wELCOME pACK

A very warm welcome to Littlehampton Dog Training Club.  

Please do not compare your own dogs progress with others in the class. All breeds are different, just as all dogs from a particular breed are different. Some will learn very quickly and others may take a bit longer. If you are having difficulty with a particular exercise, or some other problems, please talk to your instructor who will be able to arrange to speak to you after your class.  

We use reward-based training so please bring along a good supply of treats (something your dog really likes) or, if he/she is not interested in food, then find a toy he/she loves to play with and keep it solely for reward.  

Please wear comfortable clothing and flat shoes – trainers are ideal. A pocket for treats is useful – otherwise a bumbag will be fine. A flat collar is usually fine for training although large or boisterous dogs may benefit from the use of a half check collar. Please do not use it for training in a class.  

It is most beneficial for your dog if one person takes on the responsibility for attending training classes. However, we do recognise that sometimes situations occur where this is not possible.  

Please be on time for your class. Apart from holding everyone up by arriving late, your dog will not benefit from rushing into class, straight into an exercise without having the opportunity to settle down.  

As stated elsewhere it is imperative that the green space in the hall grounds is not used for exercising dogs – it is used by the beavers, cubs and scouts and any fouling by dogs may result in us losing the venue.  

Please park in the roadside unless there is a reason for needing a space in the small carpark. For example, physical handicap, or having other dog(s) left in your car.  

We do hope you both enjoy and benefit from your class with us.  

Your committee of Management.  

Entitlement to membership 

There is often a waiting list of people wishing to join the club and at the same time, existing members may have decided to cease training. Therefore, in the event that three consecutive classes are missing without prior notice been given to the club, membership to the club will be terminated.  

Canine vaccination  

All dogs must have completed a course of vaccination against Distemper, Hard Pad, Virus Hepatitis, Leptospirosis and Parvo Virus. They must subsequently receive a booster Vaccination each year. Homeopathic alternatives are not acceptable.  

Training fees 

All training fees need to be paid before your place is confirmed. These can be paid via bank transfer, cash or cheque. 

Dangerous dogs 

Due to the terms of our insurance policy, we are unable to accept the following breeds: 

• Pit Bull Terrier 

• Japanese Tosa 

• Dogo Argentino 

• Fila Brasileiro 

• American Bully XL (XL Bully) 

Dogs with severe behavioural problems  

It is the function of Littlehampton Dog Training Club to help as many people as possible to train their dogs, preferably from puppyhood, so that they will behave in a safe and sociably acceptable manner.  

The instructors, who are all very experienced dog handlers, are anxious to offer as much help and advice as possible. However, it must be emphasised that it is not their function to attempt to cure entrenched problems which are properly the domain of a dog behaviourist.  

Serious aggression or uncontrolled barking often results from lack of socialisation in early life. It is not possible to deal with such problems with the club environment without interfering with the training of other dogs in the class.  

With the utmost regret, and only after discussion with yourself, your instructor and other instructors in the club, it may be suggested that you seek help from a dog behaviourist recommended by your veterinary surgeon.  

Hazel Fisher  

Chairman  

Littlehampton Dog Training Club.  

Learning by habit 

A dogs learns by habit, therefore he/she is likely to repeat an experience that was pleasurable and avoid an experience that was not. Every time he/she does something the habit becomes more ingrained. Therefore we should encourage and praise good habits and discourage the bad habits. 

Inconsistency 

Inconsistency causes confusion. If a dog learns by habit, and praise or discouragement allied to the dog’s habit must be prompt and consistent to advance the learning process. When play and learning are linked the is a happy dog. 

Analysing problems 

When there is a problem with your dogs training do not immediately work at the symptom. Instead try to think like a dog to find the cause of any problem before trying to reverse it. 

Teaching disobedience 

If dogs learn by habit then it is easy to teach disobedience. To continually repeat commands that a dog disobeys is therefore to teach disobedience to that command. 

Natural learning 

When a dog performs naturally an act which is desirable to us, for example, sitting when we stop walking. If we consistently add the appropriate command to the dog’s natural action, the dog will learn to obey the command as a matter of course. 

Please note: This is a direct quotation from the Kennel Club Good Citizen scheme. 

‘Responsibility and care’ document.