Dog Training Classes

[canislupus]

I have been asked by a friend to help set up dog training classes - I have trained dogs for a number of years on a one to one basis,but never in the formal set up of classes. Can anyone advise me where I can get information concerning this whether it is a book, website or from your own experience in being involved in running or attending classes. Is there any need for liability insurance and does Health and safety have any input, do you need permission from the local authority to set it up? Please your advice in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

[woofgang]

no exprience except as an attender but why don't you ask the Kennel Club and your local authority as a kick off?
I would think that insurance would be an absolute necessity. Has your friend got any experience/done any research?

[lankeela]

Anyone can set up training classes, biggest problem is usually finding a venue. Insurance is an absolute must, try contacting the Kennel Club, they have an insurance scheme for clubs and individuals, we pay about �68 per year for up to 100 dogs.

The KC also run an Accredited Trainer Scheme, and there is also the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. I will go away and find you the links!

[lankeela]

http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/1446

[lankeela]

http://www.apdt.co.uk/

[lankeela]

http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/501

[lankeela]

http://www.obedienceuk.com/


Ok, I'll go away now.....

[lankeela]

Well in a minute. Just a couple more suggestions, you don't have to be KC registered as a club, but if it becomes successful you may want to go for registration. Then you have to abide by KC rules, which are available in the 'Red Book' which is the KC 'bible'. This would allow you to run obedience shows etc.

If you just want a small club, then a couple of suggestions. Have a set course, say 6 weeks, for beginners. Charge a set amount for the course, then if people don't come back you have still paid for the hall. Don't overcharge, make it a fair price and you will get plenty of takers. Advertise in pet shops, vets and chip shops (we all read the notices when waiting for our tail of cod to be cooked don't we?). Keep the classes small, say 6 - 10 to per course. About 45 minutes is usually the longest that pups can maintain attention, so if you do two classes, have a short break in between.
Keep it entertaining and give them information on other things such as feeding, exercising, toys, etc. Do an information sheet and if you can get any freebees or give aways from insurance companies or food manufacturers all this helps the new owners. Good luck, I am sure you will enjoy it and provide a much needed service if this site is anything to go by.

[canislupus]

Thanks Lankeela for all the information I have tried searching the internet for other sites or books and there appears to be a distinct lack of anything concerning setting up a obediance class or guidance with regards codes of practice. The APDT and the kennel club appear to be organisations that if you want to join you can for a fee but neither give a guidance as the basics eg hall space, layout etc it all appears to be up to the individual who wishes to run a club. Surely if a standard was established it would encourage a better standard of training etc.