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 At Devon Dogs we run a number of classes that focus on teaching and developing good Life Skills and Obedience with our dogs. There are classes for all ages and level of dog and all abilities and experiences of handler. Our trainers have experience working with many different breeds and understanding their intended purpose and breed specific behaviours can help with motivation and enhance their relationship with you. The trainers will be able to work on this with you in these classes.
By “Life Skills” we mean the skills and behaviours that we need to teach our dogs to help them develop into well mannered, happy, safe and friendly dogs that can adapt to all daily life situations and that we will enjoy spending time with. These sorts of classes were originally called “Obedience” classes but we found we wanted to expand from the traditional ‘obedience’ type exercises that were taught and that “Life Skills” better suited the aims of the courses.
What areas are covered?
The courses cover a multitude of exercises. They are skills such as: a really reliable recall, a solid duration stay, relating, communicating and socialising with other dogs, not jumping up on people, food manners and not stealing, being comfortable being handled and groomed and not pulling on the lead. This is just a small example of the skills covered but they are all taught using positive, reward-based training methods. The main underlying theme of all of the classes, regardless of the level, is building a happy, positive relationship between you and your dog.
To ensure success we always suggest that you work with your dog in small steps, to give them the best possible chance of getting the behaviour right, and therefore gaining a reward. If we set them too difficult a challenge, and they fail, and continue to fail, they will become de-motivated and lose all interest in us and our attempts to work with them. Because of this, we always suggest that you set yourself and your dog small and achievable tasks.
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Classes
Wednesdays
We run our main Life Skills/Obedience classes on a Wednesday evening, at Newhall Equestrian Centre, Broadclyst. Classes are 45 minutes long and are held in an indoor arena, or outside in the training field, weather permitting.
6.00 – 6.45 Puppies
6.45-7.30 Beginner Life Skills
7.30 – 8.15 Intermediate Life Skills
8.15-9.00 Advanced Life Skills / Good Citizens
The Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme is the largest dog training scheme in the UK. Its aim is to promote responsible dog ownership and in turn, enhance our relationship with our pets and to make the community aware of the benefits associated with dog ownership. There are four levels of achievement, Puppy Foundation, Bronze, Silver and Gold. Devon Dogs are pleased to be able to offer training towards these awards within their Wednesday evening classes.
Fridays
 Our Friday Life Skill classes are aimed entirely at young puppies – from those who have just had their 2nd vaccination from the vet and are just getting out and about, to those who are still puppies but are perhaps a few months older. Within these classes we aim to teach you the skills you need to bring up a puppy with good ‘Life Skills’ from the very start.
6.00 – 6.45 Young Puppies
6.45 – 7.30 Puppies up to 6months
All of our Life Skills / Obedience classes are 45 minutes long and run in 10 week blocks. To book any of these classes please see our Courses & Bookings page for further details and a booking form.
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