Obedience Training by Geoff Hope
The first dog I ever trained was our family pet, Duke, back in 1987. At that time I was still in school and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.In 1990 I completed my year national service in the South African Air Force. During this time I was sent to their dog training school. Here I was exposed to all breeds of dog, and where my love of the GSD (German Shepherd Dog) was born.
In 1991 I was contacted by someone that wanted their Rhodesian Ridgeback cross trained in obedience. From this first dog, I was referred to another person, and another, and by 2002 the dog training school had over 40 dogs at any given time.
We tried to keep the training interesting and had a number of courses, including:-
1) Home obedience
2) Tracking
3) Personal protection
4) Trick training
5) Schutzhund (also known as IPO)
6) SAWDOS (South African Working Dogs Open Stakes)
7) Puppy classes
We had a permanent demo team, as well as a development team that also gained exposure with our fun day demos.
I was introduced to "clicker assisted training" in 2002, and spent time with the then SA obedience champion. The concept seemed strange, as it follows a very hands off approach, and initially I was very skeptical.
I had just bought an 18 month old bicolour GSD and decided to use him as my test subject. I had amazing results. I never once yanked his leash, I never had to raise my voice - I was really impressed. Following this success. I decided to try condition my other 2 GSD's using this method, and found it really excellent in correcting minor errors too.
I have also been lucky enough to work with a previous World Agility Champion, Justus Truter. He introduced me to the world of Agility - my dogs were not as fast as his border collies, but you couldn't fault them on their accuracy, nor their dedication.
Having a dog as a pet or a friend is a great honour, and I have found that with regular training that bond is strengthened, and adds excitement in the life of both the dogs and their owners.
Its a proud moment when you know exactly how your dog will respond in any situation.
Geoff Hope
COURSE DETAILS
The course prices are as follows:
(Payable on registration)
Home obedience course - 12 weeks - AED1,200
Puppy course module 1 - 8 weeks - AED800
Puppy course module 2 - 8 weeks - AED800
Places will not be secured until payment is received in full. Places in the classes will also not be reserved. Vaccination certificates copies will also have to be submitted, to ensure that all vaccinations are up to date.
The lessons are once a week, for an hour. There is homework that has to be done weekly. People will need a clicker, but I will keep some stock of them.
The courses are intensive, and training is incremental - so you cannot fall behind.
I will limit classes to a maximum of 8 dogs per class - the puppies will be trained separately from the big dogs. Courses will take place in Nad Al Sheba area.
Email info@dubaidogclub.com for registration.
Spaces for this course are limited and you must subscribe in advance. Simply send us an email to info@dubaidogclub.com and we will advise you on the availability.
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