Cosford Dog Training Services
Behavioural Consultations (Shropshire,
Staffordshire, West Midlands)
There are no standard qualifications for canine
behaviourists. Some franchisers claim to be able
to turn you into a behaviourist after a 6 month
course, oh and after paying them a lot of money.
There are many other bodies that award their own
qualifications. Obviously some of these organisations
have a vested interest in you passing their course
or they wouldn't have many members. I have lost
count of the number of individuals who claim they
used to train Police/Guide/Guinea pig rescue (delete
as applicable) dogs.
For my part I hold a Foundation Degree in Canine
Behaviour & Training by Hull University, coupled
with 30 years experience as a Police dog trainer
in the RAF. You will note that my qualifications
and experience is all aimed at dogs. That's what
I specialise in, so you will have to take your
hamster, parrot or monkey elsewhere. I am a member
of the Kennel Club Accredited Instructor (KCAI)
Scheme for Dog Trainers and Behaviourists.
For dogs with behavioural problems the starting
point is invariably a home visit to see the dog
in its natural environment. This is where
the dog generally displays the problem behaviour
and therefore is the most appropriate place to
see it displayed in all its glory.
It is, in my opinion impossible to accurately
assess problem behaviour over the telephone or
in an artificial environment. Others may claim
to be able to do it, but I can't, so I don't make
such claims. The initial consultation will generally take
between two and two and a half hours during this
time the dog is observed in the circumstances
when it displays the problem behaviour.
Wherever the problem manifests itself, that's
where the consultation takes place. It may
be inconvenient but it is effective. You, the owner are supplied with a full, detailed
written report is supplied within seven days to
the owner. This can be sent via the post
or more commonly via e-mail.
This report is the only the starting point for the programme. It is essential that close contact is maintained between us, in order that the programme can be amended as progress occurs. The behaviour modification program is a living document which needs to be amended as we move forward with the dog.
One to one training
One to one training can be undertaken at Cosford Dog Training or in your home environment.
If you are unable to attend the training class due to lack of transport or unusual work patterns training sessions can be arranged at your own home or in the area where you usually exercise your dog.
One to one training sessions generally last for
about an hour, unless the specific problem requires
longer or shorter sessions.
All aspects of basic obedience training can be undertaken during one to one sessions or specific problem areas, such as pulling on the lead or poor recall can be addressed.
If you have ever felt embarrassed or awkward when dealing with your less than perfect dog in a class situation these sessions allow you to deal with problem in a one to one, professionally coached situation. This invariably results in you learning quicker and consequently a better response from your dog. Ideally, this is used as a stepping stone to get
you and your dog integrated into one of the regular
group training classes. If you have any concerns or questions to ask
feel free to phone and discuss your dog's particular
needs. Dog training is not a one size fits
all solution for every dog. I am quite
prepared to tailor the training program to the
needs of you and your dog.
This is your opportunity to get help with something
that may be detracting from your relationship
with your dog. It is the first step to a
better, stronger relationship with him or her.
That's why you got a dog, isn't it?
Group Classes
Basic training is primarily geared to the Kennel
Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Awards. CDT
has been running these awards for 10 years now
from the Puppy Foundation awards through to the
Gold award.
The GCDS is an ideal introduction to basic dog
training and building a strong relationship with
your dog. Courses can be done to achieve
a good basic standard or used as a stepping stone
into many other aspects of dog training.
There are separate courses for Bronze, Silver
and Gold. You all start and finish together to
develop team spirit and benefit from mutual encouragement.
Advanced Training
Having achieved good basic
skills advanced training in obedience, agility
and search is available. Security training to
NVQ standards is available in certain circumstances
to handlers and dogs of proven ability and reliability.
Enquiries are welcome from SIA licence holders
and training is currently provided to several
security companies.

It is very easy to teach a dog to be aggressive
and bite. It is equally easy to appear in
court having done so. The real skill is in teaching
this in a controlled and responsible manner. Such
training is not provided until I am satisfied
about your ability, the dogs suitability and that
such training is appropriate.
Training Presentations
Training presentations and practical
demonstrations are available to schools, colleges
and other organisations. Please phone or e mail
to discuss your requirements.

A Training Lecture and Practical
Demonstration at Rodbaston College
Reasons to Train Your Dog
Dogs don't know the difference between
right and wrong. They learn from the consequences
of their everyday experiences, whether they be
good or bad. We usually play a major role in providing
those experiences and consequences.
We often forget to teach them what
we want them to do and instead punish them for
doing the wrong thing. I know many trainers who
are guilty of this; just take a look at the grinning
mexican bloke on the telly, who spends a large
part of each episode poking dogs with his hands
and feet. I haven't seen many happy looking dogs
there.
Investing a bit of effort in understanding
and teaching your dog as opposed to whacking it
for getting something wrong isn't always easy,
but will always pay dividends and develop a stronger
relationship with a well behaved, well trained
and happy dog.
Few owners need or want an obedience
champion. But having a well behaved, well
socialised and responsive dog is one of life's
great pleasures and a source of pride.
Owners that take a pride in their dog generally
take responsibility for all aspects of their dog's
lives, keeping them healthy and safe. Training
plays an important part in achieving both.
Training keeps both you and your dog fit, physically
and mentally. Ever heard the phrase; The
devil makes work for idle hands? Well believe
me the same goes just as well for idle
paws.
Dogs lacking in mental stimulation are often
the ones that get into mischief. The dog
rescue centres are full of dogs that had they
been given some training and the accompanying
mental stimulation that goes with it, would be
asleep at home in front of the fire now, dreaming
of a lifelong relationship with their families.
So what do I do now?
Invest the price of a phone call and we'll discuss
your needs and those of your dog. Together
we'll find the most effective approach to achieving
your goal. It's never too early and seldom
too late to start.

Bronwyn
Mai aged 2 and Sophie aged 9 demonstrate loose
lead walking
Terms and Conditions
Group classes. Deposits accepted for places in
group classes are non returnable except in exceptional
circumstances. Fees are payable in full before
training commences. Once training commences fees
will not be refundable.
In the event that a course is cancelled by Cosford
Dog Training before it commences all deposits
will be refunded. In the event that a course is
cancelled by Cosford Dog Training after it commences
fees for the remainder of the course will be refunded
to customers.
One to one fees are payable in full at the time
of the training session. Cancellation made by
customers 24 hours in advance of the lesson will
not be charged. Cancellations after this period
will be charged in full.
One to one fees paid for in advance are subject
to the same 24 hour period of notice for cancellation
or the session will be charged in full.
By booking training customers agree to these
terms and conditions.
|