On the surface of things it looks like what some other dog training fields might look like, lots of bits of fun kit to work on and play with for the dogs. It hosts puppy classes, lifeskill classes, recall workshops, pattern games, rally, scentwork, track & trail, 1-2-1’s and so much more. However when we start to delve a bit deeper our field also offers a safe training environment for the dogs that come into our care and equally an environment that their guardians can relax in and feel comfortable.
This weekend we had a large range of classes and workshops at the field and within all of those classes we had dogs with different personalities and requirements. It is fair to say that some of the dogs started their journey with us by having 1-2-1 training and by building up to the point they could be in group classes. Here is the important thing to remember it is not just about being in the class with other dogs and people it is more important that they can cope and relax, because if they can they can learn and have fun doing so. Dogs are sentient beings and we need to consider how they think and feel and not just expect them to do things because they are a dog and we want them to or that they should do it because they should want to please us. Dogs are constantly trying to communicate with us and we really need to start listening more and thinking about what they are trying to tell us.
The photo I have used is not the clearest image, it may not capture the audience and is absolutely not what most would use for a social media post. However this photo is perfect because one of the dogs in the photo is getting to not only be in a class environment but is happy and relaxed to be here. When we first meet him we had to work at a distance from dogs and people but over a bit of time, understanding, care and training he now thrives in a class. Another of the dogs is smack bang in the middle of adolescence and is also learning to cope in these situations and more importantly his guardian is learning to relax and support him through this stage of his development. As for the others in the shot well they and their dogs are also part of the process by not judging and understanding that these dogs are still learning and what providing a safe environment means to the dogs and their humans. It is also us guardians that are learning all the time and learning to adjust things when needed so that our dogs and us have an amazing life together.
Dogs really are so very special and some really do find our world scary and stressful and it is our responsibility to ease them through their worries, after all it is us that brings them into our homes.
Please also be kind to yourself as living with a dog is not always easy and can take time to find our way and once we do that relationship with our dogs just grows and grows.
If you would like to know more then please do not hesitate to contact us.
For some dogs, a class environment may not always be ideal and can be stressful. Our 1-2-1 dog training sessions Read more
Our 6 week puppy course covers all the basics to get you and your pup off to a flying start. Read more
Life Skills course is a great follow on course from our puppy classes as well as a great starting point Read more
