News/Events/Prices
GOOD BUDDY WALK
Saturday 11th February
Please let me know if you would like to come along, either ring or email. We need to know how many to cater for. See the new Good Buddy page for further details.
Latest NewsChanges to class times
I am now at Lincoln University on Mondays and Tuesdays doing a Masters Degree in Clinical Animal Behaviour. From now until the end of March 2012 I have put the classes together on a Wednesday and Thursday evening as it is proving difficult to get home for classes on a Tuesday.
Both Beginner classes will be on a Wednesday evening 7.00pm to 8.00pm with the support of all available trainers so that we can split the class into smaller groups. The Intermediate classes are now on a Wednesday and Thursday evening.
Thursday classes remain the same.
We are currently in the process of designing a training programme for reactive dogs as now the nights are dark this presents more of a problem. If you have a dog that does not get on with other dogs and you usually work with a trainer please watch this site for news of any planned training events.
Many handlers bring a small torch for walking along the lane now that it has got dark by 8.00pm - it helps you see where you are going and so avoid the puddles!
Paws in the Park
A very big thank you to all of those who turned out on Sunday for the display. I had lots of excellent praise for the dogs and thier handlers - you did the club proud. Take a look in the gallery for photos of the event.
The obedience demonstration went without hiccup making me feel, once again, very proud of your performance. Well done to Joop the youngest member taking part and thrown in at the last minute - a dog to watch out for in the future me thinks.
What about the formation team and their heelwork to music!! Well done girls a great performance beautifully executed. Not quite sure how you will top it next year but I believe they are already thinking about it.
It is official Abi is a super dog and like all super heroes she can get changed in the blink of an eye and fly through the air - see the gallery for proof.
Staring Role
Peter has taken up film work once again and his latest role was that of a police dog handler with Pepper (German shepherd dog) in a new forensic police drama, "The Body Farm" . Although not an actor Peter had to play the part of a dog handler and set his dog on a scent to find a missing body. Both Peter and Pepper were a hit and the producer was very pleased with their performance. See photo in gallery of Peter, Pepper and the leading actress, Tara Fitzgerald.
New Good Buddy
I have to admit that when I first met Murphy he did not strike me as a potential Good Buddy. Even as his training progressed he still wasn't a dog that I ear marked for this important roll. When Martyn said he dreamed of Murphy becoming a Good Buddy I told him not to waste his dreams! But here we are Companion Dog Excellent and member of a fly ball team Murphy has proved himself to be obedient and steady. He was offered an apprenticeship which he completed and then successfully qualified as a true Good Buddy. On Monday he worked with two dogs together and is heading for a long career helping less fortuanate dogs. Many congratulations Martyn and Murphy(see photo gallery)
TRAINING DAY FOR TRAINERS
On Track held its first training day for trainers. The training covered the work carried out in the Behaviour Clinic when helping dogs with dog-to-dog aggression. Many thanks to Alan Bradwell who brought Georgie - a dog that is currently undergoing training on the rehabilitation scheme. Alan had to handle his dog whilst being observed by a large group of trainers! He answered the trainers questions and demonstrated the handling techniques covered so far. Over the next few weeks Alan will work alongside other trainers and their dogs and this was a good opportunity for him to meet these people. Many thanks to all who took part and I look forward to developing the scheme further with your help. See gallery for group photo.
School Closures 2011
24th October to 7th November Closed for two weeks over the firework period
HOMEWORK WILL BE SET!
Working Trials Training Training has been put on hold as members have asked to pair up with other members. I can hold a training period for two people at £25 each. This way we can get through all of the exercises and there is a bigger area to track in. If you are interested you can email me and I will send you the list of members for you to get in touch with and arrange a training time.
OBITUARY
Our thoughts go out to Joan who had to make the hardest decision ever this week when she let her young German shepherd, Obe slip away for ever. Obe had endured much illness thoughout his short life but with Joan's careful and patient nursing he had enjoyed many happy times. Obe was a very sweet natured dog who was soon picked to join the Good Buddy team and as such he supported timid dogs that needed help. He was very obedient and devoted to Joan leaving a great hole in her heart. We trust this little prince has now found peace - another loyal companion sadly missed.
New Trainers at On Track Dog Training School
Shelley Sandiford and Wendy Johnson are now trainers (see them in the gallery photos). Shelley and Wendy have been taking classes, teaching small groups and supporting owners with problem dogs throughout the year. Both have trained their own dogs to competition level in a variety of disciplines - obedience, working trials, heelwork to music, gundog scurries and rally obedience. I am very grateful for their support especially as they have proved very popular with members and look forward to working with them to improve and advance the training we offer in the training classes.
Wendy has now passed her Instructors exams through the APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers) In order to become a recognised APDT instructor Wendy had to submit 5 essays and give 2 book reviews accompanied by a CV detailing all training and instructing experience. There then followed a practical assessment where Wendy had to instruct a class teaching walking on a loose lead, the down exercise and “Leave it”. Finally there was an oral exam during which Wendy had to critique her class lesson and respond to questions on her essays. It was a thorough assessment making her achievement well deserved!
We now have 8 additional trainers at On Track and hopefully we will have more applying for APDT status as well as becoming KC Good Citizen examiners.
Best Wishes
We would like to wish Wendy and Gracie all the best in their new venture on the Blue Cross Education Scheme. Gracie was recently assessed for her character, obedience and sociability towards people at On Track Dog Training School. She passed all the tests she was put through and will now go on to visit schools to teach children how to behave around dogs. It's an excellent initiative and we think this pair will make a big difference to many childrens' understanding of dog ownership.
New Good Buddy
Gracie has finished her apprenticeship! She is now a fully fledged Good Buddy and was presented with her medal of honour at the last Good Buddy. See the photo in the gallery of Gracie with her owner, Wendy.
The Dog Park
The dog park is now fenced off and ready for use.We have put together a voluntary group to form a constitution now known as Pennine Community Dog Reserves and this group will manage the reserve applying for funding to build a path, plant a native hedge and landscape the area to provide training/exercise areas. Many, many thanks to all those who helped get this project off the ground and continue to support. This will be the first reserve of its kind and we could become just a little famous!
The park is to be used by owners who have difficulty finding a safe enclosed area to free run their dog and also as a safe area to train recalls. In addition it offers facilities for groups of people to practise and train in safety. It is run independantly of On Track Dog Training School as a non-profit making venture. All monies collected from membership and field use go to maintain and improve the area.
Membership - £5.00 for a lifetime membership
Field Use - £10 per month (this cost can be split with friends who share the slot with you)
On Track Training School - Prices
Beginner Class £25 class for an Individual session then £5 per session in class
Intermediate £5 per session
Advanced £5 per session
Agility £5 per session
Good Buddy £5 per session
Working Trials £20 per day
One-to-one £25 per hour
Behaviour Clinic £25 per consultation