Days & Times

We run Shires K9 Club on two nights each week.

One night is held purely for obedience training. We are able to run several classes to accomodate people who are at different levels.

On the other night we hold a puppy socialisation session, followed by ringcraft or training for the show ring.

You are more than welcome to turn up on the night, however if you do, please bring with you your dogs' current vaccination certificate.

We do have a membership and class fees, for more information please contact one of our Instructors, or complete our contact form.

Puppy Socialisation - 7pm - 7.45pm

We hold this session indoors in a secure supervised area. Puppies are encouraged to play with each other, and also mix with people. We also go through normal puppy behaviour, like mouthing, barking, etc and try to advise on how to stop it and also start with basic commands like sit and come so your puppy gets used to listening to you. This session is open for puppies who have had their second vaccination up until they are six months. If you want to start obedience training beforehand, then we would suggest that you do at least several socialisation classes.

Ringcraft - 8pm - 9.30pm

We try to train the handler as much as the dog, and spend as much time with you to try and make the dog look his best! Showing your dog does consist of moving the dog so we do try to incorporate moving the dog on it's own and also with other dogs. Ring etiquette is also part of ringcraft, and is explained as the night goes on and different exercises are performed. Instructors will 'go over' the dog during the night to get the dog used to different people being near it and to stand still while there are hands on the dog. Show schedules are also available.

Obedience - From 6.45pm

We hold several classes during the course of the evening. There are two beginner classes, an intermediate class, and an advanced class.

  In the beginner classes, we put alot of emphasis on socialisation. Socialisation takes place through heel work and also exercises designed to bring dogs closer to each other in a controlled situation. Dogs are taught to sit, go down, stay and to come on command. The beginner classes are done entirely on the lead.

  The intermediate classes is where is becomes a little more taxing! Once your dog has some grasp of the basic commands, we can then start to do some exercises off the lead, positions on the move and also start to further the distances and positions during the stays. Heel work is still a part of this class, but different paces are now used too. The retrieve is now part of this class, but in a fun copacity. The advanced class is for people that can do all of the above to a high standard. You must have complete control over your dog off the lead. We can now start to do more advanced exercises, like send-a-ways, scent cloths etc.