Clicker training

Problem Behaviour Counselling

Some dogs need help which doesn't come directly under the heading of training – house-soiling, destructiveness, aggression, fearfulness just to name a few. For these dogs and owners a longer appointment is made, the problem investigated and help and information given. A written report with a programme specially designed for the dog is sent subsequent to the interview, and a report sent to the referring Veterinary Surgeon is sent if appropriate.

Merril started training as a Behaviourist when it became apparent that straightforward training doesn't cure every problem. She has trained in this area with COAPE (Centre of Applied Pet Ethology),  UKRCB (United Kingdom Registry of Canine Behaviourists),  APBC (Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors) and at many Symposia with leading Pet Behaviourists.

Project Work for more Advanced Classes

These are things we do for the dog and handler who have adopted dog training as a hobby, and want something interesting to do once they have mastered the basic commands. It includes scent work, working to music, directional skills, retrieving and all sorts of different and intriguing projects for owners and dogs to practice. Dog training can become a hobby – as hundreds of people have discovered! We have two more certificates for those who have adopted dog training as a hobby, if they want to have something to work towards.

Barnlake Dog Training Centre

Whether your dog is a new puppy just arrived in your home, an older dog who needs some training or a rescue dog from a dog pound we are here to help you to develop him as the companion dog whom you hope for, and who is a joy to own.

When are dog training classes held?

Classes are held on every day of the week at Barnlake, including weekends and most evenings. In the winter we train indoors, but when the warmer weather comes some classes can be held out on the field. Group classes will usually have not more than 7-8 dogs in them, or 9 if they're puppies.

What methods do we use?

We base our training on the relationship between you and your dog, and use reward training. The emphasis is on understanding how your dog sees life, and knowing how to build your training in a way that he can understand.

Certificates

We have our own Certificate Scheme, in which you can work for four Certificates, Elementary, Novice, Intermediate and Advanced. These are not "tests", the different units are acquired during class as the owner and dog progress. It makes training more interesting and gives people something to aim for.   We also give handlers the chance to pass the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Certificates (KCGCDS); we have now had more than 200 people and dogs gain their Certificates in this national Scheme

What training do we offer?

For Puppies: Read more

• • Puppy Special Interview
  • 6 week Puppy Introduction Classes
  • 9 week Junior School
  • Nine week follow up course

• • Further training as preferred

For dogs over 17 weeks: Read more

• • 9 week Beginners Companion Dog Course
  • 9 week follow-up Course

For dogs who want to do more: Read more

• • Project work
  • Scent
  • Working to music
  • Agility

Problem Behaviour Counselling: Read more

Clicker Training (not main stream): Read more