Dog Training Classes Wanted Gemozac Dept 17

[JJ]

Does anyone know of any dog training classes near to Gemozac Dept 17.

French or even English (some hope).

Many thanks.

[Deimos]

[quote]Does anyone know of any dog training classes near to Gemozac Dept 17. French or even English (some hope). Many thanks.[/quote]

Try checking on http://www.chez.com/cnea/ (sorry but you will have to cut and paste the link). Button on the right (middle vertically -> regions) which gives you a map of France to click on, then a page where you click on “List de clubs”, then another map of the region – or something along those lines. Afraid its one of these frames/flash or whatever web sites so one cannot always give accurate links to the correct place.

One word of advice – French dog training can be somewhat more “dominance” based that UK training and many of their training techniques are in my opinion “out dated” e.g. use of prong and choke collars, etc. Not everywhere is like that but some certainly are. I would strongly encourage you to visit first without your dog(s) and watch what goes on. They try with your dog(s) and see how they get on, then if all is fine join. And half decent club should allow you a couple of sessions before you need to join.

My experience with French dog training clubs is that they are more “club” based rather than “paid classes” based. I.e. you pay an annual subscription and then go along to sessions for free (UK often you pay for each class). French clubs tend to be run by volunteers (club representatives) rather than your “professionals”. That does not in itself make them any better or worse.

Don’t know what sort of classes you are looking for but agility is great fun, particularly if your dog loves it. It is more about the dogs rushing around having great fun (though experts would say its all about control, teamwork, etc. – stiil its great fun). Defence is also popular in France. They do also do the obedience. Some (e.g. the club I’m a member of) does longer Sat afternoon sessions which is 1hr basic obedience followed by 1hr of agility – which takes over 4hrs elapsed time in practice as people are just there to have a good fun afternoon with their dogs socialising. I find the obedience dull so do a separate “enthusiasts” agility only session on Wed evenings.

I speak virtually no Fench (though try and probably make French cringe when I open my mouth and destroy their language). Nobody at my club speaks English (at least they wont admit to it). However, they are very friendly, we all try hard and things go fine (language wise). Did my first agility competition a month ago and somebody else from the club was also going so they helped “show me the ropes” – again language is not too much of a problem.

Take care in selecting your club.

Sorry, I’ve gone on. If I can be of further assistance, do ask.

Ian

[JJ]

Ian,

Many thanks for your reply. Lots to think about. I have not yet tried the link. The sound of agility and obedience sounds good. My dog is a very energetic and agile Parson Russell terrier.

Regards.

[Deimos]

Some dogs seem to love agility, others will do it but would rather be sniffing around and others do it despite their own desires because the owners want them to. You can see some dogs “labour” round the course not particularly motivated whereas others leap around having great fun. One person at my club has two dogs (he comes to the “enthusiasts” agility only session)) – one just loves going round saying hello to everybody and does not do agility – his fun is sniffing, meeting people and dogs, etc. whereas the other dog loves the agility.

If you can find a club you are happy with, give it a try and see if you (and your dog) enjoy it. It can take some time to learn how to do it (looks easy but some of the obstacles seem difficult for dogs to get confident on).

I found doing things like Dog club (and others) helps with a lot more than just dog training. It also helps with French language, keeping aware of what is going on in France, getting to appreciate French culture, etc.

Ian