Why are the classes so small?
We keep the classes small to ensure that your puppy or dog will be able to concentrate on what we're trying to teach them. If there are too many dogs around, then space may be limited and the puppies or dogs will be far more distracted with the other dogs in the room - they may want to play, they may be too excited, and some may be a too timid or anxious. So, keeping the numbers down means that we can provide each dog or puppy with plenty or space and therefore give them the best chance to focus on you, and their lessons.

More about the small classes......
Again, because the dog and puppy classes are small, it means that you get lots of "work" time, instead of having to sit at the side, waiting for your turn to practice. So, unless we feel that you or your dog or puppy need a wee rest from the hard work, then you and your dog will be working (and having fun) most of the time.

How long do the classes run for?
Usually we have 7 week sessions and each class lasts for about an hour.

At what age should I start to train my puppy?
Puppies begin to learn about life as soon as they are born, and there are many things which your breeder can do to help with early learning - making a start on house training and recall training for instance; and working on early socialisation. You can then start to teach your puppy how you want them to behave as soon as you get them home e.g. by never encouraging or rewarding them for jumping up. Further help is available for the very young with our Puppy Early Learning sessions and workshops.

Where are the classes held ?
At present, we run dog and puppy training classes in Guildtown (on the Perth to Blairgowrie road), Perth and Ballinluig. Focussed workshops are also run in various rural areas and in Perth - please contact us for details.

I'd like to come to a training class, but I can't attend on these dates - can you still help?
Yes, we can either help with 1-1 training sessions or please let us know where and when you'd like a class and we'll see what we can do to help.

I'm worried that my dog isn't suitable for training classes.....
If you feel that you or your dog or puppy would benefit more from 1-1 training, then this can also be arranged in the training halls, or we can arrange a home visit. Behaviour Therapy Consultations are also available in-home or at the halls for those dogs or puppies with more complex problems.

Do you do clicker training?
This questions frequently comes up, and generally when it does, you want me to say no. The answer is that yes I do, when it's right for you and your dog - but it's not forced upon you. Reward based training methods are the same irrespective of whether you actually use a wee clicker box or not. So it all works fine in the class and at home whether you use it or not.

I don't want any fancy stuff - just sit, and come.
If that's really what you want, and you really don't want to learn anything else, then fine. However, I do recommend wider teachings. Imagine if you were in a foreign country and only knew 2 words - bread, and beer :o)) - well you'd probably survive, but not very well. The wider your vocabulary, the better able you'd be to cope with the environment and understand things. Well, it's the same for your dog. Teaching sit, down, come, paw, roll over, touch my hand, give..... whatever - it's all about expanding your dog's vocabulary, and helping you both understand each other and communicate more effectively. However, just for you, we have started a straight forward basic obedience class too.