Dog Training
Frequently Asked Questions 

Group Training for Puppies
Group Training for Older Dogs
Individual Training
The Weather
Payment Options
Booking Problems
After Booking
Sterilisation and Unwell Dogs

GROUP TRAINING FOR PUPPIES

We have a new 10 week old puppy and we would like to know when the next puppy training course starts at Clever Creatures. Are there any resources we can get that can be useful for new puppy owners like us? 

At present, we don’t have the junior puppy classes; just the level 1 (see http://www.clevercreatures.com.au/page/dog-training#one). The junior puppy classes at the vets usually cater for pups 8-14 weeks as they are indoors. The level 1 classes we run are suitable for any puppies that can go to the park. For pups that have had the 10 week finish vaccination then this is usually from 11 weeks of age. New level 1 (or stage 1) courses start every 3 weeks, sometimes the course books very quickly (weeks in advance) so if you wanted to book it is important to register formally via the dog training page (or bookings and registration page). Please do not email us to put your name down as you do need to register your details to secure a place. 

Regarding resources: The free eBook download ‘After You get your puppy’ (by Dr Ian Dunbar) is a very useful book and is available via our newsletter. You can take advantage of the many other free resources we send via our email newsletter by signing up on the homepage of our website (its free and currently comes out 4-5 times per year). 

I am enquiring about dog training for my 8 month old dog who is a bit of a handful. He has been to puppy pre-school but we are having trouble walking him and he won’t come when is called; especially when there are other dogs or people around do you think this is the right training for him?

YES! It is very common for a dog between 5 & 12 months to pull on the lead and not come when they are called around other dogs and people as they are ‘teenagers’ at this stage and can really be quite challenging at times. The group training is perfect for dogs at this age as long as they are sociable. If the dog is unsociable or aggressive toward other dogs you would need to try an individual training lesson first and see how you go. See http://www.clevercreatures.com.au/page/dog-training for more information on the stage 1 training and the individual training.  

"I just wanted to check that it is okay for my dog to do puppy school as she has only had her first two needles with the third lot in 2 weeks. Is this a problem?

If she is already being walked it is not a problem. If you have been informed to keep her isolated then you would need to restrict her socialisation to indoor puppy classes (run by the vets) until she is covered by her vaccination. My pup had his last vaccination at 10 weeks (called a 10 week finish vacc) so he was able to start all options of socialisation at 11 weeks. Unfortunately not all vets offer this & dogs must be socialised as early as possible. In the end it comes down to your choice. If you are comfortable training at a park then by all means come along.

Hi, I have just got a english staffy pup which is 8 weeks old and I am looking for somewhere to take him to puppy school. Do you do Puppy school? I am looking for somewhere that does a class in the weekend because I work night shift I cannot make evening classes through the week.

At present, we no longer run puppy classes & generally refer people to their veterinarain to attend the junior puppy classes (from 8-14 weeks). 

However, we do accept puppies from 11 weeks (for our stage 1 class) as there is a ’10 week finish vaccination’ available now, though not all vets offer this. Puppies can come to us at any stage as long as they have been cleared by the vet to go for walks or are already going to the park as our training is at the park.

GROUP TRAINING FOR OLDER DOGS

I have a 15th month old, female Labrador who has graduated from a Vet's Puppy Preschool. I would like to join one of your classes to improve her obedience training. In particular, I would like her to consistently respond to our commands when outdoors, to not pull on the lead, to not jump up to greet other people and dogs with so much excitement, not pull clothes off the washing line and when inside go to her bed inside and stay in there. I know that she will respond well to the classes, I just need to learn how to train her properly. Which course do you recommend we sign up for to help with these issues?

The stage 1 course is most appropriate for your dogs level of training. See information on our dog training page for details of the stage 1 course. We also have a FAQ page with a bit more information.

The stage 1 covers most of these things and is always the best place to start with a dog that has only completed puppy classes. You then have the option to attend higher level (stage 2) if its needed at a later stage. If a dog is not sociable with other dogs then individual training would be the best place to start.

I have a 14 month great dane who I've had for a couple of weeks, she has basic training, but could do with work on the lead and coming back when I call, chewing, digging, scrounging etc. I work every 3rd or 4th saturday. would we be able to work something out for the weeks that we would miss or do you HAVE to be able to attend the full 6 wk sessions consecutively?

It’s not uncommon for people to miss a class or two in a 6 weeks course.Of course the maximum benefit will be obtained by attending for 6 weeks, however you will still benefit from attending.

It is a set 6 week course and so signing up will sign you up for 6 weeks as we take limited numbers. We cannot run private lessons if people miss a class.The alternative option is individual training. Group training is focussed on general obedience, therefore limited time would be spent on behaviour issues such as chewing and digging etc, therefore individual training may be more flexible for you as you can discuss those things at the time. Perhaps you may wish to start with 1 or 2 individual training lessons and see how you go. For more information on the individual lessons see; http://www.clevercreatures.com.au/page/dog-training#ind 

INDIVIDUAL TRAINING 

My dog can be a bit aggressive with other dogs but I want to socialise him, can I book in for the group lesson? 

If your dog has shown aggression in the past you must book in for an individual lesson first. Most dogs that come to group classes are puppies, and it is not suitable to have an aggressive or reactive dog in a group class. It may be that the dog just needs one or two individual lessons first. And at least if you have had an individual lesson then we can let you know if your dog is ready, and how to manage the dogs behaviour for when you do find yourself in a multiple dog environment.

My dog has a number of problems and is aggressive towards family members, can I book him in for an individual lesson?

He is not really suited for individual training as it wouldn’t be enough to solve your problem. Individual training can assist with some training issues but you are best to consult with a behaviourist for a home visit for more serious problems.

If you are unsure how serious your problem may be and can't afford to see a behaviourist then book an individual lesson and we can help assess the situation and advise you of your options. Sometimes individual training will be enough, especially when family members need more consistency with training techniques, but it can be hard to advise until we have seen the dog.

I am inquiring about training for my dog. I have done group training through you before with my other dog. The problem is that she chases other dogs and barks at them, she never bites the other dogs but they often find her frightening and run away. This of course can cause problems at areas like the beach or park where dogs are off lead. She is a 1.5 year old kelpie X blue heeler and other than this problem is quite well behaved. Do you have any suitable training for a problem like this? Whether it be individual training or group training that you think she may benefit from?

In the case of potential dog aggression or poor social ‘etiquette’ it is always best to start with an individual training lesson.

From there (after some discussion about your dogs history and observation of general training and behaviour) we would either suggest people try further individual training, group training or referral to an animal behaviourist for behaviour modification.

For more information on the individual training (& for bookings) see; http://www.clevercreatures.com.au/page/dog-training#ind

THE WEATHER

Question: Do you still run classes in the rain?

Answer: Yes, the classes run in rain and poor weather

The dogs really do need to get used to being out in the rain; life needs to go on in winter and that includes daily walks and toilet stops outside.

Recently we have run a few classes during heavy rain and even thunder; the dogs did really well and it is a great exercise to condition the dogs to poor weather and you may even be able to prevent storm phobia problems later on.

Please bring a jacket or poncho so that you are comfortable (umbrellas are not very practical when holding a dog on lead and training). If your dog has a jacket put it on them. And bring a towel for yourself and one to dry your dog off. If you have a very small dog an umbrella may help to keep them dry as they will feel the cold faster than the larger dogs.

Another reason why we don’t cancel classes is that we would need to rebook them & we’d never get through classes in winter and the new classes would get pushed back.

If the weather is severe (severe weather warning; hail or lightening) then we would cancel a class and arrange a time to re book the class at the end of the course. If we cancel a class your trainer will contact you on the morning; you may wish to check she has the best contact number for you.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

When do I need to pay?

You can pay at the time via credit card or paypal. If you opt to pay by cheque, money order or direct deposit we require payment within 3 days of booking to keep your place. The courses usually book a few weeks in advance. We cannot hold places for longer than a week if you have not paid but it is always best to book ahead rather than phoning and asking us to hold you a palce; if we get busy your place may get overlooked; with the online registration we have your place booked in to our system.

BOOKING PROBLEMS

I tried to access the booking form the other day with no success, and again just now. It appears there is an error with the page. I would like to enrol my dog in the upcoming course.

We update our page everyday. If ever you encounter this error, please notify us immediately. Alternatively, you can go directly to the left side of the page and click "Bookings and registration' link OR http://www.clevercreatures.com.au/page/bookings-and-registration

I'M BOOKED IN FOR CLASSES, WHAT NOW?

Once you are booked...

We'll email you within a day or so of your booking to confirm everything (plus you'll get an automated receipt sent out as soon as you have booked, this also gives more detail). We will then post out notes a week or so (in the mail) prior to your class starting; below is some of the information we will send:

Location: Samson park; opposite the Samson recreation centre (McCombe avenue, Samson).

Parking: Please park at the Samson Recreation centre (directly opposite the training area).

What to bring:

• Vaccination certificate: please bring proof of vaccination or immunity with you to the first class.
• Please bring your puppy / dog on a fitted collar and lead: please also bring any training aids that you use (such as head collar or harness) with you. The trainer will assist you with the correct use of these devices. Training aids will be available for purchase if required (The prices will be below recommended retail).
• Toilet bag; please bring a toilet bag or two to clean up after your dog.
• Sensible shoes; please wear comfortable clothing and suitable footwear (enclosed footwear).
• Water & sunscreen; during warm weather please bring water for you and your dog. Although the area has shade, sunscreen is recommended.
• Raincoat; during inclement weather we advise you bring a raincoat (and if you wish, one for your dog!) and a towel to dry your dog off after the class. (Note it's usually the humans that don't like to do out in the rain, not the dogs!)

Dogs should arrive on lead & remain on lead.

Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.

To make your first class easier:

If you have a boisterous or excitable dog or puppy arrive early and take a leisurely stroll around the park. Otherwise when you arrive just wait nearby in the shade (you will not be the only one with a boisterous or excitable dog!)

When you arrive allow dogs space as some are a bit nervous at their first class. It’s a good idea to ask the owner before approaching another dog and you’ll find dogs interact better if meeting in a way other than head to head (it’s quite confronting for some dogs).

Its better if the dogs get to ‘hang around’ in the area before meeting, that way they can observe from a distance without being overwhelmed.

A word of advice (from experience!): The first class can be quite trying. Most dogs are excitable & distracted on their first class. Some people get quite upset and embarrassed by their dogs behavior but fail to notice all the other dogs around them acting in a similar way!

My thoughts are that sometimes the most intelligent dogs are the most challenging at training (not always, but sometimes!) and it does get better with time (and practice).

More hints to make your first class easier:

• Read these notes prior to Saturday morning & get the family to have a read as well.
• Arrive with plenty of time to spare (look it up the day before if you don’t know the area). This really helps!
• Bring your vaccination certificate & extra special treats.
• Although it advises not to feed your dog before class, some dogs will need food to help them concentrate: so a small meal first thing in the morning may help. Some dogs need fantastic treats to motivate them, some get too excited by great treats: you may need to find the balance so bring a few things if needed.
• Try not to get stressed or impatient with your dog (they feed off our behaviour!)
• Take some rescue remedy drops (for you or your dog) if required. If you are not sure what this is see the products on our website or give me a call in the office (Rescue remedy is avail at health food shops and pharmacies).
• Bring along items to keep children entertained so that you don’t have too many distractions. Children are welcome.

To make all your classes easier!

• Arrive early to allow your dog to play & or burn off some energy.
• Ensure your dog is secure as you get out the car: we don’t want dogs running across the road to visit other dogs without you.
• Maintain consistency with all family members; this is very important for you to get results.
• Practice, practice, practice! 6 weeks is not enough training for any dog; training is for life & should be practiced every day. The more you put in, the more you will get out!
• Remember tasty treats each week: its helps to bring a variety just in case they get bored with one type.
• Read your notes regularly & then read them again! (And if it helps print them out for the family to read).
• If you are having problems, or are not happy with something please don’t wait until week 6 to tell us. We are more than happy to help.

STERILISATION & UNWELL DOGS

Sterilisation & unwell dogs

Question: My dog needs to be sterilised, what do you suggest?

Answer: We suggest you book your dog in to be sterilised on a Monday. That way they can rest for 5 days before coming to class: When your dog attends class ensure they don’t play with other dogs or run and jump around. The stage 1 classes do not involve running and jumping, however if you have a boisterous young dog talk to your vet about their recommendation.

If your dog cannot attend class due to sterilisation or being unwell please attend class without your dog. You will benefit greatly from attending the class and may even learn more without the distraction! You can then go home and practice when your dog is feeling better.

Missed classes cannot be refunded / replaced as it is a fixed 6 week course: We cannot slot your dog into another course at a later stage as the group dynamics develop over the course and a new dog in class may be unsettled and also unsettle or distract the rest of the group.

It is important to attend all of the classes to avoid getting behind, however if your dog suffers from a serious illness or injury during the period of the course please contact Sarah to discuss your options (ph 9525-1553 Pref Mon-Fri office hours)

Dog training is not suitable for dogs with serious behaviour problems or antisocial behaviour. This must be dealt with by an animal behaviourist before attending the classes. For questions or problems please phone Sarah for referral to a consulting behaviourist.

If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to ask your trainer or phone Sarah at Clever Creatures (9525-1553)