Hello, this is my first post so bear with me!  Does anyone know of any training classes in the South Beds area.  We have a 5 month old springer spaniel (bitch) who we took to classes when she was 12 weeks - they weren't a great success, mainly due to her total excitement at being in a room full of dogs - she just wanted to play... not learn (a bit like me at school!).  However, she has learnt the basic commands of sit, down (sit and stay is a bit hit and miss) etc... but we are having a job (understatement) getting her back on the lead when we take her out for a walk, she's going out in the garden and generally digging the whole place up and won't come in when called, walking her on the street to get her to the fields where we walk her is becoming a no-no, as she is petrified of the traffic (strange really, because this varies on a day to day basis,ie., sometimes she will walk OK, other times she just digs her paws in and won't budge).  I fear she is becoming a dog who is controlling us and not the other way around, and to be honest it is beginning to spoil my relationship with her.  She is a lovely dog in every other way, good with my two boys etc... so I want to nip this in the bud before it gets any worse. Any help/advise gratefully received!

Hi

Where about are you? There is a ringcraft class in Wooton on a Wednesday (I go there with my 8 month old Dobe)
There is also an obedience class in Stewartby on Tuesday.
I believe Leighton Buzzard and Luton have classes and I'll find out where if you let me know where exactly you are :)
annieee

Hi there

I can highly recommend Dog Basics in Offley (just between Luton and Hitchin). The website is www.dogbasics.co.uk.

Thats where I take my BC. She was too old for the puppy class (at 4-5 months) but we put her on the basic obediance and it really helped. The best thing about these training classes is that they are outside and not in a hall, which is far better as dogs don't usually spend their time in a hall!!

Also the trainer Caroline is excellent and gives really helpful advice on any concerns you have.

Good luck in your search!!

Thanks for replying and for the info, I have found a class in Eaton Bray (I live in Dunstable) - nothing like striking whilst the iron's hot!  I went there last night for a "look" and it seems to be what I'm looking for.  If I may I'll keep your details and should it not work out, I'll contact you for more info.  Thanks once again - I will get my errant pup into shape!