Dog Training Classes & Private Dog Training Options, Ashhurst, Palmerston North, Sunday 1st March, Class starts @ 1.30pm, min class size 4, max size 6, “Book Now” to secure your place.

Hi there and welcome to the new Private Dog Training & Group Class Page.

Dog Training Classes and Private Dog Training with an expert dog trainer and behaviourist.

At this stage all dog training will be held once a month on a Sunday in the Ashhurst Domain and Saturday by appointment only in Woodville, however this may change in the future.

Cut off for enrolments, will be 5 days prior to the scheduled training day.

Group Class & Private Training, enrolment cut off date, will be 24th February @ 5pm 2020

Small classes max no 6, Min 4, so you will learn more and I can spend more time with you and your dog. unlike some of the larger classes. Classes are kept, as age appropriate as possible.

To secure your place, Book Now! Start: Ashhurst Domain, Palmerston North, Sunday 1st March @ 1.30pm. Suitable for dogs of all ages.

My apologies for this but the Group Class will be cancelled if the minimum attendance numbers, are not met.  (minimum no 4)

Faq sheets, included in the price.

Group Class: Please Read – Your puppy needs to be fully vaccinated, before attending class. What does this mean?

The Basics+Canine Enrichment Group Class (2 hours only) min class size 4.

COST: $79

If you and your dog want to have some fun while training, then this class is for you.

The Basics+Canine Enrichment: Walking on a loose leash, Sit, Leave it, Wait/Stay, Recall, Jumping up, leash pulling, plus any other minor problems.

Canine Enrichment: Most dogs today, have lost the jobs they were born and bred to do and while physical exercise is good its not enough, dogs like humans need mental stimulation. Canine enrichment is great for teaching your dog to listen and focus on you, while having fun along the way, it also helps alleviate boredom, as the saying goes “a happy dog is a tired dog”.  In this class I will introduce you and your dog to: Canine Parkour, (it will make your daily walk and training more interesting and fun), scent games, plus a few ideas on how to keep your dog happy and occupied with everyday items, we often throw away. These games and training can be adapted so you can do them in your own backyard or inside your home.

Private Training Options

Sunday Only

Limited Spaces

Sunday 1st March

Ashhurst Domain, Ashhurst, Palmerston North

$60       Private Lesson (one hour only) 1 or 2 problems you would like help with. (aggression not included)

$120     Private Lessons (two hours only) 2 to 4 problems you would like help with. (aggression not included)

$250     Private Lessons (2 x 2 hour) The 2nd 2 hour lesson will be in one months time. This will give you time to practice what you have learnt. We will keep in contact via email, text & phone calls.  (aggression, basic obedience, long line usage for recreational and distance training).

My aim is to also promote dog safety & awareness so all training options will cover: How to socialize your dog, the right way. Basic dog behaviour & safety around dogs & people/Dog bite prevention, Responsible Dog Ownership/Dog Control Act.

Making a dog safety difference in 2019, most dog bites are preventable. It would be great if we could all in a small way help, turn the tide and try to reduce, through education, the number dog bites/ dog attacks in NZ.

Hopefully along the way, prevent someone from getting bitten and save a few dogs, a one way trip to the vet.

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Group Class The Basics+Canine Enrichment

1 hour Private Training

2 hour Private Training

2 x 2 hour Private Training

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Your puppy needs to be fully vaccinated, before attending class. What does this mean?

I am not going to go into the pros & cons of vaccinating your dog and what it entails, as there is plenty of information out there (do your research) and if you are not sure about something, ask your vet.

I train dogs in the Ashhurst Domain and other public areas, the Domain for example, is open to the public 24/7 as are many other parks and reserves. It is also a high traffic area, meaning people, dogs, (vaccinated or not) vehicles etc, can come and go as they please.

In other words it is not a controlled environment. So the risk, of your, not fully vaccinated puppy contracting something, is greater.

If you do decide to take your puppy out, it may or may not contract something but that is the risk you take and the choice, you make.

What does fully vaccinated mean? it means by the time your puppy reaches 14 – 16 weeks of age, it should have had, all its shots and be fully vaccinated. Of course, as with anything, there are exceptions.

Now I hear you say, what about socialising, or my puppy is doing this and that, what do I do?

Well if you know someone who has a fully vaccinated dog and the dog, is mellow and chilled, you could introduce your puppy to him/her OR you could attend a puppy pre-school, where you will find puppies of similar ages, up to 4 months.

Puppy pre-schools are often run by your local vet but look around and see what is available in your area.  These classes are held in a “controlled environment” and the puppies your puppy will meet, will be at various stages, on their vaccination schedule.

I hope the above has helped clear up any confusion some people may have had, regarding the term “Fully Vaccinated” and what it means.  Many obedience classes, boarding kennels and the like, require dogs to be fully vaccinated.

Are puppy classes enough?  There are no quick fixes when it comes to training your dog

A poem from an untrained puppy  Socializing your dog

 

Puppy Training Classes, Are They Enough? To be honest, no they are not.

Click on the image to enlarge and read “A poem from an untrained puppy”

Puppy training classes, are they enough? To be honest, no they are not.

Puppy training classes can be a great start to socializing and training your dog, if run correctly but that is all they are, just a start.

They do not prepare the owner for the problem behaviours that often occur in the “teenage period” which usually starts around the 6-7 month mark and can continue until the dog is 15-20 months old, this time frame can vary depending on the dog.

Usually classes are run for four weeks and only take dogs up to 4 months of age. They cover the basics in behaviour and training but very few, cover anything in-depth. Most do not teach, you the owner, good leadership skills, in other words, what you need to know and do, to utimately have a well rounded obedient dog, who is a joy to have around. After all there is more to learn than just “sit and stay”.

Young dogs are quite pliable and can be easy to teach, owners often say to me “he is such a good boy/girl, does everything I tell him/her” but four weeks of puppy training is not enough to instill basic training in a dogs mind.

I often chat to frustrated owners who are having problems with their dog. They tell me, they took their dog along to puppy training class but for whatever reason, chose not to continue on with any form training.

Which is not good for them or their dog because more often than not owners become angry and frustrated, which can and does make matters worse.

That is why its is important to continue on with obedience training classes.

A good training class should cover obedience & behaviour problems along with many other issues, in more depth. They should teach you how to handle your dog in the real world. In other words, Good leadership and communication skills are the key. After all, like I said before, there is more to be taught than just “Sit and Stay” Classes should give you a good grounding and help set you up for life.

Below is a very good article on why you should continue you and your dogs education by taking your dog to classes.

Why should I take my dog to training classes?

http://www.tarynblyth.co.za/articles/whytrainingclasses/

I run classes on a monthly basis, If you and your dog would to join one of my classes, please contact me or visit my website or see the class information on this blog for details.

 

Before you go jumping in, ask yourself, “Is a dog the right pet for me or in reality, would I be better off, owning a goldfish?

Again, here is another post I wrote sometime ago, unfortunately it is still relevant today, with rescues, pounds & shelters seeing more dogs than ever, coming through their doors.

While you may love the idea of owning a dog, the reality maybe, you would be better off owning a goldfish. Why a goldfish you may ask, well goldfish don’t demand the same level of time and commitment from you, as a dog does.

Ask any rescue, shelter or pound and they will tell you, the continuous number of puppies & dogs, coming through their doors, isn’t slowing down.

In our consumer driven society, dogs seem to be another thing that get thrown on the heap, when the novelty has worn off. Many are in love with the idea of having a dog but the reality is, they are work, they are not “something” you leave in your backyard and ignore.

Dogs are fun and great to have around, they make wonderful companions but they will change your life as you know it, for many years to come. Whether you decide on a puppy, adult dog or a dog from rescue or shelter, you could be looking at a 10-15years + commitment, depending on the breed and age of the dog.

Are you ready for that?

So as a prospective dog owner, you have to think carefully about:

1. Your Lifestyle

Are you home a lot or do you spend a lot of time away?

Do you work long hours, are you always busy? If you are too busy, then owning a dog probably won’t be your top priority.

Do you own your own home or are you renting? (rental properties often don’t allow dogs)

Dogs are a 365 day a year commitment, to build up a good relationship and to enrich their lives, they need time spent with them everyday. Whether its training, going for a walk or playing games, Being tired or busy is no excuse for not spending time with your dog.  In fact, dogs can be great stress relievers, they are a good excuse as well, for turning off your phone, TV or computer for a while.

2. What breed of dog is right for you

All I can say on this is, do your research, don’t be swayed by, the latest TV or Movie star dog, they may look cool on-screen but don’t be fooled, these dogs are well-trained. Don’t get sucked in by that “cute” puppy look, all dogs look “cute” when they are puppies but they soon grow up and loose that “cute” look.

Some breeds may need to be groomed regularly, while others may need more exercise, so if you are not into grooming or running/walking a couple or so kilometres a day, be smart, don’t get a dog that requires grooming or a lot of exercise. Dogs don’t just need exercise & training they also need their minds enriched as well, so just walking your dog, isn’t really enough.

3. Costs 

Well dogs are not free, they come with costs, you have purchase costs, food bills (they need to eat) veterinary costs, that could be for anything, such as, vaccinations, operations, check ups, flea treatments, worming treatments etc

Then there is housing, where are you going to keep your dog, inside or outside or both. You may need to look at purchasing a kennel & run, or securing your property by altering or improving the fencing.

Then there’s bedding, collar, lead, toys, dog crate, registration, training, boarding/house sitter, if you want to go away. Grooming, dog walking, if you employ a dog walker, doggy day care, and the list goes on.

4. Damages

Ask any dog owner and they will tell you, dogs can chew, so be prepared for possible chewed furniture, clothes, shoes and the like, oh and I forgot TV remotes, just to name a few. If you get a puppy the chances are you will have accidents in the house, while house training, if your dog becomes ill, the same can happen, along with being sick, on your good carpet. All par for the course when you own a dog.

So if you are not phased by any of the above, dog ownership maybe right for you but if any of the above make you think twice, then owning a dog at this time, may not be, right for you.

 

Just a reminder Dog Training Classes start on Sunday 13th March @ 2pm in the Ashhurst Domain, Palmerston North

Small classes max no 5, Min 3, so you will learn more and I can spend more time with you and your dog. unlike some of the larger classes.The course is very comprehensive and unlike others, covers more than just dog obedience & dog behaviour.

To secure your place, Book Now!  Start: Sunday 13th March 2016 @ 2pm Ashhurst Domain, Palmerston North. Meet in the Wetlands Café Car Park.

Course cost: $110 (FAQ sheets included) runs for 4 weeks (4 x 1 hour sessions) For more information visit: http://www.zerobitesdogtraining.com/BLT.html or https://zerobitesdogtraining.wordpress.com

 

Just a reminder, dog training classes start on Sunday 17th January 2016 @ 2pm Ashhurst Domain, Ashhurst, Palmerston North

Dog Training Classes with an expert dog trainer and behaviourist The course is very comprehensive and unlike others, covers more than just dog obedience & dog behaviour.

Start: Ashhurst Domain, Palmerston North Sunday 17th January 2016 @ 2pm

Woodville Sunday 17th January 2016 @ 10am

Suitable for dogs of all ages. Classes are kept, as age appropriate as possible. I will teach you how to handle your dog in real life situations. Small classes max no 5, Min 3, so I can spend more time with you and your dog, unlike some of the larger classes. To secure your place, book now!

The course teaches you: How to Effectively communicate With Your Dog & How Dogs Communicate With Each Other.

Commands: Sit, Stay, Recall, Down, Social Walking (loose lead/heal) Stand, Leave It (visit Turid Rugaas link on this blog to gain a better insight on how dogs communicate, with each other).

Covers Minor Behaviour’s Such As: Jumping Up, Digging Holes, Pulling On The Lead etc

My aim is also to promote dog safety & awareness so this class also covers:

How to socialize your dog, the right way.

Basic dog behaviour & safety around dogs/Dog bite prevention

Responsible Dog Ownership/Dog Control Act

Introduction to Canine Parkour (Urban Agility)

Course cost: $110 (FAQ sheets included) runs for 4 weeks (4 x 1 hour sessions)

If you and your dog would like to join the class, please fill out the form below.

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At the Dog Park The Importance of Participating

This is a very good video showing why its so important to stay connected with your dog, when you are at the park, as I often say to clients you need to know where your dog is and what it is doing, as it only takes a second for behaviour and atmosphere to change and something bad to happen.

 

Greeting people may make your dog scared or uncomfortable. It’s all about your dog, its not about you and what you think, your dog needs or should be able to handle.

New dog owners and seasoned dog owners, are all too often, not well-informed, when it comes to socialising their dog with people and children. I see it time and time again, the look on the dogs face, its body language saying “Hey I am not happy” while the owners are oblivious to what their dog is trying to tell them. It really makes me, want to pull my hair out sometimes.

In my opinion, the number one cause of many issues we have today with dogs in regards to, dog bites/attacks is “Human Complacency“. While some may not agree with me or maybe even be offended. The reality is, many people today, not all, feel too secure and too comfortable when in the company of dogs and either don’t see or are unaware, of the potential dangers. After all, many of us share our lives and homes, with an animal that is quicker than us, in every way, has teeth that can do a lot of damage and depending on the size, is stronger. If I were talking about another animal, say a Tiger for instance, would people still be so complacent?

As dog owners, its our job to keep our dogs safe and to educate and keep safe, anyone who comes into contact with our dogs. And yes, if someone chooses not to listen to you and thinks they know better, dog owners its ok to say No! don’t think by saying NO, you may offend someone, if that person is offended, its their problem, not yours.

If someone, be it a child or adult wants to come and say Hi and pat your dog. Do you let them rush up and pat your dog on the head? No you don’t, and if they try to, stop them. As a dog owner its your job to protect your dog and educate, the not so well informed.

They have to ask you first, in a calm and quiet manner. Dogs don’t like to be crowded or stared at,  (all have personal space, same as humans) whether it be one person or ten, ask the child or adult to stand side on with their arms by their side, a safe distance away, (the bigger your dog the more space), then your dog has the option to choose, whether to approach or not.

The same applies, in your home or when you are out and about, if you can’t be watching your dog and what is going on around you, 100% of the time, when other people or children are around, remove your dog from the situation. Don’t put your dog in a situation that it can’t handle just because you think, its what it needs. How well do you supervise your dog when around kids and other people?

Dog owners, need to get educated, so they in turn can educate others, on how to act and behave when in the company of dogs. If your dog is scared or uncomfortable, you should know, don’t let complacency rule the day.     Please read: 5 Easy ways to get bitten by a dog

 

Stop the 77% by The Family Dog, another must see video for all, whether you are a dog owner or not. 77% of dog bites come from the family dog or a friends dog.

 

5 types of Supervision – Dogs & Babies, excellent video for all, whether you are a dog owner or not.

Great information for everyone on how to become more dog aware and see the signs of stress in dogs.