Buddie the Rottweiler
Gone are the 'Barbara Woodhouse' days where choke chains and discipline were considered the solution to a disobedient pet.
We now realise that not only does this method rarely achieve results but can actually do harm to the relationship between pet and owner. With the increased interest in behaviour it is now widely recognised that there are more appropriate training methods which are not only kinder but are much more effective as they work with the animal and not against it.
The College of Animal Welfare has developed the following new courses together with Sara Whittaker and the team at WitsEnd, specially designed to help you set up your own dog training school and develop an effective range of courses suitable for the general public.
For information on upcoming courses or a brochure please call the College of Animal Welfare on 01480 831177.
Making Money from Pet Behaviour and Training
Are you interested in starting up a dog training school but unsure of how to get started, or are you already involved in running classes and looking to increase the range of programmes and services that you offer?
This one day seminar concentrates on the business aspects of developing a dog training school or behaviour related consulting service. Delegates will consider the structure and the finances of running classes, hidden overheads, marketing, programme design and how to maximise sales opportunities such as equipment and microchipping. Course is written and presented by Sara Whittaker and is based on her experiences of starting her dog training and behaviour business. WitsEnd currently employs 8 people and has an annual turnover in excess of £100k.
Understanding Typical Pet Behaviour Problems
Behaviour and training problems are unfortunately a common occurrence, yet many of them have similar underlying causes which with the right advice can be solved enabling pet and owner to live in harmony.
Your skill as a pet professional is to identify the problem, recommend a programme to achieve a solution and when a truly difficult situation crosses your threshold knowing when to refer it to the specialist.
Sara Whittaker has now seen approximately 1,500 behaviour cases and this one day seminar on the typical problems that you are likely to come across is suitable for those who are providing behavioural advice and guidance to pet owners. Delegates will consider 'normal' dog and cat behaviour and work through a series of case histories identifying key behaviour characteristics. Consideration will be given on how and when to refer to the behaviour specialist.
The Puppy Seminar
There is a lot of truth behind the old adage 'prevention is better than cure'. There is nothing more distressing than to be presented with a problematic adolescent or adult dog which the correct training and socialisation could have prevented.
This one day seminar is designed for those delivering puppy parties and socialisation classes and events, or advising owners on aspects of puppy care and training. Delegates will consider the design of a puppy party or class, numbers, structure and how to set puppy and owner achievement outcomes. Key elements of the puppy class content such as the development stages of a puppy, house training, stimulation and behaviour ground rules will also be considered.
Clicker Training
Here's a highly topical technique that your new behaviour school could easily offer and create another related sales opportunity. This very popular course would be extremely useful to those involved in the delivery of puppy and behaviour classes and are looking to develop new courses to offer. Delegates will consider the origin of clicker training, behavioural implications, and how to run practical clicker training classes.
The Dog & Cat Weekend
A highly popular weekend event for dog and cat enthusiasts alike. Indepth discussion on the lifestyles, training, development and behaviour issues of our most popular pets. Includes a comprehensive training manual and case histories from Sara Whittaker's case file. Weekend includes lunch.