The Agility training held at Aldborough Hall on a Monday night is under cover in an Equestrian Centre.  Whilst in wet weather you will be dry it can still be very cold in the winter.  However once you start training you’ll soon warm up!  All of the Control training is held in the open at Bretons.

It will of course depend on the weather conditions but suitable foot wear is a must all year round.  It is difficult to run a dog in Agility if you are wearing Wellingtons or heavy walking boots/shoes.  Breathable shower proof trousers and layers under a shower proof coat for the winter is the more comfortable way to work.  In the summer tracksuit bottoms are still advisable as there is the possibility that your own dog and others could jump up at you.

To train in Agility your dog should be at least one year old. Some think eighteen months for the larger breeds. You may wish to check with you vet before you commence training.

To train in Control the earlier you start the quicker your dog will learn. But remember you CAN teach an old dog new tricks!

Control training is teaching you to teach your dog how to be polite.  We would start with the basic sit, down, deter them from jumping up waits, stays, targeting and recall.  If you choose to continue past the initial ten week course we will teach to hone the skills you already have and then take you on to become familiar with the agility equipment if you intend to go onto Agility.  We will show you exercises to help your dog become aware of their whole body and you can go onto train for the Kennel Club Bronze, Silver and Gold Good Citizenship Scheme.

Socialising your dog is an important part of your dogs training.  Some people make the mistake of thinking that socialising means meeting lots of other dogs.  Whilst this is a very important part of your dogs development it also means introducing your dog to every day things in a controlled manner.  I.e. the vacuum cleaner, washing machine etc; over excited football fans watching the TV!   In the outside world it would be to their benefit if they become used to traffic sounds, air breaks can be very frightening; sirens;, children on bikes, foot, running and shouting; Lollipop Man; people with and without glasses and hats; a carrier bag blowing about.  The list is endless and just when you think you have thought of everything your dog will come across something that will make them jump or scared.  Please remember to do this in small stages so as not to give you dog too much to cope with at one time.

You would be welcome to train with Bretons DTC but we will still train you to competition standard.

Refer to http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/415 and you will find all the information you need.

That would very much depend on how responsive you and your dog are to the training and how much training you undertake with your dog outside of the training classes.  Some are ready in as little as 6 months.  Please note that the Kennel Club rules do not permit a dog to compete until they are over 18 months old.

We take the training at the pace that suits your dog.

If you intend to train your dog in Agility it is vital that you have control over your dog.  You would be expected to pass an assessment before you start your Agility training.  If you don’t have the control required we would refer you to our Control classes held on a Sunday morning and invite you back for another assessment when you feel your dog is ready.

You should be able to show that you have basic control over your dog.  Ie Sit stay, down stay, recall, controlled lead walking on left and right.  For further details of the assessment please refer to the Agility Training page on this website.

In both our Agility and Control classes we train on using Positive Reinforcement (a reward basis) therefore plenty of tasty treats and toys are required.  What ever motivates your dog.  You are expected to clear up after your dog so please make sure you bring poo bags with you.  If your dog is clicker trained please bring your clicker.  A bum bag is useful to free up your hands to work your dog.  Please note Bretons DTC discourage the use of choke chains.  For the Control class a long soft lead is advisable as it is kinder on the hand and helps with the basic recall, sit/down stay exercises.

You should not feed your dog 2 hours before or after rigorous exercise, doing so could cause bloat.

Bloat is where the gut becomes twisted and nothing can pass through.  The gases build up and it can be fatal.  Medical intervention is always required.

We would ask that you contact the club first and discuss your dogs behaviour.  If we feel that we may be able to help we will arrange to meet you with your dog and make a further assessment.  If we can’t help you we may advise that you see a vet and ask for a referral to a qualified behaviourist.