Schedules

Guidelines

• All courses are given at our Indoor Centre in Gordons Bay, unless stated otherwise.
• Booking is essential as space is limited for each course, workshop & event.
• When inquiring about a course, you will receive more information, guidelines and what to expect.
• All lessons are 1 hour in duration & once a week, unless stated otherwise.
• Family members are welcome to attend, but if you think your children might disturb other owners and their dogs, then treat yourself to a baby sitter.
• Should you wish to view a class first before booking, please contact us for an appointment.

Dates – more info on each course below. 

PUPPY SOCIALISATION COURSES

If you have attended a puppy class in the past, you will find our curriculum and presentation somewhat different that what you might have experienced before. In this course we focus on the basics such as socialisation to strangers and other dogs, appropriate meet-and-greet manners, discussions on how to prevent and to handle unwanted behaviours, life skills such as impulse control & how to deal with frustration, calming down techniques, preventing leash frustration, appropriate play on and off-leash and basic obedience behaviours.

Our emphasis will be on the process and not so much the product. Every owner and puppy will work at their own pace and progress will be measured on individual performance, not the group. Our goal is that when you finish the course you will have a set of problem solving skills to handle your puppy and subsequent adult dog in real life situations, and not just in a class environment.

Early social learning is most effective before 4 months, but if your puppy has missed the opportunity to join a PetPup 1 course, don’t despair, the Groovy-Juvy puppy course is especially adjusted for the older puppy.

• Requirements: Vaccinations must be up to date for the puppy’s age – minimum requirement by lesson 1 is at least 10 days after first vaccination.

OBEDIENCE TRAINING COURSES

In the PetDog Courses we teach basic obedience and life skills by using the non-confrontational technique called Clicker Training and Tellington Ttouch™. We use clicker training and Ttouch™ because of the philosophies that accompanies these methods. When learning to clicker train your dog, you also learn to understand more about canine behaviour, how they think and learn – this enables you to give more meaningful information to your dog and makes you a more efficient trainer and owner. When you clicker train with your dog, your dog is working to gain rewards, rather than trying to avoid aversive consequences, as is the case with so many other methods – therefore your dog has a positive association with training – happy mood state makes for better learners. We do use food in the training process, but once a behaviour is learnt we will teach you how to get compliance without the presence of the clicker or the food.

PetDog 1 – BASIC OBEDIENCE & BEHAVIOUR

We cover the basic behaviours such as Attentiveness, Name recognition, Sit, Settle down, loose lead walking, Down, Come when called, Leave and Stay. You will also be introduced to Ttouch™ Body Work

PetDog 2 – PROOFING PetDog 1

This course is the follow up to Pet Dog 1 and we strengthen and proof some behaviours taught in the first course, especially recalls and stays. Other life skills that will be taught includes impulse control, car etiquette, preventing jumping up, stand for vet examination or grooming, control at a distance, controlled walking a.k.a. ‘heel’, voluntary relinquishing of objects and more Ttouch™ Body Work.

RECALL

If your dog can already sit, down, stay etc, but you just need some help with getting your dog to come when you call him, then this 6 weeks course if for you.

LOOSE LEAD WALKING

If your dog can already sit, down, stay, come etc, but you just need some help with teaching your dog how to walk on his leash without pulling, then this 6 weeks course if for you.

FUN CLASSES

Are held on Sunday afternoons. It will be ‘roll-on-roll-off’ and is thus not a course with a fixed amount of sessions, however to book is essential. If you miss a lesson, you won’t ‘get behind’, you’ll just miss some fun!

These classes can consists of anything from easy tricks to more complicated tricks like blowing bubbles under water, scent work, agility,  ttouch, focus games, board games, behaviour talks, guest speakers and when the weather is good  we can do outings to public places and go for group walks.

These classes are specifically for those dogs who just don’t seem to tire from only physical stimulation. These classes are more than just teaching your dogs tricks, it is about providing mental stimulation without the pressure to perform. Mental stimulation keeps your dog cognitively young and provides an outlet for excessive energy that is stored due to lack of natural outlet for their original functions. Overcoming little challenges and solving mind ‘puzzles’ in the familiar environment can build confidence in a shy, insecure or fearful dog.

These classes are designed to develop your dog’s mental stamina, concentration, creativity, memory skills and self confidence.

The FUN-courses are about the actual learning process of the different activities, not the performance of as many tricks as possible. The mental stimulation is in the figuring out what to do, not performing a trick he all ready knows.

Any breeds are welcome as well as puppies to Golden Oldies.

PLAY GROUPS

Is a service for past & present Canine Concepts clients. Playing and training go hand in hand. While training teaches acceptable behaviour, playing is a natural way for dogs to explore limits and develop interactive tolerances, affection, friendships and trust. These are all aspects that help to deflect social antagonism; allowing your dog to play is essential for the development of healthy social attitudes to other dogs and people. Our play groups consist of small groups of dogs who want to play, and who enjoy socially interacting with other dogs.

CANINE CORE BALL

Here are a few advantages that Core Ball has over other types of physical exercise:

1)    You don’t need lots of space
2)    Not dependent on the weather
3)    It has no impact on joints
4)    Dogs with certain injuries will benefit
5)    Can prevent muscular injuries especially in the sporting and working dog
6)    Suitable for any age
7)    Only short sessions are required for a good workout

Any active dog should possess good core muscle strength; that is, good strength in the back and abdominal region, including the smaller set of “set” of stabilizing muscles that are present in every joint. If the core is well developed the ‘mover muscles’ can perform at optimal level and execute even more comprehensive movements without injury, which means better performance !

Core Ball exercises involves a large egg or peanut shaped vinyl ball. These balls also challenge the dog’s body because they are an unstable surface. The dog’s muscles immediately start to work to keep him from falling off. Add an exercise to that, and you’ve just increased the intensity of the movement.

FIELD TRIAL TRAINING

Contact Dale directly for more information for all courses listed here on bardale@telkomsa.net

This will consist of specialized small classes for all Retriever, Spaniel, Pointer and HPR breeds. Based on clicker training, the dogs are taught basic obedience and all aspects of retrieving and hunting in a gentle and fun way. Dogs are allowed to proceed at their own pace. You may wish to strive for the ultimate by winning stakes in KUSA run trials or to just enjoy Working Tests that are run on dummies (bumpers). Even if you  only want to have fun in a non-competitive way by letting your dog do what he was bred to do, you will find your place in these classes. We do work towards fun tests along the way, where you can achieve a certificate of competency. These tests are set against a standard and not against one another.

• Beginners course
  
• Intermediate course
• Advance 1 course
• Advance 2 course
• Judging & Course setting seminar

JUDGING & COURSE setting seminar

This is a full day seminar with lectures/discussions in the morning and a practical out in the field in the afternoon. Only demo dogs will be invited to partake in the afternoon for the various stakes. This subject will be of interest to all gundog enthusiasts not only learner judges or judges but for anyone interested in competing with their dogs in field trials. It will help you understand what the judges are looking for in your dog’s work, and how they assess your dog. You will also learn the rules that apply to field trials and receive three booklets.

OTHER COURSES, WORKSHOPS & TALKS

TELLINGTON TTOUCH™ workshop

The Ttouch™ technique is an excellent way of bringing about positive behavioural, emotional and physical changes in your dog. It works with gentle, non-invasive stroking, lifting and manipulation of the dog’s skin, extremities and limbs. This internationally-acclaimed technique is proven to have a calming effect on your dog, enabling you to enhance positive characteristic or minimize unwanted behavioural attributes. Individual sessions can also be requested – if a workshop is not scheduled.

RING CRAFT course for ALL breeds

Contact Dale Fabian directly on bardale@telkomsa.net for more info and bookings.

This six week course is for all breeds and is quite unique in that it is not the usual ringcraft sessions which are usually a little practice running and some hands on, but an in-depth look at what is needed psychologically, dietary and physically for your dog to get the winning edge.

Clicker techniques to get your dog to gait with an extended trot and to self-stack are just a few of the exercises as well as many secret tips to help you get the best out of your dog. You will learn how to make your dog happy in the ring, etiquette and sportsmanship and also how to plan a campaign.

BODY LANGUAGE workshop

Is a wagging tail always a sign of friendliness?  If your dog pulls his ears back is he always scared? Why do some dogs approach others in a curve?  What does it means if your dog repeatedly licks his lips? How can you tell how your dog feels in a particular situation ? If you want to understand your dog better and want to know how your actions influences your dog, then this course will give you the answers.

CANINE GOOD CITIZEN Course

Contact Dale Fabian directly on bardale@telkomsa.net for more info and bookings.

Canine Good Citizen is a certification program that rewards dogs who have good manners at home and in the community.  It is a two-part program (Bronze and Silver) that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the test receive a certificate from the Kennel Union of South Africa and a rosette. This course is open to all breeds.

As you work with your dog to teach the CGC skills, you’ll discover the many benefits and joys of training your dog which will enhance the bond between you and your dog. Dogs who have a solid obedience education are a joy to live with-they respond well to household routines, have good manners in the presence of people and other dogs.

DOGS, BABIES & CHILDREN workshop

Are you expecting a baby and not sure how your dog will react to the new member of the household? We discuss how to prepare your dog for the new baby, how to introduce them, safety measures and give management advice. We also discuss body language so that you can be sure about how your dog feels when around babies, crawling, toddlers & children, and how to be proactive to prevent an unwanted incident from happening.

VET VISIT & BODY HANDLING – short course

Is your dog wild at the vet? Why is he unmanageable at the vet and how can you make a vet visit less stressful for you and your dog? What your vet would like you to know and do when coming in. Is there a particular area on your dog’s body that you cannot touch, not to mention when it comes to giving medication or treating medically? We will help you teach your dog to accept handling in previous no-go-areas.

SAVVY SENIORS – course

Our older dogs often seem to be forgotten when it comes to training – probably because there has never really been a course that was especially designed according to their needs.  Just because they are old – does not mean they cannot learn new things. They too need some mental stimulation to develop and maintain their concentration abilities, mental stamina and memory skills and to keep them cognitively young.

We will teach some Ttouch™, discuss accessories to make their lives more comfortable and do some clicker work. Don’t worry if your dog cannot stand for long periods – most of the clicker exercises can be done lying down! How to deal with your dog that is going (or is already) deaf or blind, or dogs that are becoming anxious and fearful in situations that they used to be fine with. We also have a vet, who practices animal rehabilitation, onboard, that will be showing you some stretch exercises, massage techniques and discuss early warning signs of possible medical issues.