We have a new baby in the house! He's a 12 week old German Shepherd and needs to go to training classes. We did find one in Bromley but unfortunately have just been informed that they are no longer able to use the hall. Does anyone know of any training classes in this area? Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

PS: We found a class for German Shepherds only - is this advisable or should we find a class with mixed breeds.

Thanks, look forward to hearing from you.

Where are you from (Where is Bromley)? I have a 12 week old GSD bitch:) I can't really speak from experience as I'm in the same boat but I would think that any training class is fine- some of the more experienced people on the board will be able to answer that one:) Is it obedience or ringcraft you're after and where did you get your GSD:) Is yours a little terror like mine;) I can't believe it someone who's going through the same as me- I'm chuffed:D

Stacey x x x

Hi DB, RAIN (Rescued Animals In Need) run a pet dog training class in Pratts Bottom on Thursday evenings. There is another class in Brasted village, but that may be a bit too far for you. There are also classes in Swanley. Hope this may be of some help to you. You can download a list of APDT members from their internet site and I know there are some in the West Wickham area.
Lorna

Hello DB,

Try and choose an Obedience Training Club carefully, they are not all alike. Phone a few Vet Surgeriers, and ask the Receptionist if they know of any Clubs in the area. Now try and visit a couple to compare, perhaps even be prepared to travel a 'reasonable' distance! Points to consider:

1. If the Club ask you not to bring your dog along with you to watch, because he/she may cause a distraction to the dogs working, reconsider this Club, if they cannot cope with a small distraction like that, what use is it!!

2. Watch and listen to the methods and phylosophy involved in the training. Does it make sense to YOU!

3. Are you comfortable with the Instructor, as this is someone you will need to trust.

4. Is there a Class after Beginners, because you may wish to progress

5. Watch the others, how are they doing? (They will reflect the training)! Obviously, check how many weeks they have been attending to get a better idea.

6. Lastly, is there a good atmosphere? Afterall you want to ENJOY your training.

Good Luck
Denise

The club in question wasnt joval was it? if so they are trying to find another hall, we are all waiting to see what happens.
Steve Stokes an ex met dog training instructor runs a club on sunday afternoons at the scout hall at locks bottom if you are interested, another one i used to go to is warlingham dog training club which is on monday nights at the diamond riding centre in woodmanstern lane/rd cant remember exactly, that also has met dog handlers instructing there, they are very good and only use kind methods to train your dog and there is plenty of space as it is in a large indoor arena.
There are others in the area but havent been to them for years so not sure who is still training.
Good luck in your search Diane.
Ps where do you live i have a feeling your not far from me.

Thanks for everyones advice.

Kash - Ours is a 12 week male we got him from a breeder in Wiltshire - Megamax (a 2 1/2 hour journey but well worth it!). He's beautiful - fully house trained - sits when he told and even gives you his paw!!!!!! We're going back to the breeder in a couple of weeks because she's giving a puppy party! Bromley is in Kent. I had a conversation with you a while ago - we were both contemplating getting a German Shepherd remember?

Rain - Swanley is only a 15 minute drive away have you got any other details?

Denise - That's exactly what I did the training class that we wanted to join was a recommendation of the vets we use.

Metpol Fan - You're right it was Joval but as Ollie is now 12 weeks old we don't want to leave it much longer. Do you have any contact details of Steve Stokes because I'd like to get in contact with him. And by the way we're in Chislehurst.

Many thanks to everyone!!!!

DB i will get you his phone number, his wife Ann works at the laurels veterinary centre in bromley, i live in eltham i thought it might be joval you were talking about, i have been going there for the last 10 years and other clubs.

Thank you.

Kash - Ours was very nippy but as we have 2 small children (5 and 2) we had to stop it. Our breeder told us to treat Ollie as his mother would have done when he nipped we had to give him a short sharp shake by the scruff of the neck and then ignore him. We were amazed within 2 days he stopped nipping completely - as if by magic! She advised us that the nipping behaviour must be stopped by the age of 12 weeks as he was be trying to establish his place in the hierarchy by seeing how the person he nips reacts. Try it - you do feel horrible but it does work wonders.

Metpol fan - Thanks very much if you know of any others the info would be much appreaciated. When Joval is up and running again I will definately give it a try.

Thanks.

Donna

DB I have spoken to steves wife and they are not doing any basic training courses until september, so until then you'll have to find another club, i think there is one in eltham in the church hall opposite B&Q, i am not sure what night though i think it is on a monday night, i will have a look on the internet to see what else comes up.

me again, i have found a couple of numbers for you to ring......

Beckenham Dog Training Club......0208 650 4478

Southern Alsation Training Society.....01892 663 341

Hope these are of use

I belong to beckenham club but the ring craft club it is held at the sea cadets hall on ruxley corner on wednesday nights.

Metpol Fan - That's really kind of you. I'll give Beckenham a call and let you know what happens - you never know I might see you there!!!

Not at the obediance club you wont im afraid, the one i go to at ruxley corner is the learn how to show your dog club, but it is part of beckenham dog training club, i may see you at joval when it is up and running again.

I noticed your reply to DB ahout the ring craft classes.  I am desperate to find a local club as my collie will be entered into her first breed show in October.  I have done ring craft but many moons ago!!!  It is my intention to train my son into handling her as I alread do obedience and agility.  He is very keen to do something with her so if you can help by giving me a telephone number I would be very grateful.  Thanks.  Elain.