Dog classes (Lancashire)

hi all, got a lovely german shepard which urgently need socialising with other dogs, has he never been with other dogs, i rehomed him a a week ago and hes very lively 10 month old. if any one knows of dog classes within chorley,lancashire area. could you please email me the details. Thank you.

Hi Kelly and welcome to Dogsey

I would contact one of the approved APDT trainers in your area and ask if they can recommend a suitable class near you.

http://www.apdt.co.uk/trainers_area.asp?area=Lancashire

http://www.tailtappingantics.co.uk/

Please be aware that dog training classes & socialisation classes are not the same thing. I help out with local dog training classes & every term we get people who want to bring their puppies to classes to teach them how to interact with other dogs. This is all well & good & socialisation is an important & necessary skill for all dogs to learn, but it doesn't & shouldn't happen at training classes.

Training classes are for people to learn how to train their dogs. Once the dogs get the idea that going to the local church hall or whatever, once a week, is a time for leaping around & playing with other dogs, you'll have the devil's own job trying to teach them anything!! Romping & playing with other dogs is great fun but not conducive to new learning. If you are training your dog you want it's attention 100% on you, not pulling to go & play with the small puppy two seats away!

Before you enrol in any classes, talk to the trainer & see what his/her views are & whether the classes are socialisation or training classes. If you decide on training classes then make sure the trainer uses positive reinforcement methods only, preferably clicker training. Ask the trainer if you can sit in & observe for a few sessions before you enrol your dog ~ if they say no, then find another class. Talk to the people already taking classes & see how they are finding it ~ is it helping & making a difference for their dog? Is the trainer kind to the dogs, does he/she explain things well, do you get the opportunity for any one-to-one training, how many dogs are in the class, is the hall too crowded etc etc? Go & watch a few classes first before you make up your mind.

This is the club where I go. The trainer is APDT and only uses positive methods. She also does one to one if needed.

http://www.tinkleburypapillons.co.uk/

Just go to the training page for details of classes.

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