Gwen Bailey training - advice please

homerk

Hi -

I posted this before but got no responses Crying or Very sad

hope someone can help this time!!!

I am about to enrol Finn in puppy school (www.puppyschool.co.uk), which will begin in two weeks. He is fourteen weeks now and has proved very biddable so far (sitting, almost staying, walking well on lead etc) so we are looking forward to beginning the classes. The classes are part of a scheme run by Gwen Bailey - I just wondered if any of you had experienced the same training or had any opinions?

Thank you

Jodie

homerk · Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2005 9:36 am Post subject:

Any opinions gratefully received!!!

Labshack · Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2005 9:55 am Post subject:

Sorry Jodie I've not heard of Gwen Bailey training why not have a look at APDT website and see if its mentioned? I know a lot of the puppies on here as have mine have done the good citizen dog scheme puppy foundation course and go on to do bronze, silver and gold.

kayc · Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2005 12:24 pm Post subject:

Hi Jodi, Gwen Bailey's book "The Perfect Puppy" is an excellent book, especially for 1st time puppy owners, and even a great fallback for old hands like me.

The instructors at these puppy schools have all been instructed in the 'Gwen Bailey Mould' and the teaching methods I believe are excellent. I have no 1st hand experience of these classes, but have heard nothing but good reports from people who have.

Her methods for training are treat based, ie: withholding treat for unwanted behaviour and treat for good behaviour, along with consistency etc. What I have heard sounds like good solid instruction with good back up and advice for the puppy owners

Unfortunately there are none of these puppy schools in my area, or I would enrol in them just to be able to give an honest 1st hand perspective.

Do let us know how you & Finn get on Smile

homerk · Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2005 2:33 pm Post subject:

Thanks Kay - we begin a week on Monday so will let you know how Finn goes (he is a very biddable boy - but I suspect all our training will be in vain when he meets the other pups!).

The class is run by the receptionist at our vets - she also breeds huskies and has given us loads of advice already.

Thanks for the info.

Jodie

x0xJessx0x · Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2005 2:48 pm Post subject:

Hiya We might take Bailey to puppy school but we are going to watch a lesson before we decide to do and would be great if you could tell us how it is!

NeilMac · Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2005 6:27 pm Post subject:

Hi
We took Finley to Gwen Bailey puppy school and it was fine.
The instructor did seem a bit unprepared/new but all the training methods were as per the book. I can't say we gained very much from it apart from the experience of training with distractions and meeting other first time puppy owners, as we had been clicker training from day one with Finley and he pretty much had the beginnings of the basics down pat, so long as a biscuit was involved. Laughing

Also, the instructor didn't send us our rosette for winner of the fastest recall and sit competition at the end. Sad

Finley was most upset.

However, the basics were all covered and the instructor always made time for each puppy and offered good suggestions.

If you have any more specific questions, please feel free to ask

NicolaL · Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2005 8:13 pm Post subject:

Hi Jodie

We have Gwen Bailey's book and have found it invaluable (along with Lab Forums of course!).

I hadn't heard about The Puppy School so it was very interesting to have a look at the site you posted. Sadly, they do not cover Cambridgeshire, but I assume this is quite a new concept and they may well increase their coverage as and when they train instructors etc.

We took Smudge to a local training 'school' and it was great for socialising him. It didn't get a very good attendance level sadly, and Smudge was the only one there on the last evening! Perhaps his antics drove everyone away!