What Classes Do We Offer?

Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme

For puppies, we run the Good Citizen Dog Scheme Puppy Foundation Assessment, and for adult dogs, the Bronze, Silver and Gold awards.

Puppy Class

image of Oskar a standard schnauzer puppy The puppy class runs from 11.15 – 12.00 and is for puppies who have completed their vaccinations (usually at 13 weeks) and who are under six months of age. The class provides an opportunity for young dogs to develop confidence and learn to behave appropriately with other dogs and people. Handlers are provided with information and advice on how to manage puppy behaviour and how to deal with common problems.

Beginners Course

image showing a basic class We run an 8 week Beginners Course as a special package which is designed for people who have little or no experience of dog training. This starts at 11.00 on Sunday and lasts for 1 hour. It is a structured course with each week building on the previous week so it is important to attend for the full 8 weeks to receive the maximum benefit. New courses start every month. During the period of time waiting for the start of the course please feel free to visit the Club and see what takes place, It is a good way of socialising your dog. You will be able to meet other members of the Club and talk to the instructors.

Once you have successfully completed your 8 week Beginners Course, you can carry on training in the Advance Classes. There are no set number of weeks in these classes, they are continuous, so you can start them or rejoin them at any time.

Advanced Courses

image showing an advanced class The Advanced classes commence on Sundays at 12.15 and last for 1 hour. The training is divided into 4 classes – the Basic Class and classes 1-3. Each Class reflects a different standard of achievement. The classes enable you to build on what you have learned on the Beginners Course and to try out new exercises to teach your dog, for example retrieve, advanced recall and so on. Also in the higher classes more advanced exercises are covered such as scent and search. To progress from one class to the next there are short monthly proficiency tests.

Fun Agility and Flyball

image of dog jumping through a hoop Fun agility classes are offered from 11.00 – 12.00 most Sundays. Please ask at the desk in the club house if you are interested in these classes. The club also has flyball equipment. Please note that dogs must not be jumped under the age of 12 months or in the absence of a qualified instructor.

Good Citizen Dog Scheme

Since the launch of the Kennel Club’s nation-wide training programme in 1992 for dogs and their owners, the Good Citizen Dog Scheme has become an outstanding success. Over 52,000 dogs have successfully passed the test which is administrered through 1,050 training organisations.

good citizen dog scheme logo linking to kennel club website The Scheme brings together simple exercises such s Basic dog training, grooming, exercise, cleaning up after the dog and general healthcare. All dogs are eligible for Good Citizen training, be thery pedigree or cross-breed, young or old.

The scheme which is none competitive incorporates four awards, The Puppy Foundation Assessment, Bronze, Silver, Gold. Each level involves a gradual development in your understanding of dogs. Dog owners also have an obligation to their community and participants will be guided on the responsibilities of dog ownership. The course is straightforward and non-competitive and on successful completion of each of the tests, participants will be awarded a Certificate to mark their achievement and a rosette on completion.

And After All That

image of members enjoying the bar facility There is always time to socialise. There is tea or coffee available which is free to members or you could make use of the bar.

All members of the Knowle Dog Training Club are also associate members of the Knowle Village Cricket Club and are welcome to use the facilities that are available.