Do you need a trainer?

Puppy School

Private Behaviour Consultation

One on one Private Coaching

Finding a good trainer

Puppy School

Urbandogz recommends you enrol your puppy into a positive, well structured school run by a Delta Society accredited trainer, as soon as possible. We recommend the following puppy group for puppies 8 weeks and over:

Paws N People, Greater Hobart area - for information on their next puppy intake, go to their website:

www.pawsnpeople.com.au

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Private Behavioural Consultations

One-on-one session for those whose dogs have behavioural problems which require a personalised programme. Sessions are by appointment only. What you should expect:

• A Delta Society accredited trainer (Certificate IV)
• A behavioural assessment
• A personalised programme for you and your dog
• An information package explaining techniques discussed and further reading
• A one-on-one training session with practical instruction, followed by a second session to assess progress

Note: Your trainer may refer you to a qualified Veterinary Behaviourist if it is felt your dog presents a risk to people or other animals, or requires specialist treatment which may involve medication.

For an appointment, we recommend you call one of the following behavioural trainers:

Kim Robertson - 03 6248 8744

Samantha Morris - 0438 504 079

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Private Coaching

For those who would like one-on-one assistance with a trainer to improve their training skills and train their dog to a more advanced level, or for the beginner trainer. For beginners, there is an initial assessment to establish a training plan. Sessions are by appointment.

For an appointment, we recommend you call one of the following trainers:

Kim Robertson - 03 6248 8744

Samantha Morris - 0438 504 079

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 GUIDELINES FOR FINDING A GOOD TRAINER

1. Look for trainers who use positive reinforcement for good behaviour rather than punishment (including leash corrections) for unacceptable behaviour.

2. Observe a training class without your pet. Are the animals and people having a good time? Talk with some participants after the class. If someone won't let you sit in on a class, don't enrol.

3. Look for smaller classes (max. 6-8 dogs). Large training classes can be too overwhelming for both you and your dog.

4. Don't allow trainers to work your dog unless they tell you beforehand exactly what they plan to do.

5. Don't be afraid to tell a trainer to stop if she or he is doing something to your dog you don't feel comfortable with.

6. If a trainer tells you to do something you don't feel good about, don't do it. Don't be intimated, bullied, or shamed into doing something that you believe is not in your dog's best interest.

7. Avoid trainers that offer guarantees. That trainer is either ignorant or doesn't understand the complexity of animal behaviour.

8. Avoid trainers who object to using food as a training reward. Food is an acceptable positive reinforcement training tool. The trainer should be able to explain the principles of learning theory.

9. Avoid trainers who won't let you use any training collar other than a choke chain. Head collars and harnesses are a humane alternative to choke chains and pinch collars.

10. If you believe your dog has been subjected to cruel treatment by a trainer, get the names and phone numbers of witnesses. Take your dog to the veterinarian immediately for a complete physical. Tell them that the results of the exam may be used as evidence in a court case so that they will document the procedures with that in mind.

11. If you witness a cruelty, don't be afraid to bring charges. Talk to your local animal control officers about what you saw. They can help determine if abuse occurred and what next steps should be taken.

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