5 Week Basics Course

Course Dates

The next course start date is 2nd February 2012. please phone or email for availability and further information.

Course description

The course is run over five, one and a half hour sessions, covering real life issues in real situations eg walking calmly on a loose lead, recall (coming back when called), food manners, answering the door and jumping.

A training manual is supplied with the course for your reference and telephone and email support is available between sessions.

The cost of the course is £50. This covers all sessions, telephone and email support and the training manual.

Who the course if for

My basic course is suitable for all ages of dog, puppy or adult, rehomed or from the breeder. It is designed to give you the basic skills to become an effective leader figure to your dog.

Why should you consider this course?

If you are about to take on a new Puppy or Rescue dog, are a first time dog owner or even if you have had dogs all your life and feel you would like a refresher course in effective dog handling methods, or  things just aren't going the way you would like with your dog. This course can help. I am here to teach you how to handle your own dog. In practical, everyday situations.

Size of class

The way to a well behaved well mannered dog is through calmness and consistency, which cannot be achieved with a stressed dog or handler. For this reason classes are kept small, so you are guaranteed plenty of individual attention and the chance to highlight areas of particular concern to your own circumstances.

Theory and discussion

There is a lot of theory and discussion involved in the course which needs to be properly explained and demonstrated in order for you to go away with the correct skills to deal with situations you encounter in your own environment between sessions.

Class format

The classes are not traditional with dogs and handlers marching forward together in lines of heelwork, during the course we concentrate on building a balanced relationship between you and your dog, once your dog sees you as the leader in the equation and you understand how they think, anything you wish to teach them in the future will be much easier. It is more important that people learn to communicate with their dogs and that dogs learn basic good manners before set exercises, although some exercises can really help to build up a good relationship between dog and handler.

Where the course is held

Set in beautiful countryside with a friendly atmosphere where both you and your dog can feel calm and relaxed, (essential for effective learning), refreshments are provided throughout the sessions. Couples are welcome to attend together but this course is not suitable for children, because of the intense nature and the length of the sessions children would find it difficult to remain focussed. I am more than happy however to advise on getting the children involved with the training at home or you can book a private consultation where your children can be part of the training team.

Anxious or aggressive dogs

The only situation in which I would advise against this type of course would be if your dog has aggression issues or some anxiety problems, although there are not as many dogs and people as in a regular class situation, it is not advisable to put dogs in such a position until you have addressed the issue. Thrusting an anxious or aggressive dog into the middle of a class small or large can be very distressing and counter productive not only for the dog and handler concerned, but for the rest of the class too. In those circumstances I would be happy to see you and your dog on a one to one behaviour consultation.

About Me

I am Deb Gallimore and have been a dog training instructor for around 15 years, although my passion for animals and especially dogs has been with me for as long as I can remember.

Along with instructing pet handling classes I have been in demonstration teams at Crufts on several occasions, with the Kennel club good citizen dog scheme, I have competed successfully in Agility with both GSD'S and other breeds of dog and am an Agility Club Approved Instructor ACAI (1st class). I am also fully qualified and registered instructor and assessor with the Academy of Dog Training and behaviour (ADTB).

During my dog training career I have learned much from many different teachers, both human and canine and am proud to say that I continue to do so to this day. There is always something to be learned from every situation if you are able to sit back, listen and observe.

My Philosophy

Dog training is all about having a well mannered well adjusted dog. Once you have good manners and good communication you have solid cornerstones on which to build. All the trimmings, like any kind of competitive dog sport from Obedience to Gundog trials, although they can be enormous fun for dogs and humans, come second to manners and communication. 

Respect, Trust, Leadership

Having invited dogs to share our lives we have a responsibility to them. They need our respect in order to gain theirs; they need to trust us in order for us to be able to trust them, they need us to be strong leaders in order to follow our lead. Sounds too simple? Well it is simple to a dog, it is us who overcomplicate things by expecting dogs to think and be like humans instead of looking at things from a dog’s perspective.

My Dogs

As a teenager I took the family dog (a GSD cross named Tammy) to training classes at my local dog training club which I thoroughly enjoyed. It was during the classes at club that I began to admire the dignity and grace of some of the other members German shepherd dogs. Unable to persuade my Mum to let me have a GSD of my own I had to bide my time, so Tammy and I practiced, I watched and learned, and when I left home and time came to have a dog in my own right I was finally able to follow my dream and have the German Shepherd Dog I had always wanted, there began a lifelong love of a truly beautiful breed of dog.

I have been lucky enough to share my life with some wonderful canine companions, every one a character, an individual in their own right.

Pre-Dog Ownership Workshop

A one-off two hour session, where all your questions will be answered.

Individual price £40 (plus mileage, if appropriate, @ 45p per mile).
Please call or email to request a quote for group bookings.

Who this workshop is for

If you are thinking about taking on a dog for the first time or would just like a refresher course in the basics of dog owning and all it entails.

This session can be for individuals or groups and arranged here at
The Lilac House or at a venue to suit you or your group. A goody bag is
included, and refreshments provided at The Lilac House. It is a great
idea for everyone who will be having anything to do with the dog to
attend and there will be plenty of opportunity to answer individual
questions during the friendly session.

About the workshop

The session is designed to give you the skills and information you need to make your new dog or puppy's joining of the family as smooth as possible. Of course nothing is set in stone and every dog and set of circumstances is different and you will meet your own issues and hiccups along the way most of them not serious and make for great anecdotes as you get through them and look back and laugh at them. If you are considering taking on a dog then you should not only be prepared for this but expecting it and be ready to embrace it as part of the joy of owning a dog.

Making life easier

There are things to avoid and basic rules to follow that will make life easier for you and your dog and avoid having to undo problems that have been allowed to develop through a bad start. Taking part in the Pre-Dog Ownership Workshop will help you and your family avoid some of the most common pitfalls that a new owner can run into.

Not Sure if this is for you?

Please call or email me, I am always happy to discuss individual situations and can recommend and tailor the workshops and consultations to suit your own unique circumstances.

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