Dog Training Classes for you and your Pooch

Yes its that time again when Rachel and I pool our resources to help you and your pooch improve your relationship.

When Derek and I got our two cocker spaniels, Shammy and Rocky back in 1995 - WE WERE CLUELESS. I had grown up with dogs - and even had my own but they were farm dogs. All our dogs and cats lived outside. Puppies were allowed to live in the kitchen for a couple of weeks and the odd lamb that was orphaned but apart from that the animals were outside. Because they lived outside training was not a huge issue. Dad did have a properly trained sheepdog but that was after I left home so dogs and training did not really come into my sphere of knowledge.

So having these two gorgeous cocker spaniels with yards of pedigree we thought we needed to "train 'em up". Fly on the wall fell off laughing so many times I dont think it could tell the story. Basically the woman who ran the classes just shook her head - lots and said it was us that needed training. Hmmm she definitely had a point there. I don't think we made a great job of training Sham and Rock but they were fairly amenable characters and any misbehaving that they did was usually down to us.

So, I can hear you asking, what qualifies me for dog training now? Time, darling, time is a great healer!! And Rachel of course - a much better trainer than the one we had back in Taunton. Rachel is the proprietor of Posh Pets Spain for those of you wondering!

She started the dog training courses at her establishment in Alhaurin el Grande about 3 years ago. She invited myself and another lady, Claire a dog behaviourist, to join in to give a complete service (my input was with the animal reiki - see blog from 23 January this year). That first group was very big so we all learnt a lot from that. We have done 3 or 4 courses during the period and now are ready to embark again into the "Sit, stay, stand on your head (oh no - that last bit is me - sorry!!) of a new course.

The Basic course consists of:

• Walking politely on a lead: the informal heel.
• Recall.
• Dog Manners.
• Walking in Traffic.
• Socialization & interaction with dogs & people.

We have loads of fun so if you have a dog that could do with a nudge in the right direction or if you need that nudge then contact Rachel at Posh Pets Spain on 952597035. The new course will start on Saturday, 13th February - Class at 11.00 am registration at 10.45am.

Only dogs and owners please - no spectators - you will have to get your laughs somewhere else!!