The times of the Training classes are:
18:00 - 18:45 Puppy
18:45 -19:30 Puppy and Beginners
19:30- 20:30 Socialisation 1
20:30 -21:30 Socialisation 2
Members:
Well we are pasted the shortest day and can look forward to the Spring and Summer, again and we want to freshen up the site with loads of new images of Woofers doing there thing or just chilling or doing or going somewhere new.
so come on message or email me at - woofers.dog.training@gmail.com
With any of your woofers photos to us so we can put them on the web or our Flickr site.
Get involved of Facebook by posting some of your videos or images,
I have a couple of small give away's for the videos that impressed me most, made me smile, don't worry about the quality, or even if your not the best yet at doing it right yet as long as it captures the Woofers spirit of giving it a go you will be in with a chance.
Also if your dog has a story, to add to the blog, lets hear about it, anything from playing with your chums in the park, beach or woods to something you did in the classes.
I know Rosie isn't the only one that gets out and about so come on let have some photos!
Some of you have some extra time to dig out the images and do a page for the blog.
We have again been asked to do some demonstrations so I would like people in any of the classes that want to be part of them to let me know
I don't have firm dates yet, but Kersey Mill in June, and in the spring I want to do a small demonstrations for Magdalen House Care Home and the Memories Café in Hadleigh.
Rose will also be rewarding a youngster who has put himself out for the community with a chance to work her in a simulated Drugs and Firearms search, we shall coach him how to command and read the dog then is up to them to save the planet!
All training classes are currently being held inside with part of the class outside.
Unfortunately all ours beginners and puppy classes are currently full, the waiting list is now March 2023 (please email us at: woofers.dog.training@gmail.com for more info and to be put on the waiting list or possible cancelations.)
There is a good reason why are classes are full as we have not had to advertise classes for the last 4 years its called word of mouth,
If you want you can watch a class or visit the Anglia Woofers YouTube channel for some training tips and support videos ,
Also good idea if you are waiting to start an eight week course or just fancy doing something constructive with your dogs, its fact that most dogs can learn new tricks given the right stimulation.
We train at Bramford Church Rooms on Friday evenings using positive reward training and all the early classes have 2 qualified ADTB trainers so you and your dog get the attention you need.
We do not provide 121 training but if you are in a class and the trainer deems that you need additional help, it is provided at no extra charge, but you may have to work outside away from the main class and be integrated back for certain socialisation exercises.
In the classes you will cover all the basics of controlling and communicating with your dog, socialisation as well as gate, steps, slopes and road walks with traffic socialisation, we ask people to bring a coat as even in the winter as in the wet of too cold we will go outside (25 minutes maximum outside in the Winter, because that is where you exercise and walk your dog.
When you sign up for a course will are invited to the social walks, swims and special training classes free of charge and other paid training classes and events at a reduced rate.
Any questions please email us and one of the trainers will answer your questions.
If you would like to reserve a place please email your details and your dogs details (name, address, contact number, breed, age, name, micro chip number, vaccination certificate.
Sometimes we have spaces come available early into a course where dogs have had ops etc., so sometimes it is possible to squeeze someone in on an existing course so let us know on your email if you could take a short notice place with an earlier start date (if you do start a couple of weeks into a course a training assistant is put with you to bring you up to speed and ensure you don't miss anything or get left behind.
Don't forget we are on YouTube, so if you want to practice or refresh what you have learned, or want to refresh what you have learned on a course, have a look at Anglia Woofers Pet Dog Training and subscribe to the YouTube channel.
Anyone else can attend for a small fee.
Due to the Covid19 Lock down you new memberships will not start until July 1st when we resume training and will then run for 1 year, is you have already paid it will not start until we resume all the training classes.
The Puppy at Woofers are for dogs under one year old* are an intensive 45 minute classes (which is all most young dogs or new handlers can deal with).
we also do beginners Socialisation classes for older dogs
It is £45 for a course of eight 45 minutes teaching classes
Puppy classes will have 2 ADTB qualified instructors who will introduce you to positive reward training methods and ensure you are involved in doing the exercises, not standing around waiting or the dog getting bored.
Over the 8 week classes you will have different trainers, so while the training methodology will be consistent, the delivery varies and the varied approach should help identify the best way for you to bond with the dog and what particular styles fit your partnership.
There are two reviews in the course, the first at wk 4 ensures the stage exercises are on target and to gear you techniques to satisfy the level to be awarded your certificate after the week 8 review.
The Aims of the 8 classes are;
Ensure you are safe on roads and traffic situations to walk your dogs and have a complete understanding how to handle your dogs while crossing roads, using gates/doors.
To help build a strong relationship and to ensure the correct solicitation with your puppy.
Learn the importance of consistent communication both verbal and non verbal to develop the confidence and understanding to pre-empt situations and deal with them efficiently that carries through the whole life.
Feel comfortable in a social situation with your dog and for it to be the same, with other dogs and people in different situations both in large and small groups.
The next stage is the Improver class which is mostly young dog predominantly that have been through the puppy class, but can have dogs join this class for many different reasons, this is where we build and develop the dogs & handlers to be able to a wide variety of exercises and start to feature other disciplines like Agility, Scent, RallyO and exercises specifically for awards.
This is also £45 pounds for 8 training classes all puppies must be vaccinated and Micro chipped.
Any questions, further details or to book on to the next available course phone / text Andrew on 07770605613 or email
woofers.dog.training@gmail.com
Because of the limited space in the hall some of the "Yellow dogs" (behavioural problems) may have to wait longer to get into a class.
All dog at all levels will at times and under strict supervision mix with these dogs as it is a very important for development for your dog to realise not everyone is cuddly and friendly, so they learn in a safe environment.
New dogs that start at Woofers that are not starting in the puppy class, will start in the 45 minutes improvers course regardless of the perceived level of ability of the handler or dog*.
*(except in special circumstances dictated by the training team)
They are assessed by the training group and when they are felt to be ready, are nominated to the Head Trainer who will review the levels achieved and if successful will when space is available promoted the dog to the relevant class.
There are two levels of the Socialisation and advanced classes at Woofers, one leads on to another but at different levels.
These are One hour classes as the dogs have already been in training so should handle the rigours of a one hour class and because of the higher level of some of the exercises there can be periods where only part of the class are involved in the exercises.
In the S1 class you will build on the socialisation and basic training exercises from the levels achieved at puppy and improver class.
The trainers will go right back to the basic core exercises toensure the fundamentals such as the stays, waits and on / off lead work so it starts becoming second nature and build on but taking them slightly further each time and introducing new things, whilst giving you the information of what to strive for to reach you next certificate level.
The objective is to build the basics into the handler and dog so it starts to occurs naturally and the understanding between the dog and the handler can reach a level where when the dog is old or infirmed it can still understand the simple commands that will have become second nature to you and them.
As well as basic obedience, you will have the opportunity to do basic agility, RallyO, basic Scent work, very basic Heelwork to music and anything else we think might be a bit of fun and beneficial to the development of a well mannered, socialised Woofer.
The S2 Dogs have usually completed Bronze, Silver or Gold KC Good Citizen Award, the equivalent Woofers certification or are time served "Woofers" and been invited by the trainers own points merit system.
As with S1 you will have the opportunity to do basic agility, RallyO at a slightly higher level and have an occasional chance to have a fun go an more specialist activities such as heel work to music, ScentSense in fact if people show an interested in doing it we will try and give it a go, from fly ball to dock jumping so watch this space!
For 2023
The Tails of a the Brown Dog.
This started as Rolo a pups view of his progress through the puppy class and how to tackle the important questions in life, like where did I hide my ball, how come I am wet!
Read first hand how Rolo, Rose, Lola and their friends come to terms with the everyday trials and tribulations of the training classes and how new friends from classes are getting on.
Did Rolo gain the coveted puppy certificate at the end of his 8 weeks training.
Keep checking back we for the latest update on the training and the dogs adventure's socialising with the other woofers dogs and there and experiences in the different events, swims and the socialisation walks with Woofers.
Thanks to everyone who attended the Christmas Party is was brilliant
Photos
Rolo's Tails of a little Brown Dog
Wednesday July 12th 2017 Rose’s Birthday
Well the day has finally arrived it my Birthday so in true Labrador fashion I
woke early to help dad make his sandwiches for work ( quality control is an
essential part of the process) I got my card and some presents, then when back to
bed with Mum for an hour.
After a leisurely breakfast it was out for my walk with mum, which was only
down to the local park and not round the river walk, I would have been
disappointed but there were some friends in the park that I could run and chase
a ball with, but I was a little surprised when mum told me to heel and we
headed home.
When we got home, mum was straight into the kitchen and all of a sudden there
were lots of lovely smells as different ingredients were lined up on the work
top, oh good perhaps a bowl to lick or more quality control required.
After a while mum produced a batch of cakes the like of I had never seen before
and the set about decorating them, when she had finished to my surprise she put
one in my food bowl and sad Happy Birthday Rose, here a Pup cake.
It was delicious, I could taste the peanut butter, sweet carrot, honey
and other things that made it really tasty! and what more if they were all for
me the big tray had loads on it and what’s more mum was making even more!
I had to quality control one from another batch but it was just as tasty, but
it was strange that mum had not scoffed any yet!
The afternoon flew past and dad was home and after a quick greeting, he was getting
the wet suit out, this meant one thing - yippee, we are going
swimming!
Sure enough we arrive at the river and after a few minutes my friends from
Woofers started to turn up and pretty soon there were dogs of all shapes and
sizes running around the river bank.
Some followed me and Frankie into the water with dad and some needed a bit of encouragement
, I think nearly everyone got wet
We all had a great swimming party with dad in the water to help some of the
dogs in and out of the water and make sure the little ones came to no harm.
Everyone got a Pup cakes, that were a huge hit together with shapes and Gravy
bone in fact there was so much to eat even
some dogs that weren’t part of my party had some biscuits to.
It was a wonderful evening and so great to have some of my friends join me
doing what us dogs like to do, all the woofers dogs have so many different friends
and so many different sizes and we always have great fun together and the
hoomans think they are training us!
We don’t let on that we are all perfectly well trained really, in case they
forget to bring us on the socialisation walk and swims.
Some of my friends don’t come to training but always persuade their hoomans to
bring them to the social events.
You should give yours a good wagging too and get them to bring you along!
These pupcakes are a wonderful, tasty way to celebrate your dog's birthday - or to serve any day!
10 min Prep Time
20 min Active Cook/Bake Time
30 min Total
Ingredients for 6 cakes
· - 1 large egg
· - 1/4 cup + 2 Tablespoons peanut butter
· - 1/4 cup vegetable oil
· - 1/3 cup honey
· - 1 cup shredded carrots
· - 1 cup whole wheat flour
· - 1 teaspoon baking soda
· - 1/3 cup quick cooking oats
· OPTIONAL: peanut butter for frosting, dog biscuits or treats
Instructions
· Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
· Line a cupcake tin with 6-7 cupcake liners.
· Combine the egg, peanut butter, oil, honey, and shredded carrots in a large bowl. Feel free to omit the honey if you'd like.
· In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and oats. Add this to the carrot mixture, and stir until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
· Divide the mixture evenly among prepared cupcake liners.
· Bake for 15-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few crumbs on it and the tops are slightly golden brown.
· Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack.
OPTIONAL: Frost tops with peanut butter, and top each pupcake with a dog biscuit.
After helping all afternoon I could not wait to get to bed in the evening.
Anyway I woke with a start on Sunday morning and the Heat wavy had been replaced with wind and rain, but being a Lab, I like the rain (not sure about the wind).
Anyway more activity followed and then the Woofers trainers turn up with loads of food and Lola and Rose, who quickly took over organising things while the Hoomans all played with a big white sheet and lots of metal sticks.
When they had fashioned the big tent up they lit two large BBQ's, Rose then told me we had a job to do so we had best get on with it.
Our job was to greet all these people and dogs that were suddenly arriving, and even if a bit distracted by the smells of cooking everywhere, we were soon all turfed out of the barn to earn biscuits and sausages
The October Dog of the Month has once again been a difficult one, with the past winners aiming to push the decision to the wire, Tielk with Liz and Gem with Kerry leading the pack.
If it was on handler effort alone Kerry would be streets ahead, something has clicked for this young lady and she is turning into as great handler with her calm experience with horses becoming evident.
Again a couple of the new starters warrant a mention, River a Weimaraner handled by Ashley, Willow a Vizsla with Lesley both narrowly missed out more due to lack of experience.
A man who deserves real credit is Paul with his Chocolate Labrador (crossed with a Spring!) Riley who after a few week training is now on the floor long enough to get some work done, a great effort with an excitable dog!.
Anyway the October dog of the month is one who's progress is always steady, but I had overlooked all year, this was really highlighted by the long stay exercises in the S2 class, a long stay with handlers changing into multiple positions highlighted just how far this little dog has come on since her operation this year.
So the winner are Teddy a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel with Catherine who again has done fantastic work with a dog who has needed expert handling to become a beautiful and well round personality, in my opinion an example of the breed characteristics at its best.
A real Well done to both of you
The September Dog of the Month has been an absolute mare, in fact with so many dogs missing for holidays etc. and those that were there all preforming at a higher rate because in many cases of reduced class sizes.
Most of the usual suspects were in the hunt again, Nala,Pedro both with Melissa, as always Meg and Tammy with Sandra and Nicole, Teddy with Catherine , Rhea and Averil, Ruby and Sarah improves every week, there is always the Labs that are just so consistent its more of a talking point when they do decide to do something not quite right.
My heart said their are dog in the beginners classes that have really made a great start, in all honesty they have all been great.
So the final selection is again a split decision!
So this month its a Cockapoo Two - that was so nearly the CP3
The small black furry one that narrowly missed out, but was so close I had to mention her was was Luna, with Emily, so the two winners small black furry winners were Molly with David and Julia in S1 class and Henry with Janice in S2.
Both dogs have struggled to be focused because there has always something more interesting near by, but through hard-work and determination the handlers have made great progress, Molly's moved up a class and is really getting to grips with it and Henry has become established in the top class ( this decision was not influenced by Mervyn's tea making its purely down to Janice and a lot of hard work)
Special praise to everyone and again, Well done all.
Both are home grown talent that have progressed right from the puppy classes where both were a bit enthusiastic and difficult to focus because of their very friendly nature, both have been referenced before as "Mad as Hatters" but have now really shown the worth and hard work of their owners
The first is a Black Flat Coat Retriever whose love of life and training is evident the minute you meet him, he is so enthusiastic that for the first 6 months you could have been forgiven for thinking his name was "No Tielk"
Liz and family have put in fantastic work effort, which has culminated in him now working off lead and Liz being able to put Tielk in a stay and leave the hall.
He truly is a deserving winner.
The second was also described as "Mad as a box of frogs" and jumps nearly as much.
This is Black Labrador Gem, trained originally by Cate, and now Kerry, again a real handful to start with for exactly the same reason as Tielk, a wonderful outgoing nature tinged with youth and enthusiastic lust for life
Since moving up to the S2 class Kerry has worked really hard and the result are showing in the partnership, it won't be long before its "move over Lola and Rose, there is a new top Lab in Bramford!"
Lots of credit and respect for what both handlers have achieved, and special thanks the Cate and Graham for allowing the invasion of the Woofers, that was the annual BBQ.
Again lots of other dogs deserve a special mention, Ruby with Sarah and some of the new pups have put in a real challenge, the ever consistent Tammy and Meg, new to Woofers, Oscar and how could we not mention Bob, Rhea was also close again.
Special praise to everyone and again, Well done all.
July - Lola with Faye and Rose with everyone,
both are Chocolate Labradors and are a credit to and both truly great
ambassadors for the group.
June - Nala with Melissa
May - another split decision - Harvey with Mel and Ruby with Sarah
March - April were not awarded
January / February - Sadie JRxChihuahua with Ann & Brian & Wilson
Cocker X Springer with Julie and David
All the dogs hand a great time and for some it was their first visit to the seaside, Norbert did eventually get his feet wet and Gem was soon in the fray with the other Labradors and a couple of or guests making sure Frankie and Rose didn't get every toy in the ocean.
Afterward some of us went over to the "Hand in Hand" public House in Trimly IP11 0RL and had a great lunch, in a really dog friendly atmosphere, with water appearing for the dogs as soon as we arrived and gravy bones being offer around by the staff.
If you are taking your dogs out and about in the Felixstowe area it is well worth the detour for a good quality meal or a drink, check out there web site for menus and specials, there is also ample parking out the back so you can decamp the dogs away from the road if required Well worth a visit! ( A great selection of Gin's the Rhubarb one with the ginger ale particularly hit the spot for a couple that weren't driving)
Remember you don't have to be a Woofers member to "Walk with Woofers"
For Members we are doing a teach in for the Brownies, to help them with the Pet award, we shall show them what a working dog can do, then how to conduct yourself around a strange dog.
We shall do a similar event at the Pets at Home store in Sudbury, for more details grab me at training or email me.
Most importantly don't forget Bonfire night is fast approaching, read the section on about fire work training further down the page (Any members that want a hand, grab any of the trainers and they will advise) .
Hadleigh is an ideal place to start the training they have a clay shoot every second Sunday starting at 14:00 and you can walk your dog right down the end of the Rugby field or pass the Cricket ground to start the training and over the weeks progress down the River walk so you can finally walk up Love lane.
Just remember slowly is best, any sign of fear or discomfort go right back to the start, don't get cross, be more relaxed with the dog, get the family involved in playing.
This simple training could make all the difference to your dogs and ultimately your happiness, If you get problems or are not sure, come and talk to me.
The next walk is on Sunday the 25th February 2018 and is the annual celebration of Lola's birthday.
We are going to meet at the Tangham forest center IP12 3NF at 11:15 (beware the road works Woods Lane is closed) have our normal gentle stroll around the forest for about an hour, then its off to the Kings Head 17 Market Hill, Woodbridge IP12 4LP to sample the doggy menu.
We will meet next to the Carpark payment hut although there is an area where you don't have to pay parking, you can wander down to the forest center and toilets and join us there.
Once again everyone is welcome, and it is great socialisation for the dogs, we normally have the whole back room of the pub so the dogs can be all together and you can join them for lunch, the food is good value and well recommended.
This is a great one to bring the children on they can run about the forest, or the older generation can enjoy a gentle stroll around the picnic area, then sit at the table and work up an appetite for the pub watching the dogs and children tear around the forest.
There is a small children’s play ground to keep the children amused and Its a super walk and safe for the dogs, so give them a treat with Lola and join the fun!
The pub is really friendly and welcomes children and dogs, from the dogs point of view a Honey dried Pig snout with a sausage chaser really hits the spot after a forest walk!
Don't forget, all are welcome to join us, if you are not a member or on a course it will cost you £1 per dog (insurance) I would appreciate it if you could let me know in advance if you are coming to the pub afterwards to eat, so I can warn them approximate numbers so they can get the staffing right.
The Team worked really hard both before have with the display practices, setting up and pulling everything together, and then on the day, the Sun shine showed this beautiful venue off to its full potential and gave the handlers and dogs a day to remember
December Dog of the Month Goes to Chocolate Labrador Lola who is handled by Trainer Faye.
Despite mum having a new job and having to spend more time at Woofers training other people dogs, Lola reminded us all what a super dog she is and what a good advert and ambassador for the group she is, everything is done with o fuss and to a high standard, get on with everyone and everything and I can't think of a better advert.
Well done Lola and Faye
I was going to discontinue the DOM but every week I see or the trainers report dogs that have exceeded expectations or put in a mega performance, so sorry I am going to continue to do it this year.
This Then leads me to January which has been a nightmare for me, as almost every dog has seemed to have something to prove.
In the end it came down to two dogs, both so different but both having done so well, I could not separate them.
So the first Dog of the Month is: Wilson who is a Cocker/ Springer and is fast becoming one of my favourites, it has been down to hard work and persistence by Julie and David and it is difficult to believe he has only been with us since September and is almost unrecognisable in terms of behaviour, still a way to go but a great start for a 1 y/o
The second dog of the Month is Sadie who is a Jack Russell/ Chihuahua X who despite she size has been quite an experience for owners Anne and Brian.
Sadie is a testament to good owners who realised even at her size she was a problem, they have made extraordinary progress in the class and social situations and is getting better every week.
I am sure she is secretly starting to enjoy training, the tail has been seen wagging.
Unfortunately having so much to commend in these two have left little space for the others on the 11 dog short list I had, have to mention Trevor who has been on his best behaviour for Anita and pushed Sadie & Wilson for the top spot.
Also worth a pat on the back are, Henry, Wallace, Molly, Gem, Bailey, Tammy, Meg and Teddy
Well done all.
December Dog Of the Month Goes to Chocolate Labrador Lola, who despite mum Faye having started a new job, spending more time training other peoples dogs, showed at the Christmas party just what a good advert and ambassador for Woofers she is.
Novembers and October Dog of the Month not awarded
September Dog of the Month - the special mention in August for KC Cavalier Spaniel Teddy who has come back from her operation, prompted even better as her work and mum, Catherine's commitment that had resulted in promotion up to the Socialisation 2 class along with Leo and Kelsey the new additions have put on a great performance and have been out to prove they deserve to be there.
So after a fantastic job and for a great performance in her new class, commitment and a consistent improvement it goes to Teddy and Catherine.
But special mentions to Leo, again to Bailey who is really getting to grips with training Margret! and also to Schnauzer Trevor who with mum Anita have suddenly excelled and was only just shaded out of the top spot for the month!
I started off the short list this month with 17 dogs! I haven't got time or space to mention you all but well done and apologies I will speak to you at training.
A few more that really deserve a mention are: Ralph (Chalky) and Rachel, who despite his size is proving to be a big hit with the ladies and a huge character who enjoys his solicitation, Fizzgig (multipoo) who with fantastic handling by Kate has proved to the poodle brain is capable of great things when properly motivated.
The beginners improvement was so good this time all the dogs had achieved the necessary to qualify for the certificates after 4 to 5 weeks, for some like Duffy (Choc Lab), she was always going to take to training and becomes more like Lola every week and a similar tale of Belle who with Beverley has performed as well as any young lab I've seen this year and has a great future ahead.
But for others like Wilson (Cocker/ Springer) it was down to hard work and persistence by Julie and the same can be said for Harvey (Cocker) and Christine who really started to make a difference and both would have been front runners for the October Dog of the month but unfortunately I have decided to make October different, for reasons I will disclose later.
I could not talk about the beginners classes without Kobie who is a lab x lurcher x northern Inuit which sound like the stuff of nightmares, but is a fantastic little dog who puts Ally through her paces and is a joy to be with.
I must thank everyone for the great interaction with some of the new intake of dogs that have a few problems, we don't only train take the easy dogs, but take on a few special cases a month, for most we are the last chance saloon so please support the vital work the trainers do with these dogs and be aware of what they are trying to achieve for these dogs and handlers.
August Dog of the Month - Tammy for being Consistent and pure Spaniel enthusiasm for life. Great job Sandra
July Winner - Hugo French Bulldog For his improvement in over coming his many inherited problems, well done Hayley
Junes Winner - Norbert 14 mt old Labradoodle for his improvement in class and on social walks with Jenny and Kev
Mays Winner - Rolo Labrador - for his commitment to his training and becoming a real swimmer with Carolyn and John.
April Winner - Ruby - 7 year old Spaniel who lives with Jo and John Kelm and proves that every dog with a little help can improve from mum can keep improving
March Winner - Ruby - Weimaraner -For a huge improvement in social skills after only one month of training with Breeze
February Dog of the Month winner- Rose Chocolate Labrador For being a superb ambassador for the group and asset in the community.
Christmas Party
Well what a fantastic Christmas party we had, its a good job we hired the
bigger hall in Hadleigh with a record attendance,
I was so impressed by everyone that made the effort and added to what was a
fantastic fun night.
The photo above shows some of the pass the parcel games which was nearly as
much as a hit as the musical chairs, where we saw the dark side of some of the
girls who were flinging themselves on to empty chairs as soon as the music
stopped, poor Dominic never stop a chance.
The hit of the night for the dogs was the sausage recall game, where they were
left by their handlers and then recalled across Morrison's cocktail
sausage's, as expected half of team Chocolate Lola and Rose got it wrong
and didn't eat the sausages closely followed by another Chocolate Lab Frankie
who much to the surprise of lead trainer Andy and some verbal
encouragement from Sharon also left the sausage unscathed, so some of the other
dogs led by another Labrador Gem, has suggested a DNA profile as they could not
be proper Labs, leave no sausage uneaten!
The Star of the show was schnauzer, Lulu who majestically walked
over the sausage , amidst frantic waving and shouting by handler Dianna to
walk off with the special prize for a dog that didn't eat the sausage (sorry
Sharon & Faye trainers dogs don't count!) Tammy showed everyone a clean set
of heels as she romped home to win the agility.
Some of the youngsters like Molly, Wallace, Henry, Sadie and Topsy stayed
on from the early classes and did rather well on the early games.
So thanks again for everyone that came or supported us with a raffle prize,
once again the support was fantastic and everyone had a fantastic time, so into
the New Year with fresh hopes and aspirations and now some of the mayhem
has calmed down we can restart the "walking with Woofers" and advise
we have some great new ideas for the coming year
Fireworks
Please start to acclimatise your young dogs and reinforce last years training to loud noises especially bangs.
Find your self a Clay shoot and take your pup a good distance away so the noise of the gun reports is barely audible to you, sit down with you dog and play with it making a fuss of it and giving it a high value treat e.g. chicken / cheese etc.
The most important part of this exercise is for you not to be worried about the bangs or the dog will pick up on it and react
After a few minutes walk towards the sound and repeat spending just a little longer at each point and ensure that you to pay no attention to the noise whatsoever.
On the first week keep over 1000 meters away even if the dog appears to be taking no notice of the noise, if at any point it shows any fear go back to the beginning and take it slower.
Go home and when it is the dogs meal time, open Youtube and put on a fire work video at low volume while you feed your dog again make it barely audible, repeat at one or two meal times a day so by the next weekend the volume is still low, less than a normal speaking voice.
Return to your Clay shoot and again start in the same place but repeat everything but this time end up about 800 meters (half a mile) away, again treat the bangs as perfectly normal.
if you know another dog that is totally unreactive to noise, may want to get them to join you but most importantly make the play fun for the dog take a favourite toy and plenty of good treats
Repeat the youtube on at meal times again but increase the volume very slightly, again any signs of fear or discomfort reduce and go back to the beginning.
For the next four weeks reduce the final distance by 100 meters and increase the Youtube volume until it is at a normal to what you would have on your television.
Most importantly if at any time the dog show ANY signs of fear or discomfort go right the way back to the beginning, do not try and rush this and as with all socialisation you have to revisit it a couple of times a year.
Remember if you are relaxed,your dog should have nothing to alarm it, animals look to you as a lead, that is why we talk to our dogs just before we meet another dog or hazard, so they know that you have seen it, assessed it and are in control, That way your dog has not got decisions on what to do.
Good luck, keep the treats high value and keep it light and fun.
We are Here at IP8 4AT
THE TAIL PIECES BY US
This months tail piece is from Andy, who is the head trainer at woofers;
As a person who has always grown up with animals all of my life, I look back and through rosy glasses remember my childhood and youth as times that were a lot simpler then longer, hotter summers, no computers, mobiles the only constants were various 2 legged and 4 legged friends.
It didn't really matter if it was fishing, football, cricket, scrumping fruit or what ever other mischief we got up to, 9 times out of 10 there was a dog along looking after us.
Various breeds, GSD's, Lab's , Spaniels, a Boxer, Yorkie's and a lot of dog that were a variety (the product of the local males dogs that could get over, under or around fences).
These kept us safe, got us home nearly on time and in their passing prepared us for the heartbreak and tragedies that would befall us all in later life.
I can remember all my dogs clearly and when they have crossed the rainbow bridge the devastation and hurt has made me question "Why do we keep having dogs"
Then when that void is filled by the latest puppy or rescue, little things they do, an action or event, reflects a lost friend and just for a micro second a particular dog is there from the past and a smile, distant memories fill you with joy.
Many of the times I remember so fondly, I wanted my children and grand children to have the same, it's not safe or practical for them to roam the streets and countryside like we did, but this is why we try to include the dogs in their lives, be it at the beach playing in the forest, jumping and kicking a ball about and this is a reason I have always trained my dogs to be well mannered and be able to take anywhere that will allow them
I
haven't managed it with the grandchildren, but there is still time.
They will never remember the endless hours on PC or games system, but they always remember all the days out at the beach or running through the woods with the dogs, so make mans best friend your best friend and a real part of the family.
This 2nd tail piece is from Alfie, who is a German Shepard / Terrier X and often had the last word at woofers and lived with his human family of Sharon, David, Faye and Win.
Hi my name is Alfie and I am sadly no longer with you but was 13 years old in May 2017 and the senior doggy member of Woofer and this is my story.
My forever family took me in when I was 13 months old and were completely unaware of both my physical and behavioral problems, I was very unhappy being near other dogs and had a few trust issues!
Despite the "family" having many years experience owning other dogs they were at their "wits end" with how to cope with me, so they turned to trainers Andrew Cottle and Sharon Sage for help.
After a slow and hesitant start (some my say shaky) and a lot of patience, love and dedication from the family and trainers
I found that the world wasn't such a scary place and as we overcame our fears we started to look forward to our weekly training sessions and I soon I could accept our dogs around me.
So with my improvement and because Faye had been learning with one of the trainers dogs (lovely Chocolate Emma) she was allowed a little Chocolate puppy of her own.
So into our lives came my lovely Labrador sister "Lola".
My mum Sharon found that she had enjoyed my training and watching Faye grow in confidence that she started learning and completed the ADTB courses and became a qualified trainer
Faye has followed, mum and has already qualified with the ADTB courses, so I helped her giving some tips and helping with all the homework!
Although towards the end due to my senior years and arthritis I was unable to take part in the training classes (however due to the nature of the exercise I was brilliant at the stays!) I still attend occasionally to keep up my social skills and I loved to see all my doggy friends and give the trainers a few tips from one that done it all.
I will defiantly be at the social event in spirit as I am always first in the queue for the sausages!
Best Paws forward, Alfie
Sadly Alfie passed away Summer 2017 but he is still and will
probably always be the
inspiration and the reason we take and train the "Yellow" dogs that other clubs won't touch.
He was such a character and turned into a lovely dog from a tricky start on life, while there is a Woofers and I have fantastically dedicated and qualified trainers in the team, we will do our best for every dog, not just the easy ones.
Here's to you Alfie and all those who don't quite fit the mould, it was my pleasure to know you and learn from you.
Andrew Cottle Lead Trainer Anglia Woofers
