The Hound Hotel Pet Dog Training offers training courses for pet dogs in CHESWARDINE, MARKET DRAYTON. We offer the most up to date, gentle, motivational methods and aim at both owners and their dog enjoying the training, having fun but at the same time, learning. The classes are held outdoors, which is a natural environment for dogs (and means there is no walking round a room in a circle, with your dog bored to death!). The close proximity of a hall can be too confrontational for some dogs whereas with outdoor training, owners can work at a greater distance and at their own dog’s level.

The first picture shows a group of students preparing to do some leadwork and the second shows the dogs learning the 'Stay Exercise'.

ARE YOU QUALIFIED?
Barbara Fisher has trained dogs for many years. Barbara has bred Golden Retrievers and has four Retrievers at present. Using extremely gentle methods, Barbara strives to teach owners that positive reinforcement is a faster and far more effective way to communicate and train every dog. She holds certification from the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (A.P.D.T.) and is also a Member of the Institute of Animal Care Education (M.I.A.C.E.). She also holds Kennel Club status.

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HOW DO YOU TEACH THE PUPPIES / DOGS?
Dogs learn by association. If they have a good experience (reward) whilst they are performing a behaviour, it is more likely that they will repeat it. The reward can be anything the dog enjoys, so by capturing the correct behaviour and rewarding at the appropriate time, the dog is eager to repeat the experience. We work mostly with food as it is quick and simple but some dogs prefer toys.

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WHAT DOES THE COURSE INCLUDE?
Each PUPPY / BEGINNERS COURSE, running for eight weeks, covers all aspects of pet dog training, e.g. sit, down, stand, stay, recalls (making sure your dog comes back to you), walking on a loose lead etc. We include talks and handouts on topics such as, jumping up at visitors, attention seeking, mouthing (chewing your hands/feet etc) toilet problems and more. We teach owners how to read their dog’s body language, and work on building a good relationship with their dog.

Once we have taught the basic handling skills, we then introduce the CLICKER. This is a little device that captures and reinforces the correct behaviour. Dogs love ‘CLICKER TRAINING, it is extremely motivating and helps the dog to think for himself by being creative.
We also introduce fun AGILITY on the course, and again, dogs and owners thoroughly enjoy this.

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HOW OLD SHOULD MY PUPPY BE BEFORE JOINING A CLASS?
As soon as your vet has given the ‘O.K.’ to let your dog on the ground following his vaccinations, is the best time to start puppy classes. Socialisation is an ESSENTIAL part of a puppy’s development. However, if your dog has already past this age, don’t panic, enrol as soon as possible.

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WHAT WILL I ACHIEVE ON THE COURSE?
Homework and information sheets are given to students each week and all students completing the course receive a certificate. Owners of dogs under 12 months may enter the KENNEL CLUB GOOD CITIZEN SCHEME PUPPY TESTING. This is basic assessment over the course of simple exercises covered on the course and again, participants receive a certificate, together with a rosette, both of which are issued by the KENNEL CLUB..
Cost of 8 week course : £45

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WHAT OTHER COURSES DO YOU RUN?
The next level of training is the IMPROVERS CLASS. This runs for four weeks and moves onto slightly more formal training. Again, the classes are extremely relaxed and aimed at having some fun but preparing owners for the next class (INTERMEDIATE).
Cost: £20 for the 4 weeks

INTERMEDIATE CLASSES run each week, but there is no set course. Content varies, but can include Out of Sight Stays, formal recalls, scent-work, sendaways, distance control, retrieves, agility etc., preparation for the KENNEL CLUB GOOD CITIZEN SCHEME bronze, silver and gold levels.

ADVANCED CLASSES are really very similar to the Intermediate class but the standard is higher. Examples could include ‘stop on recall’, walking off-lead, food manners etc..
Cost of INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED CLASSES - £20 for 4 weeks

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WHEN DO YOU RUN THE CLASSES?

BEGINNERS CLASS : Saturday 10:45
IMPROVERS CLASS: Saturday 12:00
INTERMEDIATE CLASS: Saturday 12:00
ADVANCED CLASS: Tuesday 1:30
FUN CLASSES: (to be arranged but usually Tuesday evenings)

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WHERE ARE THE CLASSES HELD?
The classes are held at Foxbridge Farm, Cheswardine, Nr. Market Drayton, Shropshire.

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SUMMER FUN WITH GAMES AND AGILITY
During the summer, we run fun evenings with agility, fun and games. Owners who have not done agility before are very welcome.

This is payable on the evening.

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CONTACT DETAILS
For more information on the Hound Hotel Pet Dog Training and the Hound Hotel dog boarding, please use one of the following methods: