Before your first class
Everything you need to know before you join a City Dog Club class. Please have a read through before your first session.
Your marker word
A marker word, such as “yes”, “yip” or a clicker, tells your dog exactly what they got right. It’s one of the foundations we build on in class, so getting a little practice in before your first session will give you a head start.
If you don’t already have one, this short free video shows you how to teach it:
How to find me
Classes take place in my private garden in Wandsworth, which backs onto Wandsworth Common. From Foundation upwards we also head out onto the Common. Please wait outside the back gate until it is opened.
If you’re not sure where to go, message me on WhatsApp on 07870 670481.
Class guidelines
I am looking forward to meeting you all! To keep classes safe, focused and productive for everyone, please read the following:
Our ethos
- All training is based on positive reinforcement
- We focus on building engagement, confidence and clear communication
- Dogs learn at different paces so try not to compare your dog with the others!
Handling and training approach
- Dogs are doing their best in a very distracting environment and an hour is a long time to focus
- Gentle handling works best, so we keep lead pressure to a minimum
- If your dog is struggling to understand the task, let them have a sniff break before trying again
Equipment
- Choose equipment that allows your dog to move comfortably and freely, a harness and lead around six foot is preferable
- We avoid slip leads and flexi leads in class as they can make training more difficult
Class structure
- Maximum of 2 people per dog
- Children must be over the age of 12
- One person works the dog at a time while the other observes
Arrival and set up
- Please be prompt to class as it disturbs the other dogs if you are late
- There may be a class before your class, so please wait outside the back gate until it is opened
- Keep dogs at a comfortable distance from others when arriving, some dogs are anxious around other dogs
Rewards
- Bring a varied selection of rewards from low value to high value, sometimes dogs do not eat at first in the class, this is normal
- Please have a treat pouch or a pocket for your rewards. Plastic bags or tubs delay reinforcement and cause confusion to the dog
- We use a lot of rewards in training so please do not feed your dog a full meal immediately before class
- Rewards are provided in case you run out
Dog welfare and safety
- Please try and keep on-lead greetings to a minimum. Dogs are in class to work with you, they will have a chance to play after the class!
- If your dog is unwell, please do not attend
Toileting
- Please toilet your dog before class
- If during the class you feel that your dog needs to toilet, please use the back of the garden rather than the astro turf
- For humans there are toilets at the Sky Lark café close by
Reactive or nervous dogs
- Let me know in advance if your dog needs extra space
Consistency between classes
- Progress comes from practice between sessions
- Short, regular training at home will make a big difference
- You will receive videos of the training we do in class
Phones
- Unless there is an emergency, please keep phones away and on silent, this is one hour your dog gets your undivided attention!
Weather
- We train in light rain
- In extreme weather, sessions will move to Zoom
City dog reality
- Training in the city is challenging
- Progress over perfection is the goal!
