Golden Valley Dog Training Club

Obedience Training Information

The Obedience Section Training Team

The Club is extremely fortunate to have two experienced Training Instructors. Each instructor brings her own skills and experience to the classes. Details of each can be read by clicking on their “profile”:

Sue Baines - Instructor - profile

Jan Roberts - Instructor - profile

Di Williamson - Canine Behaviour Counsellor

Di has previously taught at the Club and offers canine behaviour consultancy. Her web site can be accessed from: www.diwilliamson.co.uk

Fees

Basic and Intermediate Classes:

Places become available as dogs & handlers pass awards and progress to the next level.

£5 per session is payable monthly in advance to secure a place (you are invoiced monthly).

Plus Annual Membership fee of: Single £20  Joint & family £25  Plus £5 new member fee for administration.

To be paid in advance with the first months fee.  All charges are non-refundable.

For further details on payments contact Sue Baigent (Treasurer): susan.baigent@tiscali.co.uk

For further details on membership contact Jan Roberts (Membership Secretary): janroberts666@btinternet.com

For class enquiries contact Sue Baines on 07771 158089 or email millymopit@hotmail.co.uk  

Venue

Classes are at Kingstone Village Hall in the winter and GVDTC Ground in the summer. Winter and summer is defined as the clocks change at the end of March and end of October unless we experience exceptional weather conditions.

GVDTC Ground – all classes take place outside in a designated, secure area of the club grounds. In bad weather the club also has an undercover area.

Paperwork

Everyone participating in classes is required to be a member of GVDTC, which provides cover on club insurance and are also required to sign a liability form. New class members are required to complete a Class Application Form.

All dogs are required to have proof of up to date vaccination. Correct identification (with owners name & address on) tag or collar is required by Law. Micro chipping is now also required by Law.

Temperament Assessment

All dogs with ‘issues’ will be asked to undergo an assessment prior to starting a class. This is in the interest of everyone concerned and allows either suitable placement in a class, one-to-one being offered or the expertise of our Behaviour Counsellor being suggested.

ONLY KIND, FAIR AND EFFECTIVE METHODS OF TRAINING ARE USED AT GVDTC. THE USE OF ANY PUNITIVE EQUIPMENT OR METHODS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.FOR EXAMPLE - NO CHECK CHAINS, NO SHOUTING AT OR HITTING OF DOGS. DOGS SHOULD REMAIN ON LEADS AT ALL TIMES UNLESS UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE CLASS INSTRUCTOR.

Aim

We teach owners to train their dogs using only kind, fair and effective methods. Although classes work towards various awards they are not the ultimate aim and are merely incorporated as a ‘bench mark ‘and motivator/reward to indicate the progress made. The ultimate aim is to educate handlers so that they have the knowledge, skills and understanding to enable them to train their dog, be aware of the dog’s needs and their responsibilities as an owner. This way both should enjoy a happy life together.

Code of Practice

GVDTC is a Kennel Club registered club and we adhere to the KCAI and the APDT Codes of Practice. Further details can be found on their websites.

(KCAI –Kennel Club Accredited Instructors, www.thekennelclub.org.uk

APDT – Association of Pet Dog Trainers, info@apdt.co.uk)