We first began our training classes in Denmead in November 2000.
At that time we were a B.A.G.S.D [British Association of German Shepherd Dogs] training club, with both myself and Elaine
Kelly being fully qualified B.A.G.S.D. Instructors, having completed their rigourous 6 month practical training course. We
had also both undertaken provisional instruction at branch level for some time, and prior to that trained many of our own
Shepherds to varying standards of obedience.
We quickly realised a demand for a more generalised 'all breed' club, and
finally began training all breeds at Denmead in 2002.
Although I have always owned German Shepherds, I found that training other
breeds was just as rewarding, and our club went from strength to strength. We must have helped over 1000 dogs and their
owners since our inception, and the majority of new members now come from recommendations, so I guess we are doing something
right!
In 2006, we began our Selsey Training club, which also
accepts all breeds, and our ever popular puppy training course. Selsey has a more intimate atmosphere, and the classes tend
to be smaller, mostly due to the geographical location of Selsey, and the length of time it's been running, but I remember
Denmead being very similar in those early times when we had just opened!
Just about the
time that we open our Selsey Club, I became aware that I was often not able to assist newcomers and their dogs
who had particular socialisation problems which often required more attention than I could provide in a class situation. I
began visiting potential new members whose dogs were less socially advanced, prior to their arrival at class nights. It makes
sense to me to help the owner achieve some sort of understanding and thus control over their dog at home first or when walking,
so that their time in class would be more controlled and a better experience.. for everyone!
I had by now become fascinated
with Cesar Millans 'pack-leader' approach to dog behaviour, and found that his methods not only worked on
individual 'problem' cases, but could be intergrated into my classes. This radically changed the teaching methods at classes,
and I now focus more on teaching for 'everyday experiences' rather than the formal obedience for competitions etc, although
our top class at Denmead would probably do quite well in a local companion dog show!
My co-instructor, Elaine
Kelly retired from our classes in 2007, and began devoting her time to more relaxing hobbies, although she sometimes helps
out when time permits. I now run both class nights, and I am totally
committed to general pet obedience for 'everyday experiences'. I am more than happy to visit potential members
who may prefer a one to one session first, or perhaps anyone who may have a new Puppy and are finding the whole experience
a little overwhelming!
A personal visit lasting some
two hours can be good preparation for our Puppy course, and for older dogs, most owners find that, after an initial consultation,
they are more confident about bringing the dogs to a class night and mixing with rest of the class.
Unlike some other training schools that we have heard about, we welcome
badly behaved dogs. I feel that the purpose of our classes is to rehabilitate the dog, and usually train the owner
so that they become socially comfortable in a class situation. We will always find a solution to your canine problem[s],
and will never pressure you to come to group lessons if you don't want to.
