Hi I am Anne I have two Golden Retrievers, Gemma who was born in April 2007 and Bonnie who was born in August 2008.
I started training with Sarah when Gemma was three months. I wanted to train her as at the time I had an older dog and I wanted Gemma to see the world as an individual rather than part of a pair. Gemma and I really enjoyed training and when we had finished puppy classes I decided that I would like to carry on training to a higher standard. We have passed our Kennel Club Good Citizens Gold Award and are enjoying competing at obedience shows.
We were lucky enough to represent Little Orchard at Crufts 2008 to demonstrate Bronze Good Citizens. This was a brilliant experience for both of us. Gemma loved being the centre of attention while I enjoyed watching the Agility, Heel work to music and competition obedience. It made me realise the fun you can have while training your dog.
I help Sarah and Alex at puppy and bronze training classes meeting lots of different breeds of dogs and their owners it is fascinating watching the personalities developing over the weeks of their course. Gemma is a Tutor dog working with puppies and dogs teaching them how to be sociable and well mannered.
Bonnie is currently working towards her Kennel Club Good Citizens Gold Award and is a really fun loving dog.
Along with Training and support from Sarah and Alex I am researching books and videos from Sarah’s collection.
This year I have completed CAP level 1 at distinction level and CAP level 2 merits which is a certificate in Clicker Training and also completed an Agility Instructors Course.
I’m Michelle and this is my Labrador Bailey.
We began training with Sarah in 2006 when Bailey was 15 weeks old. Starting with puppy classes, we began to build a bond and I realised how much Bailey enjoyed learning and loved to work for me. I also realised how much there was for me to learn.
We both enjoyed puppy classes so much that I decided to go on to do the Bronze Good Citizen class. Since then we have completed Bronze (Aug 06), Silver (Sept 06) and Gold (May 07). Bailey and I are also now on the Little Orchard demonstration team and are learning advanced heelwork to music. We have also started competing in obedience shows and are having a great time. I have been able to make a very strong bond with my dog and I know he is happy and enjoys life because I have taken the time to understand what he needs and wants and have provided these things in a way he understands.
Once I had passed Bronze with Bailey I joined the Little Orchard team. I wanted to learn as much as I could and also help other owners to get as much out of their pets as I have. I began helping with puppy classes and then helped with Bronze and Silver classes to. I love working with both puppies and older dogs. All have their own ways of learning things. I also teach the starters agility. It is great to see the owners and their dog progress through the ten weeks. Bailey also tutors at social club where he teaches dogs how to live happily with other dogs and us humans. In March 09 I completed CAP level 1 at distinction level without loosing any marks. CAP 1 is a certificate in Clicker Training. In May 09 I achieved a Merit in level 2. At present I am working through an Agility Instructors Course to further my knowledge in Agility.
Working for Sarah has made me realise how little you can know when getting a puppy or dog and how working together using positive, fun training methods can make your time together great. I am a student veterinary nurse and as my interests lie in behaviour working with Bailey and Sarah is helping towards my qualification but also it helps me understand my patients.
Hello I’m Emma, and this is my dog Cyril the whippet.
Like Sarah, I’m a qualified Veterinary Nurse and have always maintained a keen interest in animal behaviour especially in dogs and rabbits.
I first met Sarah and the Little Orchard team in 2006 when I started taking Cyril to Social Club. Here he learnt canine communication skills and training around distractions. Being a whippet from the hound group this has been a real challenge that I have found difficult at times but very rewarding.
We also went on to pass Puppy Classes, Bronze, Silver and Gold levels of the Kennel Club Good Citizen’s dog scheme.
Cyril's training is continuing and we are currently attending agility which we both enjoy.
After seeing the quality of training offered by Little Orchard I was delighted when Sarah asked if I would like to join the training team. With no hesitation I said yes and I’m really enjoying assisting at classes and seeing both the dogs and humans develop their skills and relationships together and having fun in the process.
I am helping on Puppy and Bronze courses at the moment with the support of Sarah and Alex. In the future I hope to continue to develop my interest in Dog Training and am researching and learning new things all the time.
I’m Beki and these are my dogs Seamus and Buddy. I started training Seamus with Little Orchard in Jan 07 when he was 13 weeks old progressing through the Good Citizen Dog Award Scheme and passing the Gold Award in May 2008. We have then gone on to do Agility, Advanced Agility, Obedience and Working Trial Training.
Our latest addition in December 2008 is Buddy, he is currently working towards the Good Citizen Gold level after successfully passing his Bronze and Silver levels in 2009, and has thoroughly enjoyed completing his first courses in agility and obedience. He and Seamus are both part of the demonstration team with me and my partner Martin.
I love working with the dogs and seeing them enjoy themselves so much and through the social club I have gained fascinating insights into their behaviour and, due to his temperament, Seamus is a tutor dog at social club where he is especially good with nervous dogs.
I really enjoy assisting with the puppies as, at this young age, they are so responsive and it is very rewarding helping teach owners effective, kind and positive learning techniques to help them get the best out of their pets.
I am really interested in the study of canine behaviour and communication and am currently studying the ’Think Dog!’ Intermediate OCN course on canine behaviour and training before I progress onto other courses.
