The Alsatian (G.S.D) Training Club

 

 

 

In obedience dogs are taught to understand and obey certain commands. At the domestic level a well trained dog is a happy dog with a happy owner, because the owner can trust their dog. For example to return to them when called on the beach, or to drop into a down if a car is coming. For the dog, they are pack animals, so learning to obey commands helps them to understand that their owners are the ‘boss dog’.

The basic commands we teach our dogs in the introductory classes are to Sit, to go Down, to walk by the owners side without pulling on the lead, to return to owner when called, to stay in one spot when the owner leaves them, and to pick up and bring back and give items when requested. Coming to dog training classes is also very important for socialising your dog, so it is use to contact with other dogs and people.

We also teach obedience to a competitve level, where dogs are encouraged to walk closely next to their owner, and to turn when the owner does without the owner needing to say a word (for the advanced), to fetch any item that is thrown, to stay in a position while the owner leaves the room. Advanced exercises also include teaching scent, where the dog will smell a cloth with the judges scent on, and then fetch the cloth with the matching scent form a line of similar looking cloths.

 

In 2007, members of our club competed as part of the Jersey Team at the Crufts World Team Obedience Championship. We were delighted when the Jersey Team came second out of all the teams in the world.

The teaching method we use at the Alsatian (G.S.D) club is called Guidance, we show a dog what is expected and then reward it (with praise, food or play) when it does it right. We do not condone harsh training at our club.

We hold two introductory classes for dogs, Puppy Classes and Domestic Classes.

Puppy Classes: Thursday 7pm. Maillards Memorial Hall, St Lawrence.

For dogs between the age of 3 months (who have had all of their injections) and 6 months. Puppies are taught the basics of obedience, but most importantly have the opportunity to socialise with other dogs. It is important to teach puppies from a young age, because it is a lot easier to train a puppy with consistent behaviour and commands, rather than to teach a dog who has had the opportunity to develop ‘bad’ habits.

 

The puppy course is a 10 week course, and you are welcome to join at any time. The cost of a course is £30. Please come along or contact our training officer, Lorraine on 01534 730539 for further details.

When you come to training, please wear soft flat shoes, bring a lead and collar (no choke chain collars), a pooh bag to collect any mess, and a bag of titbits and/or toy to reward your dog, and your dog!.

 

Domestic Classes: Thursdays 7:45pm. Maillards Memorial Hall, St Lawrence

For dogs over the age of 6 months who are newcomers to obedience. Dogs are taught the basic commands, that are needed for a dog in a domestic environment.

The domestic course is a 12 week course, you are welcome to join at any point. At the end of the course a small test is held, to see how your dog has improved. The cost of the domestic course is £36.

What if I want to do further training?

 

On Tuesdays we hold further classes which start to teach competitive obedience. This develops the basic commands, so the dogs work closer and more consistently. Dogs and owners alike, benefit from the bonding process that comes with training. As dogs progress through the Tuesday classes, more exercises are taught.

 

Four classes are held on a Tuesday with the first ‘pre-beginner’ class starting at 6:30, classes are forty five minutes long. To join our Tuesday classes you need to become a member of the club, classes on a Tuesday cost £2.

Obedience competitions consist of dogs completing a number of exercises, trying to complete them without any mistakes. Exercises include walking on the handlers side (to heel) on and off lead, a recall (waiting and then coming to the owner when called), a retrieve (fetching a article when thrown), stays (remaining on the spot when the owners leave them), and for the more advanced dogs distance control (moving from a stand/sit/down position on command), scent (finding the right cloth using the sense of smell alone), Send Away (sending the dog to a pre-determined spot). Dogs compete in different classes depending on their ability. In a competition dogs must perform their exercises in a stylised and precise manner, for example on a recall the dog must not just come to the owner, it must come to the owner in a straight line, and then sit straight in front of the owner, not at an angle.

 

Team Competitions: Every 12 weeks a fun competition is held at the club house, for all dogs in the competitive classes, and for those who have just completed the domestic class. This is a great opportunity for all member s to meet each other, and gain some tips from watching the more advanced dogs.

 

Limit and Open Competitions: 5 times a year, competitions are held under official Kennel Club Rules. These can be limit competitions (1 day), which are limited to members of the Channel Islands; or open competitions (weekend, Sat limit, Sun open), where the Sunday is open to anyone. On an open weekend a judge is invited over from the UK.

How can I start training my Dog?

 

Come along to a puppy or domestic class on a Thursday, you will be very welcome, or contact our training officer, Lorraine on 01534 730539 for further details.