All
of our trainers adhere to the Code of Conduct, laid down by the Association
of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), which involves training methods
which are kind, fair and effective, therefore we DO
NOT USE choke/check chains or
electric collars. Training dogs has changed a great deal in
the last few years. It is no longer considered necessary, or
acceptable, to use harsh methods in training, and the use of
gentle, motivational methods are as successful as they are
enjoyable to use.
Participating dogs and handlers will be assessed in five different exercises, each, at six levels:
Social Control
Loose Lead Walking
Recall
Positions
Stay
The exercises have elements of The Kennel Club Good Citizens Scheme and also K9Multi Sport Core Exercises (designed and devised by Kay Laurence of Learning About Dogs Ltd.). However, this award scheme is not intended to discourage handlers from training for these and other schemes as well, given the opportunity.
Training sessions are held in our field at Screech Owl Sanctuary near Indian Queens, please see your newsletter for full details. Dogs and handlers can be assessed at the end of any of these training sessions by a PAWS 4 FUN trainer. The dog and handlers record sheet will be signed and dated by the trainer assessing if they meet the required criteria. Handlers can choose which order to work on the exercises, but, to be assessed for example at level 4 for loose lead walking the dog and handler must have been signed off for level 3 loose lead walking at two separate sessions. Once all five exercises have been signed off for a level twice the dog and handler will be issued a certificate for that completed level (for level 1 each exercise need only be completed once). The number of assessments taken at a training session will be limited by time available.
Participation in this awards scheme should be equally positive and enjoyable for both dog and owner. The assessing trainer will be looking for the dog and handler to demonstrate an understanding of the exercise, the dog should respond promptly to the trainers cues and work in a happy and confident manner. The dog may of course be rewarded at the end of the exercise but rewards should not be on view during an exercise in such a way as to be deemed a lure or bribe. At no time should there be any need for harsh handling and where the dog is on lead, the lead should only be there for safety reasons and not used to train, handle or restrict the dog (the lead should be of an appropriate length to demonstrate the dogs abilities and not be kept tight).
We run a ‘bandanna policy’ at this class, any dog wearing a green banadana should be afforded extra space as it may be that it doesn’t like people or other dogs approaching too close. Bandanas are available inside the shed and should be returned there at the end of each class.
