I've been thinking about booking some private tuition for my two pups when I come over to the UK in May. I'd only be able to have one session in the time I'm there. Would there be any value in this, or does it take longer to build a relationship between trainer and student to make it worthwhile? I tried to get in with Philippa Williams but she's fully booked for when I'm going to be there. In the future, I'd like to take some training holidays with them, but for now, it would be a two-hour, half-day, whatever, single session. I would only be looking at doing basics, generally ensuring I have the right ideas, fixing things that I'm doing wrong and giving me a bit of an idea of where to go with things. What do you think? If it's a good idea, does anyone have any recommendations of a trainer? I will be based in Surrey when I'm there, but will also be travelling to Liverpool and Bristol, so we could arrange it almost anywhere. I'd like someone who is experienced in clicker training and, obviously, uses positive methods throughout. My two pups will be nine months by then.
Re: Is there any point...? I can't help with trainer suggestions, but if you are in Bristol would you like to join one of our Severnside Group Forum Walkies? I'm sure we could fix a date to fit...
Re: Is there any point...? Helen Phillips would be a great choice Fiona http://www.thegundogclub.co.uk/?page_id=1252
Re: Is there any point...? [quote author=editor link=topic=10275.msg150873#msg150873 date=1426876306] Helen Phillips would be a great choice Fiona http://www.thegundogclub.co.uk/?page_id=1252 [/quote] Oooh, she's in just the right place, too, if I'm driving between Bristol and Liverpool! I shall get in touch! [quote author=Rosie link=topic=10275.msg150872#msg150872 date=1426876224] I can't help with trainer suggestions, but if you are in Bristol would you like to join one of our Severnside Group Forum Walkies? I'm sure we could fix a date to fit... [/quote] That would be great! I'll sort out dates and be in touch I wonder what Pongo can teach Willow and Shadow?!
Re: Is there any point...? I would say definitely worth it. I've got loads out of the trainers I've been to even on the first day of ever meeting them
Re: Is there any point...? It would be worth it - if you know what you want. So if you have a list of things, that can reasonably and sensibly organised into a session, it might be worth it. I think it is a big ask to turn up with 2 dogs, unknown to a trainer, and ask for general tuition. That must be difficult for a trainer. So if you have enough questions, and enough specific things you need help with, yes, it might be worthwhile. But really, I think a trainer needs to see you more than once in order to help you in a meaningful way.
Re: Is there any point...? [quote author=Rosie link=topic=10275.msg150872#msg150872 date=1426876224] I can't help with trainer suggestions, but if you are in Bristol would you like to join one of our Severnside Group Forum Walkies? I'm sure we could fix a date to fit... [/quote] Would be fab another couple more bundles of fun would be more than welcome
Re: Is there any point...? [quote author=snowbunny link=topic=10275.msg150878#msg150878 date=1426877470] That would be great! I'll sort out dates and be in touch I wonder what Pongo can teach Willow and Shadow?! [/quote] Ooo-err.... perhaps not such a good idea. But Holly, Harley, Benson, Casper, and all the others will be excellent influences! Hope we can make it happen...
Re: Is there any point...? [quote author=Rosie link=topic=10275.msg150918#msg150918 date=1426885978] [quote author=snowbunny link=topic=10275.msg150878#msg150878 date=1426877470] That would be great! I'll sort out dates and be in touch I wonder what Pongo can teach Willow and Shadow?! [/quote] Ooo-err.... perhaps not such a good idea. But Holly, Harley, Benson, Casper, and all the others will be excellent influences! Hope we can make it happen... [/quote] Err... not called Labrador Mayhem for nothing... : : ;D
Re: Is there any point...? Yea i was going to say we could all meet up for a walk when you are over in bristol!
Re: Is there any point...? Julie, I was sort of thinking at this point, it would be good for me to reassess the basics of what I'm doing, in order to make sure it's as fruitful as I can make it. I'm not in the (geographic) position where I can benefit from professional training on a regular basis, but I would like all the help I can get to be the best I can be under the circumstances. John would be there, too, to manage one dog while I was hopefully learning with the other - but not having been in the situation before, I really don't know how practical any of this is! I suppose maybe a "suck it and see" approach is the best. If I get something out of the session, great. If not, I'll still do what I can with the help of the t'interweb to make the most loved pets in the world as well trained as I can, as a complete novice, knowing my limitations. Either way, it's going to be fun
Re: Is there any point...? [quote author=snowbunny link=topic=10275.msg150878#msg150878 date=1426877470] Oooh, she's in just the right place, too, if I'm driving between Bristol and Liverpool! I shall get in touch! [/quote] Is that a typo or are you around Liverpool? I'm back there for a wedding in May x
Re: Is there any point...? [quote author=Dexter link=topic=10275.msg150958#msg150958 date=1426916051] Is that a typo or are you around Liverpool? I'm back there for a wedding in May x [/quote] Nope, not a typo. My family is in Surrey, best friends are in Bristol and we'll likely be driving to Liverpool to see John's sister (he's a Scouser). When are you going to be there??
Re: Is there any point...? I'd second the recommendation for Helen. We've found our sessions with her to be very useful. Should you decide to meet with Helen there are some points that would, I think, help you to get the most out of the meeting (forgive me if I'm stating the obvious). * The object of the sessions is to teach you, not either of the dogs. You are learning how to teach your dogs for yourself. Given that the sessions can be quite taxing for the dogs you could, perhaps, have one session with Willow and then swap over to Shadow for another. * Have a plan and discuss it with Helen by email before you arrive. This will help to give some structure to what you are doing and help to make best use of your time. * Make sure your OH is paying attention too because sometimes when you are focused on a particular objective it is possible that you'll miss some of Helen's little pearls of wisdom (when we have a post-training review I often find that my OH has picked things up like this). * Have a clicker and lots of training treats. Seriously! Whatever amount you were thinking of you can probably double it * Enjoy it
Re: Is there any point...? [quote author=UncleBob link=topic=10275.msg151069#msg151069 date=1426961283] Whatever amount you were thinking of you can probably double it [/quote] Then double it again, and put a few extra packs of chicken in your bag.... just in case.
Re: Is there any point...? Heh, thanks UncleBob. I've emailed her to see if there's any possibility of training with her. I'm well aware that it's training for me, don't worry about that! Duly noted on the treats. I'll pack a suitcase
Re: Is there any point...? [quote author=snowbunny link=topic=10275.msg151017#msg151017 date=1426942348] [quote author=Dexter link=topic=10275.msg150958#msg150958 date=1426916051] Is that a typo or are you around Liverpool? I'm back there for a wedding in May x [/quote] Nope, not a typo. My family is in Surrey, best friends are in Bristol and we'll likely be driving to Liverpool to see John's sister (he's a Scouser). When are you going to be there?? [/quote] Oh the weekend 14 th-18 th....I hop the train up to Yorkshire on 18 th...does that fit? Would be amaze balls if we could meet up ....my parents are South Liverpool,not far from the airport x Hope you get in with Helen x
Re: Is there any point...? [quote author=Dexter link=topic=10275.msg151287#msg151287 date=1427043213] Oh the weekend 14 th-18 th....I hop the train up to Yorkshire on 18 th...does that fit? Would be amaze balls if we could meet up ....my parents are South Liverpool,not far from the airport x Hope you get in with Helen x [/quote] Argh, my birthday is on 17th and I'm planning to be back in France with the pups' parents then... but there's a small chance for 14th. I've had an email from Helen saying she should be able to fit me in for a one-to-one during the week, so that could fit in.... I'll sort that out and work out when I'm going to be where
Re: Is there any point...? Ah let me know Fiona if it looks to work out,I'd love to see you with your 2 ixxx I'd get to Liverpool about 14.00 on 14 th ...straight off a flight xxx
