If any of the following ring true, this could be the course for you!

 

• Our dog was already over 20 weeks old when they came to live with us

 

• My puppy had to restart their vaccine course and now they’re too old to join classes designed for younger puppies

 

• Our puppy’s training got delayed by some unexpected life circumstances

 

• My puppy went to some early socialisation classes but we haven’t really done any training since

 

• We thought we could do the training on our own at home using videos on the internet, but it hasn’t really worked

 

• I took my dog to puppy classes when they were younger, but it feels like they / we have forgotten a lot of what was taught

 

• We haven’t done any prior training with our adolescent / adult dog and think group classes could be fun!

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We recognise that not everyone will have started out on a training journey with their dog as a young puppy, and that even for those who did, changes that take place during a dog’s adolescence (from around 6 months to 2 years of age) e.g. brain changes, hormone changes, physical size changes, can all affect a dog’s ability to maintain the same high level of skills performance that they may have achieved as a young puppy.

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The old saying goes ‘you can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ – let us reassure you, this is NOT true!

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We want you and your dog to enjoy your learning experiences together, therefore…

 

• Our classes are small so that you and your dog receive plenty of individual attention and support

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• We include a diverse, and always useful, mix of training techniques and games, to keep every class fun and interesting for you and your dog!

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• We support everyone with achieving solid foundation skills, while providing coaching in skills-progression where individual dogs already have certain basic skills well-established

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• Each dog’s interactions with other dogs, people and the environment are expertly-observed and explained, and the class structure managed to ensure that shyer dogs feel safe and confident to take part in all activities

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• The training field has oodles of space, so you won’t have to struggle constantly trying to stop your dog gaining access to the other dogs and people in the class

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• Your trainer is qualified, experienced, professional, friendly, and passionate about helping you and your dog succeed!

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So what will you and your dog learn?

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​We’ve pulled together a collection of skills that we know are among the most vital for the well-being of you and your dog, and those which are most desired by dog guardians, including:

 

• Focus / attention towards you

• Walking on a loose-lead - no pulling!

• Coming back to you when called

• Positions - 'sit', 'down' and 'stand'

• ‘Go to mat / bed / crate' and settle calmly

• ‘Stay’ / 'wait’

• Relaxed response to handling - including at the vets and groomers

• Safety behaviours including 'leave-it' and 'drop'

• How to play politely with people – no mouthing or biting!

• Keeping feet-on-the-floor instead of jumping-up

• Calm approach and greetings – with people and other dogs

 

Let’s just be clear on expectations!

 

You and your dog aren’t going to master every skill by doing it once during a six-week course, you need to practise, practise, practise between classes and continue after the course ends, but we’re here to help you every step of the way.

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What’s included in Life Skills (Stage 1)?

 

• 6 x 45 minute in-person group classes

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• Training notes and videos to support in-class exercises emailed after each class

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• Trainer support between classes via telephone, video call or email

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• A graduation gift for completing the course

 

 

Further course details

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Will this course suit MY dog?

Our Life Skills (Stage 1) Adolescent & Adult Dog Classes are for sociable dogs of any breed and gender over 20 weeks of age at the start of the course. No prior training experience is required.

 

Puppies reach adolescence at around five to six months of age, and typically become more confident and boisterous at this time, as well as being physically larger and stronger, therefore we split the ages into different classes to ensure younger puppies do not feel intimidated or get accidentally squashed!

 

If you have a five to six month old pup who is small and / or rather shy / worried about approaching other dogs, please contact Sara to discuss whether our Puppy Classes may be more appropriate for them.

 

If your current priority is improving your dog’s recall skills, we recommend joining our Recall Stars training classes.

 

How many dogs are there in a class?

A maximum of five dogs are invited to join each course to ensure that everyone gets plenty of individual attention and support from the trainer.

 

Who can my dog bring to class?

To help both the dogs and humans concentrate and get the most out of the classes, it is recommended that only one or two people accompany each dog to class. Canine chums are unfortunately not permitted.

 

Where does the course take place?

Outdoors in a securely-fenced grass paddock at K9 Woodland Services, located just off the A4074 at Summer Barn, Cane End, RG4 9HG (approximately equidistant between the main local towns of Henley-on-Thames, Reading and Wallingford, which are all around a 15 minute drive away).

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Price:

£135.00

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Next start dates / times:

Visit the Class Dates & Prices page

 

Book your place!

Complete and submit the Registration Form on the Booking Information page - we’ll email you with what you need to complete your booking.

 

Got a question? Contact Sara on 07833 662417 or sara@completecaninedogtraining.co.uk and we’ll be happy to help!