Thanks for all the tips on stay, I'm going to try some of them later.
The reason that I want to take shadow to a dog class is not because I think shes unsocialised, she's great with dogs. Its just she doesn’t get to meet other dogs very often, and when she does she get overly excited, jumping all over the place. I was hoping that by taking her to a class, the novely of other dogs would wear off, plus id get to brush up on her training. The class starts tonight and its £25 for 9 weeks, which I think is quite reasonable.
Other staff owners, do you think im wose taking her to this class? I've heard nothing but good things about the class, and Im a bit stuck on a few training things, as I said earlier "stay" is one, plus "heel", and recall also. Shaodw isnt great on the lead, she pulls a lot, and I was hoping this class would help me too. It’s the Kennel Club Good Dog Citizen scheme, the bronze award, the training is as follows:
Description of Exercises
1. CLEANLINESS AND IDENTIFICATION
Each handler must carry with them some form of “poop scoop” and all dogs must wear a collar and identification tag. The owner should be reminded that they must always remove any fouling caused by their dog and carry with them some form of "poop scoop". Note: These essentials are part of the law.
2. COLLAR AND LEAD
Put on collar and lead. It is important that the collar and lead are suitable for type of dog and that the owner is able to fit them correctly. Note: A dog that becomes frightened can back out of a loose collar.
3. WALK ON LEAD
Walk on lead without distractions. The owner will be holding the lead with the dog by their side throughout this section. The dog should walk at the handler’s side without undue pulling forward or back. Note: Competition heelwork is not the aim.
4. CONTROL AT DOOR/GATE
Walk on lead through Door/Gate. The owner will hold the lead and with the dog under control walk the dog through gate/doorway. Note: The objectives of exercise three also apply. The dog should not pull or be pulled through the doorway.
5. CONTROLLED WALK AMONGST PEOPLE AND DOGS
Walk on lead passing people and dogs. Behave in controlled manner whilst owner holds a conversation for one minute. The dog must be able to stand, sit or lie down in a quiet relaxed manner whilst the owner is holding a conversation for one minute. Note: The objectives of exercise three also apply. This is not a stay exercise.
6. STAY ON LEAD FOR ONE MINUTE
Stay in one position on command, on lead. The handler should place the dog with the lead attached in a position of their choice i.e. stand, sit or down. Upon instruction, having quietly dropped the lead on the ground next to the dog, the handler will move a distance of five paces away for a period of one minute. Note: The dog must stay in the position it has been left in, however minor movements within that position are acceptable. Extra commands are permitted but should not be excessive.
7. GROOM
Grooming should be performed relevant to the individual dog. Note: This exercise is a test of ability to keep the dog clean and healthy without a struggle. Handlers are required to provide their own grooming equipment. Any signs of aggression or nervousness while grooming the dog will be deemed not ready.
8. PRESENT FOR EXAMINATION
The examiner will be shown how a handler can examine their own dog. This exercise will be carried out on lead. The dog will be required to have its mouth, teeth, throat, eyes, ears and feet inspected when standing, sitting or lying down on either side or on its back. Note: This is a most important exercise and will require considerable care, expertise and patience on the part of the trainer. The average new owner may find this exercise difficult and frustrating. However, by ensuring that dogs are properly socialised before attempting this exercise and that this exercise is only carried out under careful supervision will success be achieved.
9. RETURN TO HANDLER
The handler will release the dog from lead, play with or without toy, or in some other way distance themselves from their dog, recall and attach lead. The aim is to enable the handler to call the dog to them when released within a restricted area, i.e. home or garden. There will be no requirement for the dog to sit, the handler will simply attach the lead to the collar. Note: The handler is to be advised not to let the dog run uncontrolled in open spaces such as woods, parks and farmland.
10. RESPONSIBILITY AND CARE
The object of this exercise is to test the knowledge of the handler on specific subjects relating to owning a dog. When asked questions by the examiner from the Responsibility and Care numbered list section one only. Topics include – A dog’s needs, Illness and Responsibilities of Ownership. The questions should not be phrased in an ambiguous manner and where necessary, examiners should rephrase the same question in an attempt to bring out the correct answer from the handler. At the start of each training course, in addition to the description, handlers should be given a copy of the canine code and Responsibility & Care sheet. There should be a discussion period during which the importance of correct socialisation can be explained, problems discussed and advice given on choosing a suitable collar, identity disc and lead. Note: Only one numbered item may constitute a question. The handler should be able to give three out of six correct answers from Section One of the Responsibility and Care Information Sheet.
Has any one done this award?