Beginner Course
The Beginner course is for all beginners, whether they have completed the Puppy Course or not. Many of our puppies go on to do our Beginner Course, but we also welcome new dogs who go straight in at Beginner.
Katie runs the classes in a relaxed and friendly manner - it's crucial that dogs and owners alike enjoy the training and are made to feel relaxed and comfortable. All of the training methods used are positive and reward based.
The Beginner Course teaches all the basics of obedience training, as well as many vital socialisation aspects. It also covers a lot on being a responsible dog owner. Once the dogs have been taught the three basic positions, SIT, DOWN and STAND, these invaluable skills can be used when grooming, teeth cleaning, nail clipping, veterinary visits etc. Hygiene, cleanliness, inspection and handling are also modules within our Puppy, Beginner and Young Handler courses.
What sort of exercises will be taught during the Beginner Course?
As most dogs attending the Beginner Course will have a limited understanding of the basics, this is where we’ll begin. However, as the dogs quickly pick up all the basic commands throughout the course, we will move onto slightly more complex exercises. Here’s some examples of the type of exercises that will be in the course:
The Basic Positions (sit, down and stand)
Getting (and holding!) your dog's attention
Recall (including the “wait”)
Walking nicely on a loose lead
Calling away from distraction
The “Leave” (up close and progressing to slight distance)
The “Stay” (for at least one minute)
Door Control (learning not to barge/bolt out through doors)
Controlled walking amongst other people and dogs
Greeting humans (without jumping up!)
There will be several other exercises included within the course; the above are just a few examples. During the first week Katie will give out the training manuals, which includes details of the exercises that we will do each week, as well as support material, to complement the course.
The Beginner Course is for dogs of a sound temperament. Dogs who show an adverse reaction to being in close contact with other dogs would probably be better having a one-to-one session, in the first instance.
To book a place on this course, Go to the Courses page, to check availabilty, then follow the instructions there to book.
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| Teaching the "leave" | "Sit!" "Good boys!" |
| Beginner Course Info | |
| Course Duration: | 6 weeks. |
| Course Venues: | Monday evenings - St Edmund Campion Church Hall, Castlepoint, Bmth Friday evenings - St Luke's Church Hall, Winton, Bmth |
| Course Fee: | £48 |
| Included in Fee: | 6 well structured 45 minute classes, with two very experienced and qualified dog trainers (Katie runs the classes and Malcolm gives individual attention, where needed). Full support paperwork. "Homework" each week. A first aid talk and demonstration. Certificate and detailed assessment sheet at the end of the course. |
| Training Methods Used: | We only use positive, reward-based training here at Pawsitive. It is crucial that the dogss feel happy, confident and enjoy their training. To begin with we encourage the use of "high value" treats, but then also encourage the practice of "random-rewarding" of the treats later on in the course (more will be explained about this during the course). Toys are also used during some exercises and you will be told when to bring your dog's favourite toy along. The most important training aid is you, and your body language and voice; praise is crucial. |
| How Old Should the Dogs Be? | The Beginner Course is for dogs over six months of age (dogs younger than that would be better suited starting off in the Puppy Course) |
| Class Size: | 8 - 10 |
| Course Availabilty: | Go to the Courses page to check which dates and times are available |
| How to Book: | Go to the Courses page, to check availabilty, then follow the instructions there to book. |
