Responsible Owners and Dog (ROAD) Classes

The classes that I'm starting in April are a new course that I have designed, called 'Responsible Owner and Dog' course. The classes are based mainly on lead with a little controlled off lead time included. We won't be doing strict heel work, but instead focusing on the bond between owner and dog. Building and maintaining a good relationship with your dog goes a long way to having a well behaved dog when out and about. 

The classes will now run on Tuesday evenings 7.00 - 8.00pm untill further notice.

They must be booked and paid for in advance for each month so that I can keep the numbers in each class steady. I plan to have around 6 dogs in each class so the numbers won't be too overwhelming.

There are three levels for you and your dog to work towards, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. (See Below)

The assessment will be continual so as not to put a lot of pressure on you and your dog. When you achieve each level, you will receive a certificate and you will have the opportunity to move on to the next level.

The 3 Levels are available as downloads in the Documents section of the site.

Links: 

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Level 1

· The dog should be able to socialize with other dogs off of the lead. The owner should be in control at all times. 

· Walking on the lead with no distractions, at least 25 paces. The dog shouldn’t be pulling forwards or refusing to walk. Not expecting perfect heel-work and the dog can be walked on either side of the handler. 

· Walking on the lead with distractions, at least 25 paces. The dog shouldn’t be pulling forwards or refusing to walk and should not pull towards the distractions. Required to walk past approx 10 distractions (food, other dogs on lead, people, toys). 

· Staying calm and quiet for 1 minute whilst the handler has a conversation with another person (no other dogs to be involved). 

· Show good manners at a gate/door. The dog should be asked to wait at the door/gate and should remain in the same position whilst the handler walks through. The handler should then call the dog through the gate/door 

· Grooming/Health check. The handler should be able to groom their dog (suitable to the breed) without causing any stress to the dog. The handler should be able to check the dogs mouth, ears, eyes, pads, under belly and under tail without the dog showing too much unrest. 

The correct collar and identity tag should be worn by the dog, according to the current laws. The handler should also be able to show that they are prepared to pick up any mess their dog makes.

Level 2

· The dog should be able to socialize with other dogs off of the lead. The owner should be in control at all times. The dog should return to the owner when called during socialization time, without too much of a delay. 

· Walking in a public place (on a quiet road). The dog shouldn’t be pulling forwards or refusing to walk. Not expecting perfect heel-work and the dog can be walked on either side of the owner. The dog should not show fear/excessive excitement at traffic/passers by/etc. The walk should be calm and relaxed with the owner in control at all times. 

· Getting in and out of the car in a controlled manner. The dog should not show fear or get too excited. The owner should be in control at all times. 

· The owner and dog will be approached by another person (no other dogs involved). The dog should not jump up or bark at the person. A short conversation will follow, during which the dog should remain calm. Any jumping up or barking must be dealt with immediately by the owner. 

· Health check. The dog should be willing to allow someone other than the owner check their mouth, ears, eyes, pads, under belly and under tail without them showing too much unrest. 

· The correct collar and identity tag should be worn by the dog, according to the current laws. The handler should also be able to show that they are prepared to pick up any mess their dog makes.

Level 3

· The dog should be able to socialize with other dogs off of the lead. The owner should be in control at all times. The dog should respond immediately when called and return to the owner to be put on the lead. 

· Walking in a public place (on a busy road). The dog shouldn’t be pulling forwards or refusing to walk. Not expecting perfect heel-work and the dog can be walked on either side of the owner. The dog should not show fear/excessive excitement at traffic/passers by/etc. The walk should be calm and relaxed with the owner in control at all times. 

· Food Temptation! The dog should be walked past a person/people who are eating or holding food. The owner is responsible to make sure that the dog does not beg or steal! The dog will not be unfairly tempted. 

· Walking off-lead beside the owner (no distractions). The owner may use treats/toys to keep the dogs attention. Heel-work is not expected, but the dog must be under reasonable control and focused on the owner. 

· Walking off-lead beside the owner (with distractions). The owner may use treats/toys to keep the dogs attention. Heel-work is not expected, but the dog must be under reasonable control and focused on the owner. The distractions may be food/toys/people/other dogs. Any other dogs involved will remain on lead in a stationary position. 

· Relax around other dogs (vet waiting room scenario). The dogs as a group should all be encouraged to sit or lie down in relatively close proximity to each other. Owners will not be allowed to use food/toys to quiet their dog, but they may fuss them in order to settle them. The dog should remain settled for at least 5 minutes. 

· The correct collar and identity tag should be worn by the dog, according to the current laws. The handler should also be able to show that they are prepared to pick up any mess their dog makes.

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