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0151-625-6609

The techniques utilised at K9 BRATS are based upon the principles of being kind, fair and in control. The focus is upon effective communication between dog and owner, paving the way for effective training!

BEHAVIOUR COUNSELLING:

Behaviour consultations are designed for dogs displaying significant problems such as fears and phobias, separation problems and aggression, (for a full list of what often constitutes a behaviour problem see the FAQ section). As there are a number of behaviour problems that are related to, or even caused by, medical factors, all behaviour consultation require a referral from your veterinary surgeon.

Behaviour consultations are conducted either on site, in the purpose built consulting room at Glenbrittle Kennels, or in your own home. It is advisable that when the problem relates specifically to the home environment, you request a house call.

Behaviour consultations usually take 2-3 hours during which a history of you dogs behaviour is taken and we discuss the details of the problems being displayed. Any minor behaviour or training problems can also be addressed during the session. Having established the motivation for the behaviour, a programme for addressing the problem(s) will be recommended. You will receive a full written report outlining the programme and full telephone support as you work through the recommendations.

Second consultations and rehabilitation sessions are also available is cases where the behaviour problem is quite involved, or where further practical support is necessary to help you implement the programme in a safe and controlled environment.

ONE-TO-ONE TRAINING:

One to one training is designed for dogs with basic training problems or some minor behaviour issues (for a full list of what often constitutes a training see the FAQ section). These are most appropriate is situation where a training class may not be best suited to the needs of the dog or owner.

One-to-one training sessions are conducted either on site at Glenbrittle Kennels, where we have both an indoor area and a fully enclosed training paddock, or in your own home.

The first one-to-one session is approx. 1½ hours and gives me more time to get to know you and your dog. The majority of this session is spent establishing your requirements, assessing the dog and discussing the owner/dog relationship. Following this ‘starter’ session, all sessions are 1 hour and can be arranged to suit your needs, taking into account the time you have to practice in between sessions.

What is covered during one-to-one sessions is dependent on your requirements and recommendations are can be specifically tailored to the needs of you and your dog. Where appropriate, sessions can be conducted in ‘real life’ situations, such as accompanying you on a walk.

TRAINING CLASSES/COURSES:

All training classes are conducted at Glenbirttle Kennels, where we have a fully enclosed, floodlit paddock. We endeavour to hold all classes outdoors as this is much more realistic for the dogs, although there is also in indoor area which is utilised in bad weather.

The majority of classes are either run as an 8 week course or as a one weekend course. These different formats provide a wider variety of options to cater for owners with busy lives and other commitments. The weekend courses are ideal for owners who find it difficult to attend regularly of an evening and would prefer to condense their dogs training into a weekend.

For some dogs, classes will not be suitable. Dogs showing aggressive or fearful behaviour towards other dogs or people cannot attend our classes and owners are advised to consider a behaviour consultation (see above). This is for the benefit of the dog as a class situation may actually make the problem behaviour worse.

All dogs must be fully vaccinated to attend any of the following courses.

PUPPY EDUCATION COURSE:

This course is designed for puppies 16 weeks of age and under. The course provides puppies with both early training and socialisation, helping your new edition to develop into a happy, safe and well behaved companion. Owners are also advised on how to deal with common problems including house-training, jumping up and pulling on the lead.

Owners and dogs completing the Puppy Education Course are eligible to be assessed for the Bronze Kennel Club Good Citizen Award. Owners wishing to put their dog forward for the Bronze test can attend one of the practice and test days run regularly throughout the year from spring 2008.

This course is conducted as both an 8 week course (of which the first session is for owners only) and as a weekend course (see diary section for dates and times). There is a maximum of 8 dogs per course.

THE YOUNG DOGS COURSE:

This course is designed for dogs between 5 and 20 months of age, who have had no (or little) previous training. The course provides dogs with basic training and provides owners with advice on how to deal with common problems including things like jumping up and pulling on the lead.

Owners and dogs completing the Young Dogs Course are eligible to be assessed for the Bronze Kennel Club Good Citizen Award. Owners wishing to put their dog forward for the Bronze test can attend one of the practice and test days run regularly throughout the year from spring 2008.

THE IMPROVERS COURSES:

These courses are designed for dogs of any age who have already received some training and wish to improve. The courses cover both improved obedience and ‘fun’ (not competition) agility. The Improvers Courses are designed for groups of mixed ability and end of course assessments provide owners with realistic goals that suit their dogs level of training.

Owners and dogs completing the Improvers Course are eligible to be assessed for the Bronze or Silver Kennel Club Good Citizen Award (depending upon their dogs level of training). Owners wishing to put their dog forward for the Bronze or Silver test can attend one of the practice and test days/weekends run regularly throughout the year from spring 2008.

This course is conducted as an 8 week course only and there is a maximum of 8 dogs per course.

SPECIAL INTEREST COURSES - SUMMER 2008:

NOSEWORK WEEKEND

This is a weekend course providing a fun introduction to the concepts of training their dog to use their nose! The weekend will cover tracking -where dogs will learn how to track a human scent, and scent detection - where dogs will learn how to alert their owner to a specific scent using techniques similar to those used to train drug detection dogs.

It is expected that dogs attending this course have had some previous training and are under the owner’s control
WORKING TRIALS INTRODUCTION WEEKEND

This is a weekend course providing a fun introduction to working trials training for complete beginners. The weekend will cover introduction to the key elements of working trails including control exercises, jumps, article searches and tracking.

It is expected that dogs attending this course have had some previous training and are under the owner’s control.

RESIDENTIAL TRAINING:

Residential training is designed for owners wishing to put the training of their dog in the hands of professionals. This involves your dogs staying at Glenbrittle Kennels for either 1 or 2 weeks of intensive training. During this time your dog will receive daily training sessions averaging at 1½ hours per day (usually in 3 half hour sessions)

We begin with an assessment session (approx. 30-45 minutes) during which we discuss your requirements and assess your dog. The purpose of this session is to establish your expectations and to discuss what can be realistically achieved within the time frame.

At the end of your dog’s stay we conduct a hand back session (approx. 1½ hours), during which you are given a demonstration of you dogs training. You are also given instruction and tuition on how to maintain and continue your dogs training.

Residential training is only suitable for one dog at a time and availability in the kennels is limited (particularly in the height of the holiday season). Accordingly residential training bookings must be taking well in advance. It should also be noted that behaviour problems cannot be dealt with during residential training.