Sunday 13 November 2011

Wednesday 9 November 2011

Is the trainer always right or always wrong?

Is the trainer always right or always wrong?

Although this was originally written regarding sheepdog training it applies to any given task.

Generally when a trainer gives advice to a handler it is for that split second only. Thereafter if the sheep move, dog moves you move, the weather changes, other sheep come into play the original advice no longer applies to the same extent.
Training regimes need to be flexible to allow for the state of a dog's mind.
If eg you try and get a dog to flank square and it keeps cutting in, the chances are that you are failing. The more you fail the more you will upset your dog and cause confusion. Once your dog enters a confused state of mind following the same tact as before will only lead to further confusion. Being flexible allows for an empathetic approach. By looking at the eyes, ears, tail carraige as well as the whole you are better placed to make the changes that are necessary.

The advice that a trainer gives is usually for that second only based on his/her perceptions. My concept of opposites provides a big clue in how to solve problems.
It is normal to work towards a goal however the moment your actions cause an adverse reaction in your dog the goal has to be achieved in a different way. Constant pressure without release causes a breakdown in communication and a willingness for the dog to want to work.

A trainer will normally focus on the whole as well as the individual parts whereas a handler may only focus on the dog.

In many cases advice/actions that succeeds also

BERTIE XMAS PARTY INVITE




OFFICIAL INVITE

Where cheating is a club tradition!!!


Dog fancy dress competition!
Best Trick!
Games & a quiz

Wednesday 14th December

Arrive from 7pm for 7:30pm start to 9:30pm

All invited – the more the merrier

Dog must be of sound mind but not necessary for the owner!

Book your place
£1 per person to purchase drinks n snacks

Sunday 16 October 2011

PEEPODAY NEAR HAYFIELD

Arrived at the trial with proceedings halted due to fog. An hour or so later it lifted to gradually reveal a sunny day for most of the day. When I left Skye was 4th with the sheep difficult on the turn but manageable and difficult to pen as they always seem to be at this trial. Mac was unlucky to have his outrun interupted by the handlers at the top sending their dog round the sheep to bring them back onto the letting out post just before he arrived. Unfortunately Mac was drawn in and the sheep were already upset . The fetch was not good but he receovered well up to the crossdrive gates after which one ewe decided she did not want to play and set of on her own agenda. I wasted no further time and let the others try their luck.

Trials are drawing to a close at the moment which is a shame as this is the first time in ages I have spent so much time training my own dogs all year and the improvement is evident, even if lady luck has her loyalty misplaced at the moment.

Two more trial left. Skye and Mac have both qualified for the Midshires Championship but unfortunately I have work commitments in Devon. Pity the more sheep Mac has to play with the better he runs.

Speaking to a number of handlers this week who have competed at the early Derbyshire nurseries the sentiment has been clear from some: "I wish I hadn't have taken my dog to nurseries as more harm was done than good" Sheep have a way of teasing young dogs and provoking mistakes - maturity sometimes brings a better set of tools enabling young dogs to cope better.

On second thoughts I will keep Jake at home for a few weeks more.

Coming week changes

Hi

Please remember training is on Wednesday this week Beginnes 7:00-8:00 and Intermediates 8:30-9:30pm.

Friday 30 September 2011

KENNEL COUGH UPDATE - DISGUST !!

A very big thanks you to Mike Thorn  (Country Vet) for not only coming out to Church Langton yesterday but also for being generous in offering a greater than 50% discount on the price of the vaccination. His efforts were appreciated by the dog owners that came. Some poeple declined the offer as they had already booked in with their own vet later in the week. The average cost of a kennel cough vaccine is between £32-£37 pounds according to our research.

One lady asked me if she thought her vet would be upset if she had her kc jab elsewhere for £15. I pointed out that if he cared for her dog's welfare he would have offered a generous discount in the first place. I have been informed this week that the mark up on animal drugs is about 400% but have yet to see the evidence, although most people who farm will tell you that this is a true reflection.

One bertie member rang me to ask if while she was bringing her dogs for a vaccination Mike would mind looking at a growth that one of the dogs had. Last year she had a similar growth removed for about £200 plus and the same operation this year was quoted at £500 plus. Not only that but she was also charged a consultation fee of £26. Mike examined thoroughly, wanting to make sure his diagnosis was accurate and confirmed he had removed a smimilar lump (a wart) on a labrador at a local farm for £15 but if the dog was take to the surgery the cost would be £80. I wonder if this lady's vet will be upset if she goes to another vet? By the way Mike did not charge her for this consultation.

Recession or not we keep paying out for vet fees and they keep taking the money.

Just for good measure Mike was brilliant with both the dogs and also the owners, something that many people report is lacking from their vet.

Next year we will organise a clinic before a problem arises.

Monday 26 September 2011

KENNEL COUGH VACCINATION ON THURSDAY

There will be a clinic at Church Langton car park on Thursday from 6:30 pm. Please email me on nij@bertiedogs.com or telephone me as soon as possible  on 07530 439 561 if you wish to attend. The cost has been significantly reduced to less than half the price to £15 cash only, as there will be no other facility to take card payments.

Members in both beginner classes from church Langton should please note that classes for this week have been cancelled. If your dog is not vaccinated it is advisable that you get them vaccinated.

Wednesday 21 September 2011

FAO Church Langton Beginner and Intermediates re Kennel Cough

Hi

as advised previously the beginner talk is to be brought forward for this week and and the Intermediates will not run this week. If your dog has contracted kennel cough please ensure that prior to coming to the club that you  avoid  close contact with your dog or change immediately before leaving to avoid carrying the virus. Generally the virus cannot survive on leaving th host animal but in rare cases it does not die instantly. Your help in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

If anyone in the intermediates wishes to attend the course you wold be welcome. We will advise about any enforced closures next week.

KENNEL COUGH VACCINATION OFFER

Hi

I have managed to negotiate a KC vaccination deal with a vet practice for £15 only. Most vets charge in excess of £30 and their normal charge is £17:50 . They have also advised that if your dog has already got KC then there is little point vaccinating against it although some dogs may need antibiotics.

If you are interested would you please let me know as soon as possible so I can make arrangements. This offer is for Oadby and Church Langton members. I will be loking to arrange a session out at Church Langton as this would be equidistant.

On a brighter note I have had pizza and puppy for lunch, only ate the pizza by the way. Tess has given birth to a male pup, very striking and well marked. Thanks to the miracle of technology I was able to do a home visit this morning while keeping an eye on her via web cam

Tuesday 20 September 2011

previous kennel cough update only applies to church langton members

KENNEL COUGH UPDATE

Having spoken to a vet this morning I can confirm that the information given in our handout is still applicable although I would clarify that after the coughing has stopped, in the some cases dogs can still be infectious for up to two weeks. In extreme cases this can extend to up to three months.

If your dog has not been vaccinated against kennel cough and contracts the disease it is worth having the vaccination immediately as it will help to shorten the length of the infection. In the vast number of cases there is nothing to be worried about and only the very young and old dogs can sometimes have  complications.

I am currently awaiting further advice from a vet regarding a safe vaccinating programme. I have attempted to contact all the members from the Church Langton club however one member has not completed the contact details on the form and as such this makes it difficult for us to make contact. If anyone has not heard from us would you please get in touch.


The proposed plan is that the Beginners will have a talk this week with no dogs being present, which was scheduled for next week and the Intermedates will close. Members will be advised as and when new information becomes available. If in the meantime your dog does contract kc then please inform us and seek veterinary help. It would also be a good idea to use the following:

1 Denes Garlic tablets

2 Apple Cider Vinegar in the drinking water

3 Colloidal Silver either sprayed directly into the mouth or in the drinking water. See our links page and if ordering mention me and the club.

Monday 19 September 2011

KENNEL COUGH

Hi]
further to my previous blog there have now been several cases of kennel cough reported around the market harborough area so if you have any doubt what soever please keep your dog at home. Further would members please refrai from allowing their dogs to meet other dogs, as a safety precuation to minimise the chances of dogs contracting kc.

If you have any concerns polease conslt your vets.

Thursday 15 September 2011

WARNING RE KENNEL COUGH

I have been informed by one of our members that their dog has contracted Kennel Cough. All members have received a handout on KC however if you are in any doubt please inform us . Don't worry about the training as we can always support you with One-One training on return. Also There is no reason why you cannot attend without your dog and if they are well enough continue to train them at home.

If in doubt ring me on ASAP.

Saturday 10 September 2011

Bertie Intermediates Fridays

The intermediates last night were on fire, which isn't always the case after the summer holidays. I have not seen the dogs so well behaves and can only assume that either people have been working extra hard, are very lucky or there is a new additive put in the dog's food. Either way it was very impressive.

We also started our new beginner class and there are still places if anyopne is thinking of joining us. One of our trainers will spend one-one time with you to ensure you catch up. Give us a ring or pass this message on.

Friday 9 September 2011

New Class at Church Langton

Welcome to our new members at CH Langton - We started a new 7 week course for our Beginners and Intermediate classes. I really must thanks our regulars in the Intermediate class for supporting us and being so commited to their dogs.

May I appologise for the disruption to our website and if you follow the website regularly please ensure you clear your cache as there have been a number of changes made recently and you may well be reading old, offline content.

There are many new elements such as a new gallary, online enrolment and greater information about the services we offer.

Might I remind the beginers that there will be a talk on week 4 so no dog that evening. Feel free howver to bring bisuits, we will provide the hot drinks.

There is also going to be an outdoor sheep social course on October 1st and places will be limited to 6 Details ot follow.

We are also missing some enrolment forms so if you have not completed one would you please download one from the website  or use the online form so we have your contact details.

See below

http://www.bertiedogs.com/enrol-here.php

Wednesday 24 August 2011

Bertie members brave the rain that stopped

Yes once again it threw it down but once the classes started it stopped raining. Thanks to all the members who soldiered on regardless and those that trained with the night light at Brockshill. Just to remind members we will be starting back indoors on the 7th Wednesday for the Intermediate One class from 7:30 and Friday 9th for the Intermediate two class from 8:30. please don't forget the biscuits, we supply the tea and coffee.

It has been my favourite summer course ever and there are some photos on our new website from the summer.

We are also enrolling now for the Oadby Beginners class commencing 9th Sept at 7:00pm. To enrol follow the link below:

http://www.bertiedogs.com/enrol-here.php

To find out more  follow: http://www.bertiedogs.com/dog-courses.html

Tuesday 23 August 2011

Bertie Blog: Bertie New website

Bertie Blog: Bertie New website: I have now launched the new website and true to form there are some minor teeting problems. If you come across any problems would you please...

Bertie New website

I have now launched the new website and true to form there are some minor teeting problems. If you come across any problems would you please inform me so I can put them right. There are many new features including this blog, a new gallery and more information. Enrolling is now much easier with either a downloadable form or an online form. Members can also leave feedback for us and many of the reviews we receive are also posted. Please take a look and let me have your thoughts. Nij

Monday 22 August 2011

Langton Change Intermediates only

The Thursday night Intermediate will now be at the hall at Church Langton due to the nights drawing in The time is 8:30 as before. Please pass on this message if you know of anyone that may be coming.

Sunday 7 August 2011

THANKS

Big Big thank you to Dean, Marie and Kamil for holding the fort this week at Oadby and Stonton Wyville.

Bertie Blog: Bertie Dog Training closed this week

Bertie Blog: Bertie Dog Training closed this week: "Both venues - Oadby and Langtons are closed this week. Normal services will resume the following week."

Bertie Dog Training closed this week

Both venues  - Oadby and Langtons are closed this week. Normal services will resume the following week.

Wednesday 27 July 2011

New course today

We started our second summer course today. It was a lovely class with lovely quiet dogs. Please note that the club will be closed on the 10th August for all classes.

The new website is almost complete with the exception of dates for the diary where we are still waiting for confirmation to use Brockshill as a venue. These will be posted soon.

If any Bertie members are reading this please sign into this blog and support us.

Tuesday 19 July 2011

New Course 27th July

Bertie are now enrolling for their course commencing 27th July at Brockshill. Please look at previous blog message for details of the talk on Sundaywhich new members should attend.

The website is nearly complete , just making the final checks.

Sunday 17 July 2011

Bertie Website

I am currently working on a new website design and hope to launch it very soon. It will be a lot more informative and hopefull easier to navigate around.

Saturday 16 July 2011

Bertie Blog: Understanding your dog and New Beginner Course

Bertie Blog: Understanding your dog and New Beginner Course: "There will be a talk on 'understanding your dog' on Sunday 24th July commencing at 11:00am until 12:30 pm. The event is free of charge. We a..."

Understanding your dog and New Beginner Course

There will be a talk on "understanding your dog" on Sunday 24th July commencing at 11:00am until 12:30 pm. The event is free of charge. We are also enrolling now for a new course commencing 27th July at Brockshill Visitor Centre at 7:00pm. Please email for further detaisl on: nij@bertiedogs.com or check out our website on www.bertiedogs.com

Bertie Dog Training Langton Group

We started our new beginner course this week which is outdoors. We still have places so if you know anyone that may want a place please let them know. Details can be obtained from http://www.bertiedogs.com/