Introduction to Quality Socialisation

New course!

Introduction to Quality Socialisation

How to improve your dog’s canine and human skills – a practical workshop

Sheila Harper

1^st & 2nd May 2010 9.30 a.m. (registration) – 5 p.m.

Scout and Guide Hall, Crowborough Hill, Jarvis Brook
Crowborough, East Sussex TN6 2EG 

£99.00 (up to 8 handlers welcome - £15 supplement)

(COMBI-DEAL: £10 discount when combining this course with the previous day’s course)

In today’s society it is increasingly important that dogs can socialise appropriately.  However, many dogs  do not have supervised and appropriate opportunity to learn the skills they need.   All too often we see dogs that either bully or intimidate, rushing directly up to other dogs and people, or those that run away, bark, cower or snap at the approach of another dog.

So, what does quality socialisation really mean?   And how can we ensure our dog not only learns the right skills, but is not at risk from other dogs that have already learnt inappropriate behaviour?  Quality socialisation is whatever is appropriate for each individual according to the stage of its life, its past experiences, and situations that this dog will be most likely to encounter in the future.

This workshop aims to help you identify your dog’s social needs and will help you gather some techniques and ideas as to how to safely socialise your dog in order to work towards giving him the skills he will need for the future.

Whether your dog needs help with other dogs or with humans, learn how to:

·         identify and build the necessary skills

·         offer your dog a gradual introduction to appropriate situations in which to practice good socialisation

·         critically evaluate play – its function and role in socialisation

·         understand the consequences of under- or over-stimulation

·         improve your handling skills

·         learn first-aid techniques for problem solving between dogs / dogs and people

·         recognise just how much personal space many dogs need particularly in the early stages of building relationships with other dogs and people

Any kind of socialisation will be at distance initially allowing each dog to communicate appropriately.  Please do not come with the expectations of free play.  Contact will only be made if it is deemed to be in the best interest of any individual – expect plenty of discussion and analysis!

The needs of each dog and owner will be discussed before suggesting activities in order to ensure choice of suitable practical work.  Please note that these activities are dog-centred rather than owner-centred.  Each dog will be treated as an individual, but many of the techniques can be applied to others when they are ready.   This course is suitable for generally well-balanced dogs, although it may be appropriate to work with dogs with minor issues.

If in doubt about the suitability of your dog to attend, please telephone us for guidance. Handlers who have completed the previous day’s course on April 30^th or who have attended previous courses with Sheila Harper will be given preference.

This course would provide an ideal foundation for the3 day workshop on Lead Aggression (June 5^th – 7^th) or our 5 day in-depth course entitled Problem Dogs: Good Quality Socialisation for Dogs with Problems (August 20^th – 24^th)

Click Here for Combi Deal