This format has lead to the Edudog® programme that commences with the puppy as close to 8-10 weeks of age.

Puppy training is not a new concept but it has become ‘fashionable’ and this has lead to a proliferation of facilities purporting to offer this service – many of these however do not appear to have been based on any meaningful knowledge or understanding. Puppy socialisation is definitely not to be seen as playtime for puppies, play is important but the learning aspect is of the utmost importance for both the pups and the owners.

The Edudog® puppy programme was recently assessed as part of my submission for my advanced diploma and the following comment was made –‘a very comprehensive socialisation plan that should result in a confident and well adjusted dog.’

At the end of this course your puppy should be socially acceptable, well mannered and be well on its way to understanding basic obedience and a credit to you and your family.

When: Saturday mornings – a new intake is usually on the first Saturday of each month with the puppy as close to 8-10 weeks of age.
Duration: The course is for 10 weeks -1 hour per lesson- with one additional session that will provide further understanding.

Puppy Graduate ~ Don’t stop too soon
This course is provided for those dogs and handlers who have completed the initial puppy course and builds on the basics already learned and will lay a solid foundation for whichever avenue you may choose to take with your dog albeit domestic or competition. Dogs that have in many cases done the initial course at other facilities often do not meet the required levels for entrance to this training programme and require assistance to catch up – this can be provided. This course commences as soon as possible after completion of the puppy course.

When: Saturday or Sunday mornings with alternating intakes – if required weekdays.
Duration: 10 weeks – 1 hour per week.

Adult Dogs - It’s never too late
Too often before we realise, it is too late for our puppy to be enrolled in puppy training. Ideally a new puppy should come into our lives at the age of 7 weeks and training should have commenced with the pup as close to 10 weeks of age as possible. Our lifestyles are however so hectic that the weeks pass and instead of a puppy, we have an unruly teenager. The dogs behaviour can also change from cute puppy to manipulative teenager and then to abusive adult. As you and your dog will not benefit from just joining in to an existing class we make sure that these lessons are correctly structured. It is better late than never, and with the dedicated effort of our team and the owner, much can be achieved.

When: Saturday afternoons and week days if required.
Duration: 10 weeks – 1 hour per lesson.

Club Classes ~ Quality time for owners and dogs
These classes are open to all adult dogs that have attained a suitable standard of behaviour and sociability. These classes tend to build tremendous camaraderie between dogs and handlers and at the same time developing the dogs to their full potential. Entrance to this training programme is dependent on the number of dogs participating and often results in a waiting list.

When: Saturdays, Sundays and weekdays.
Duration: Classes run on a monthly basis and the lessons are 1 hour per week.

Obedience Competition Classes ~ Want perfection?
These classes are run for those people and dogs that compete at the higher levels of competitive obedience. In many instances these lessons are based on correcting problems with one or more of the exercises. A good and sound foundation is of great benefit to both the dog and handler.

Private Classes ~ Need to overcome a problem?
These classes are available by appointment and are in most instances used for the correction of either training or behavioural problems. Whilst one on one classes may in some cases be beneficial it is just as important that the dog learn to work in proximity with others and become socially acceptable. The dogs need to be exposed to different situations and this is often omitted in private lessons.

Carting Training ~ Fun and practical for all ages
The origins of this activity go back many years when dogs were used as draught animals for a wide variety of purposes. Today it is a fast growing canine activity, both for competition and domestic enjoyment. This is open to dogs of all sizes and descriptions. Often a very good means to keep an older dog mentally and physically active. Carting also serves a very useful function in that many an unruly dog will through this activity learn to calm down and be more manageable in other disciplines.

When: Friday afternoon.
Duration: Monthly – The formal lesson is for 1 hour but the participants have the use of the elements concerned to work on problems after the class.

Show Training Classes ~ Bring out the best!
These classes are run to assist the owners/handlers in achieving the best possible results with their dogs in the show ring. Dogs should ideally start at an early age so that the special requirements become the norm. These classes are not run as socialising classes but are used to teach dog and handler not only the presentation but also the etiquette of the ring.

When: Saturday mornings
Duration: 6 week course – 1 hour per week.

Canine Gymkhana ~ A day enjoyed by all
From time to time pupils and their dogs participate in canine gymkhana – this test on the move includes all aspects of formal obedience, agility etc. and gives the dog and handler combination the opportunity to participate at their own level of training without being in a normal class situation. This fun event is most often undertaken in pairs and this too helps build confidence and understanding whilst doing all the familiar exercises under different conditions.

Our 2011 year end gymkhana was once again in aid of Animals in Distress – our nominated animal charity. The collection of ‘jumble’ this year far exceeded our expectations and hopefully many animals will benefit from this in one way or another.

The collection tins that were out on the tables appear to have been filled, not with coins, but with notes and a bumper amount of R5538.00 was collected. This was a lot of fun for both dogs and handlers and most importantly those less fortunate will also benefit.

Social responsibility ~ Giving something back
The pleasures in owning a well behaved dog go far beyond having it respond to sit, down and come commands. A well-behaved dog is first and foremost an integral member of the family and can participate with the family in many activities – whether this is a walk in the park or something far more complex. A large number of dogs now go on an annual holiday with the family, especially when this is to the coast.

Many of the dogs, in fact far too many, are not as fortunate as those who live with us – irresponsible breeding, wrong dog in the wrong home, change in financial circumstances and uncaring owners are just some of the reasons why dogs in ever increasing numbers are ending up in shelters. These shelters are always in need of funds and what better way of collecting on their behalf while at the same time promoting good and caring ownership. As a training facility we too have a social responsibility and our main benefactor is Animals in Distress. On the last Saturday of the month pupils with their dogs collect outside Builders Warehouse. Not only does this bring in much needed funds for Animals in Distress – and last year in excess of R50.000-00 was collected - but it is at the same time fantastic exposure and training for the dogs concerned – having to interact with many different people, strange smells and noises all the time being on their best behaviour.

The therapeutic value of interacting with an animal is beyond all question and doubt. Many institutions and facilities catering for a wide variety of needs are often unable to have animals of their own. Those people who are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to interact with one of these visitors often see this as the highlight of their week. These dogs listen and never complain and all they ask in return is a gentle pat.

The more you do with your dog, the more your dog will do for you.