Welcome Pack

Hello & Welcome šŸ‘‹

Ahead of sessions, I like to invite new handlers to head over to our privateĀ Facebook groupĀ introductory post to welcome those of you joining us!Ā 

Share a photo of your dog and tell your classmates a little bit about you both.

(The Training Team & I love to see them too!)

Here is the link to join the Pack:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/angliandogworksmembersgroup

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This is also where I will share any photos/videos taken during sessions and one of the places you can hear about members' events.Ā Ā 

I would like to encourage members to share your photos/videos taken during sessions too āœØļø ADW is a community, and it's always great to see you shareĀ your and classmatesā€™ progress in/out of classĀ šŸ“ø

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Did you know dogs wearing yellow need space?

  • It could be because they're anxious, reactive, in training, or recovering from an injury.
  • Please respect the space of dogs inĀ yellow, owners, you might need to step in to reinforce this.
  • Assume ALL dogs, whether wearing yellow or not, need space until told otherwise by their handler.Ā 
  • If the dogs and handlers are happy to be approached, feel free to do friendly meet and greets by ensuring that dogs meet nose to nose, or nose to butt (no dogs leering over one another). Allow them to say hello for a few seconds then call them back to you for a fuss and reward. This keeps you as their favourite and avoids dogs getting hooked on play and getting frustrated or struggling to focus when they can't go to see other dogs during training.
Anglian Dog Works Thea wears yellow because she has arthritis and it hurts if dogs bump her when trying to play.
Giving her space keeps her pain and anxiety-free so we can both enjoy our walksĀ 
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Housekeeping:

  • Please arrive no more than 10 minutes before the class and stay in the car parking area; 15 minutes are blocked off after reactive dog sessions, but any dogs free running in the session before yours can find new arrivals a challenge.
  • Please keep dogs onĀ standard-length leads at all times unless it's their turn on the equipment.

  • Dogs that cannot be reliably recalled away from other dogs must be kept under control by keeping hold of them using a lead or long line in all group situations unless separated by a fence.

    This prevents them from making mistakes and rehearsing the wrong behaviour.

    Plus, gives other attendees the space they may need to feel settled and confident at group training (such as those with anxious or reactive dogs).

  • There is nowhere to dispose of poo bags so please take them home with you.
  • Do not let dogs wee against equipment or throw treats into the tunnel as it can be very distracting for the dogs that use it next.
  • We only have access to toilets and facilities at Balsham when running special events, not general classes.

Training kit to bring:

  • Collar or harness
  • Fixed length lead with a soft loop handle
  • Treat Pouch
  • At least two handfuls of high-value food rewards cut into ā€˜pea-sizedā€™ pieces (chicken/sausage/cheese/pate work best)

Depending on how close the session is to your dog's usual mealtime and howĀ food-motivated your dog is, I would suggest, feeding your dog a half portion, and using some of their food allowance in your training session.

  • If your dog cannot be recalled reliably when off lead so will need to work with a lead on, please consider a "grab tab/traffic lead". These short training leads hand 30cm under your dog's collar or harness and can be grabbed if your dog makes a break for it, but don't get in the way or caught over obstacles risking injury like a regular length lead. Cutting an old lead can work just as well as anĀ off-the-shelf one like the example below:
https://angliandogworks.com/products/houndagrips
  • Items such as toys and long lines will be available to borrow should you need them, however, if you would like to bring your own, please do. I'd suggestĀ twoĀ toys that you can both get involved with, not something possessive like a ball.Ā They will need to be non-squeak if used in a group class.

Please note: Anglian Dog Works discourage the use of extendable leads as they can cause injury and slip leads, figure-of-8 leads or head-harnesses because they are not in line withĀ The Institute of Modern Dog Trainers Code of Ethics, the professional body we're a member of.

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Minimising the sound disturbance to our neighbours on site:

(Particularly important for evening sessions)

While the odd bark is to be expected, if you think your dog may bark a lot during a session, please flag this to your trainer before attending.

With the high-drive dogs that we meet during training, barking often stems from their want to get going, so if you are unable to bring a helper to walk them while they wait for their turns, please bring enrichment items with you such as small biscuits to hide for them to snuffle out of the grass or squeezy peanut butter/cheese put into the end of a Kong as engaging their nose and licking are both actions which naturally lower arousal levels and will help them with their excitement.

A crate, mat or even a ground stake can be great if your dog may need space or some downtime in a group setting.

Use a crate covered in a blanket, or ask your trainer if it is appropriate to have your car nearby if your dog will find a setup like this settling. Please take and implement appropriate safety considerations for yourĀ carĀ e.g. secure crates, blankets/vet bed and shade.

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Directions:

Check your confirmation email for details of which venue you have booked.

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Balsham

Anglian Dog Works, Dotterell Hall Farm, Cambridge Road, Balsham, CB214AQ

As with many rural areas, the address for the farm isnā€™t accurate enough to the specify precise location.Ā 

Click the icons in interactive map below for step-by-step instructions up to the field from the gateway, or screenshot the directionsĀ underneath to refer back to.

You can use the ā€˜What3Wordsā€™ App orĀ WebsiteĀ which gives a unique combination of three words to help you find and navigate to the 3 metre square by the entrance gate instead. Search ///hiding.massing.hazelnuts, click 'Navigate' & the programme you use for your Satnav; itā€™ll be set up with the destination pre-populated as the gateway location.

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directions to field

Barton:Ā 

Positive Paws,Ā Foxcote Farm,Ā Comberton Road,Ā Barton,Ā Cambridge, CB23 7BAĀ 

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How to Book Memberā€™s Training

BecauseĀ these sessions are private and unavailable to the public, you must use a unique direct scheduling link to browse and book.

It can be found:

  • In this website's navigation bar: 'members training'

  • Linked in our social media bio: 'members training'.

  • Pinned in the 'featured' section of the Private Facebook Group

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I would encourage you to DOWNLOAD their free app on your phone:

https://gymcatch.app.link/download

I have found this more intuitive.

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If you haven't booked a class on this platform before, you will first need to setup an account.Ā 

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Guidance

Gymcatchā€™s Help page/Tutorials

https://support.gymcatch.com/en/articles/4757161-book-and-pay

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Emmaā€™s Video walkthrough on Facebook