are trained using punitive methods, become fearful and have no choice but to resort to 'unwanted' behaviours. This is then misinterpreted by the owner and if the relationship breaksdown the dog may be rehomed or relinquished to a rescue organisation.

Since joining the GSPCA she has continued to manage the assessing and rehoming of the Shelter dogs as well as helping to train and rehabilitate family pets. She is dedicated to helping people understand their pets and to improving the dog – owner relationship.

Anna set up and runs Canine Behavior Guernsey and all three trainers regularly update their skills via the Institiute of Mondern Dogs trainers (IMDT) and the School of Canine Science (SOCS). We believe in continued personal development and strive to build upon our skills and experience by attending course, seminars and workshops when we can.

If there is a kinder alternative why do it any other way.

 

Course dates:

Tuesday 26th September 7.00pm Puppy - FULL

Tuesday 23rd January 7.oopm Puppy - FULL

March dates are yet to be confirmed.

Please email [email protected] for more details.

Please watch this video http://youtu.be/d1gM1fdIP4w and support our local Staffies. If the link doesn't work, copy and paste to your browser.