Looking for group classes for your adult dog? Offered in blocks of 6 weeks on a semi-regular basis, Level Up! gives you and your dog the opportunity to come along and keep training in a fun group environment, with a curriculum focused on strengthening and advancing your existing core skillset. Read all about it below!
Why come to classes?
Perhaps you’ve completed a puppy course or some basic training, and are now looking for the next steps - maybe you want to really level up your existing skillset, or even just want to get back into some training for the fun and social side of things! Whatever your motivation, these could make an excellent addition to your calendar.
How do classes work - is it a course?
No, these classes aren’t going to run like a course. Instead, you’re going to be able to book in blocks of 6 weeks, and over those 6 weeks we’ll be tackling a range of exercises adapted to suit your individual levels and needs. It’s up to you how frequently you might wish to train in terms of booking onto multiple blocks - you may want to keep attending regularly for a long period, or you might prefer to attend every other block offered and have some time off in-between. It’s completely flexible and up to you!
IMDT Partnership Grades 1-6
I’ll be structuring classes in order to take you through the IMDT Partnership Grades, which run from Grade 1 through to Grade 6. Each Grade challenges you to apply set behaviours and skills to increasingly impressive levels, and you don’t have to worry about test-days, as we’ll work together to tick off requirements during classes, so you can be earning your Grades as you go! This is a great way to really see progress as you attend classes, not to mention you’ll have some fancy rosettes to show off each time you earn a new grade!
What we’ll cover
Sit + Stay
Down + Stay
Recall
Loose Lead Walking
Handling
Spin&Twist
Agility (jumps, sendaraounds, sendaways)
Search & Retrieve
Emergency Stop
Meet & Greet
& more!
You’ll be amazed at how far these skills can be pushed!
Who can attend?
These classes are suitable for dogs of any age, but you need to have completed some form of basic-level training with your dog prior to attending, either puppy classes or an obedience course. Please note that all dogs must be accompanied by an adult handler at all times, although younger participants are more than welcome to attend alongside an adult parent or guardian!
Dogs that have been classed as a banned breed ‘type’ and exempted under the DDA are more than welcome in my classes. My insurer, Pet Business Insurance, cover me to work with dogs affected by the DDA, provided that the mandated restrictions are adhered to; you can read about their policy on this here.
Unfortunately, these classes are not suitable for reactive dogs - if your dog is uncomfortable being around other dogs or people then this is going to be a stressful and unpleasant experience for them, and is not the best way to help them tackle their fears and build confidence. If you’ve got a reactive dog and are looking to train, get in touch with me directly and we can talk about solutions!
When & where?
Classes run on Fridays, 7:45-8:45pm, and during each session we’ll work on a range of behaviours and skills that you can enjoy the benefits of for years to come. These classes will be offered in blocks of 6 weeks, with variable gaps in between.
Classes are held at St Edmunds Church, address below:
There is no Church car park, however there is free on-street parking available along the adjacent road, Lower Barn Road.
The nearest bus stops are ‘Lower Barn Road’ and ‘Riddlesdown’ (depending on the direction you’re travelling from!), which are serviced by the 416 and 612 buses.
The nearest train station is Riddlesdown, which is a 5 minute walk from the hall.
How do I book?
Please book using the form at the top of this page! Payment per block of 6 weeks is required upfront, please see the cancellation policy and terms & conditions at time of booking for full information.