Novice/Intermediate Course

The Novice Course is for all dogs who have either completed the Puppy Course, or are over 24 weeks of age. There is no upper age limit. Puppies under 24 weeks of age should attend the Puppy Course before moving on to the Novice/Intermediate level. Puppies who have completed the Puppy Course don’t need to be over 24 weeks of age to attend the Novice Course.
Dogs are also welcome to repeat this course, before moving onto the Advanced Skills level - obviously more will be expected of you and your dog if you repeat, and Kat will give you extension exercises at Intermediate level.

Kat runs the classes in a relaxed and friendly manner - it's crucial that dogs and owners alike enjoy the training and are made to feel relaxed and comfortable. All of the training methods used are positive and reward based. Two people can attend per dog, and we can also allow some small families to attend - Kadarow is inclusive and family-friendly!

The Novice Course is the next stage on from the Puppy Course, as well as being the entry level course for any dog over 24 weeks of age; this can be a very good thing for the development of all puppies and dogs, as mixing with many different dogs from different age groups is great for socialisation.

The Novice Course is for dogs of a reasonably sound temperament. Dogs who show an adverse reaction to being in close contact with other dogs would be better having one-to-one training sessions, prior to attending group classes.

What sort of exercises will be taught during the Novice Course?
The Basic Positions, without the need of a "treat lure" (both with voice command only and hand signal only)
Learning to ignore distractions
Learning the "Wait", "Hold" and "Release" - building up to using this for the "Emergency Stop".
Recall (including the “wait”)
Closer heelwork (on and off lead and at different paces)
Calling away from distraction
The “Leave” (up close and progressing to slight distance)
The “Stay” (for at least one minute)
Door Control (learning not to barge/bolt out through doors)
Controlled walking amongst other people and dogs
Greeting humans (without jumping up!)
The "Send-Away" (starting with going round chairs)

There will be several other exercises included within the course; the above are just a few examples. Kat has written an extensive training manual, which fully complements and supports the course and is included in the course fee - these are handed out during week one of the course.

Class sizes are limited, and tend to book up quickly, so book now to avoid disappointment.

Novice Course Info:

Course Duration:
5 weeks.
Course Venue:
St Edmund Campion Church Hall, Castlepoint, Castle Lane West, Bournemouth, BH8 9TN
Course Fee:
£55
Included in Fee:
5 well structured classes.
Full support paperwork (including an especially written training manual).
Homework each week.
Training Methods Used:
We only use positive, reward-based training here at Kadarow. It is crucial that the dogs feel happy, confident and enjoy their training.
To begin with we encourage the use of "high value" treats, but then also encourage the practice of "random-rewarding" of the treats later on in the course (more will be explained about this during the course).
Toys are also used during some exercises and you will be told when to bring your dog's favourite toy along.
The most important training aid is you, and your body language and voice; praise is crucial.
How Old Should the Dogs Be?
The Novice Course is for all dogs of any age. Any puppy under 24 weeks of age should attend the Puppy Course first.
Class Size:
9
Course Availabilty:
Click on the relevant Novice Course link on this page
How to Book:
Either click on the relevant Novice Course link on this page and follow the checkout instructions, or go to the How To Book page for more detailed instructions (it's advisable to read this page first, especially regarding the different payment instructions).