Beginners

Normally dogs are not accepted for training until they are at least six months old but there is no upper age limit for the beginners courses. The best results are achieved if the same person handles the dog at each class. Other members of the family cannot be spectators at the classes as this can distract the dogs, but all the family should be encouraged to learn the basic commands and handle the dog at home.

The basic 14 week course comprises of an introductory talk, demonstration and enrolment night, 12 half hour lessons and a test night. The successful dogs and their handlers are awarded the Club diploma.

For best results practice with your dog for 10 minutes everyday, preferably in two 5 minute sessions. If you or your dog becomes bad tempered, frustrated or bored stop and try again later. Remember to praise your dog for the things they do right and not just to correct the things that they do wrong. Encourage them to enjoy training and they will respond by trying harder to please you. Try not to rush things and remember that we are here to train you, to train your dog.

The beginners course teaches the following basic exercises:

• Heel on the Lead - dogs are taught to walk close to the handlers left side without pulling in any direction. The exercises include right, left and about turns and sit.
• Heel Free - The dog walks close to the handler but this time without the lead, just using voice commands.
• Sit Stay - The dog is left in the sit position, where it stays for 30 seconds without moving until the handler returns.
• Down Stay - The dog is left in the down position, where it stays for 1 minute without moving until the handler returns.
• Recall - The dog is left in the sit position, the handler walks away a given distance, turns and calls the dog which comes straight in and sits in front of the handler, then comes round to heel.

The following awards may be made by the club:

The Ardesher Trophy is awarded at the end of every beginners course to the dog and handler gaining the highest marks on test night.

The Smethurst Trophy may be awarded to the novice handler and dog who gain the highest marks for a novice handler for each beginners course, if not the same person as above.

The Bailey Cup is awarded to the runner up on the beginners course.

The Progress Cup may be awarded to the handler and dog who the trainers feel have made the most improvement over the period of the course, even though they may not have passed the test.

Rosettes are awarded to the top 4 dogs in the test.