Dogs United Training Academy

29/07/2024

It’s not how far you fall, but how high you bounce that counts.” - Zig Ziglar

With most of our friends returning from their Nationals agility competition in NSW, we were back at it this weekend in WA!

Sunday was packed with lots of agility fun, but not results for either Jules or I. Between us we had 10 runs and 0 clears with our girls Dibley and Queenie. Despite a less than successful day of competition as far as ‘results’ go, we had a good day connecting with our girls and walked away happy with most of our efforts.

I have decided to share mine and Dibley’s last run of the day, in an effort to balance out our FB posts, in effect keeping it real!

We have a tendency to post all the best bits, I guess social media is driven by this but I’m conscious that this isn’t a true reflection of our agility journey, certainly in competition.

There are many ‘runs’ where things don’t go as planned, we make mistakes, are distracted and just don’t seem to get things together, just no one gets to see them (apart from our agility friends).

So here it is ‘warts and all’ - I had to wake Dibley up from the car to do this run she was pretty tired, struggled to focus on the start line, slipped before the weavers, slowed down in her weaves, broke her dog walk contact (and I didn’t reset her!), I called tunnel for the tyre, and heart breaking Dibs dropped the last bar…….

For our Dogs United clients and friends, moral of this story, sometimes despite all the investment in time, effort and training it’s not your day, things go wrong - you are not alone we all have those days, keep investing that time and effort the rewards are there for those that keep showing up.

Shared with love, Rach & Dibley Doodah

29/07/2024

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Come join all the puppy fun at Dogs United! Our July classes have all SOLD out!

Next classes start on 27th August!

At Dogs United Training Academy we strive to provide a wonderful start to your life with your new puppy!

This is an important time in your puppy's life, a time where their first experiences help set them up for success later in life.
As a veterinarian I see a lot of puppies and the biggest mistake people make is to think that their puppy won't benefit from classes because they live with another dog or they wait until after the last vaccination to book. EVERY puppy will benefit from a well run early class regardless of vaccination status or lifestyle, this is a SUPER important time in a puppy's development and you only get that opportunity once in their lifetime.

Each of our puppy courses are designed to expose them to a great learning environment. We offer both preschool and high school courses that cater to puppies of different ages, located in a warm dry hall.

If you have a puppy and want to get off to a great start contact us today and we can guide you to the best course option.

DATES & LOCATIONS of Julys classes:
#1 Preschool Tuesday 27th August 6pm - Location central Armadale High.

#2 High School Tuesday 27th August 7.15pm - Location central Armadale

Contact us via FB messenger or email [email protected] for more information or to book.

22/07/2024

PUPPY HIGH SCHOOL - Starts soon!

Have you finished Puppy Preschool classes and are left wondering where to next? Or have you missed out on Puppy Preschool classes and looking for a new class to join? Puppy High School is what you are looking for!

Join us with your fully vaccinated puppy (14wks - 6mths of age) for this fun and engaging course. Over four weeks we will help you to teach your puppy the foundations of some important life skills in a way that makes learning fun for you both!

One of the things I love most about this course is seeing the relationship grow between a puppy and their family, learning to connect despite the competing distractions of other dogs and people is a hard skill for any puppy to learn, but one worth lots of practice as you start to explore the wider world together.

If you decide to join us we are located inside a warm hall in central Armadale starting Tuesday 30th July at 7.15pm. Contact us via messenger or email [email protected] to find out more information or to book.

CLASS NOW FULL. Next course starts 27th August

15/07/2024

Come join all the puppy fun at Dogs United!
Next classes start on 30th July!

At Dogs United Training Academy we strive to provide a wonderful start to your life with your new puppy!

This is an important time in your puppy's life, a time where their first experiences help set them up for success later in life.
As a veterinarian I see a lot of puppies and the biggest mistake people make is to think that their puppy won't benefit from classes because they live with another dog or they wait until after the last vaccination to book. EVERY puppy will benefit from a well run early class regardless of vaccination status or lifestyle, this is a SUPER important time in a puppy's development and you only get that opportunity once in their lifetime.

Each of our puppy courses are designed to expose them to a great learning environment. We offer both preschool and high school courses that cater to puppies of different ages.

If you have a puppy and want to get off to a great start contact us today and we can guide you to the best course option.

DATES & LOCATIONS of Julys classes:

#1 Preschool Tuesday 30th July 6pm - Location central Armadale High. NOW FULL! Next class starts 27th August - CLASS NOW FULL

#2 High School Tuesday 30th July 7.15pm - Location central Armadale - CLASS NOW FULL

Next courses start on 27th August!

Contact us via FB messenger or email [email protected] for more information or to book.

15/07/2024

Dibs and I had a great weekend playing agility this weekend! The sun was shining and Dibs was on fire in this game called Helter Skelter, her weaves are really improving now and this lovely course was Judged by Jules so that was extra special 🙌🙌🙌 Thank you to Kelby Faulds for filming!

14/07/2024

Happy Birthday to our amazing Dogs United trainer Kelby! Hope your Finn boy spoils you rotten today! ❤️

09/07/2024

Wishing all our agility friends a wonderful nationals competition in NSW this week! May you run fast and clear with a little bit of Lady Luck on your side ❤️🙌

24/06/2024

JULY PUPPY SCHOOLS STARTING SOON!

At Dogs United Training Academy we strive to provide a wonderful start to your life with your new puppy!

This is an important time in your puppy's life, a time where their first experiences help set them up for success later in life.
As a veterinarian I see a lot of puppies and the biggest mistake people make is to think that their puppy won't benefit from classes because they live with another dog or they wait until after the last vaccination to book. EVERY puppy will benefit from a well run early class regardless of vaccination status or lifestyle, this is a SUPER important time in a puppy's development and you only get that opportunity once in their lifetime.

Each of our puppy courses are designed to expose them to a great learning environment. We offer both preschool and high school courses that cater to puppies of different ages.

If you have a puppy and want to get off to a great start contact us today and we can guide you to the best course option.

DATES & LOCATIONS of Julys classes:

* Preschool Tuesday 2nd July 6pm - Location central Armadale High - CLASS FULL
* High School Tuesday 2nd July 7.15pm - Location central Armadale - 2 PLACES LEFT

Contact us via FB messenger or email [email protected] for more information or to book.

24/06/2024

League Level 1 registrations are now open!

Course STARTS Wednesday 10th July located in Southern River.

These popular and fun classes are now in their fourth year, come join the fun with your dog learning new and important life skills and deepen your relationship and connection with your fury best friend!

Details:
* 9wk course, starting Wed 10th July
* Held in a secure, members only location
* Positive reinforcement training
* Qualified IMDT coaches
* Limited class numbers to ensure positive experience for all
* Create a training language between you and your dog
* Learn important life skills in a fun and supportive environment
* The only prerequisite for the course is that your dog is comfortable around other dogs.

* 8am class - Several places still available
* 6pm class - Several places still available

Every journey begins with a single step, let us help you take that step with your furry best friend!

Message us via Facebook or email [email protected] for more information or to book.

Happy Training!

24/06/2024

League levels GRADUATION last week! 🙌
Congratulations to all our teams who took part in the courses! We are proud of you all for doing more with your dogs and building that all important connection!

New classes start 10th July. Contact us for more information 🐶

19/06/2024

We are so excited to see the wonderful book Runt by Craig Silvey come to life on screen with some of the brilliant and amazing agility dogs from Perth! Rachel and Jules were very lucky to be a small part in helping this project happen ❤️

PerthNow was given an exclusive first look at the big screen adaptation of Craig Silvey’s beloved kids book Runt, which was shot late last year in Perth and the Wheatbelt town of York.

18/06/2024

Another great weekend trial for team Queenie!
The last clear for her Jumping excellent TITLE and first place 🙌🙌🙌

Off to masters they go! On a roll now! ❤️❤️❤️

11/06/2024

JULY PUPPY SCHOOLS ARE NOW OPEN FOR BOOKING!

At Dogs United Training Academy we strive to provide excellence in ALL our training classes and our puppy classes are a top priority.

This is an important time in your puppy's life, a time where their first experiences help set them up for success later in life.

As a veterinarian I see a lot of puppies and the biggest mistake people make is to think that their puppy won't benefit from classes because they live with another dog or they wait until after the last vaccination to book. EVERY puppy will benefit from a well run early class regardless of vaccination status or lifestyle, this is a SUPER important time in a puppy's development and you only get that opportunity once in their lifetime.

Each of our puppy courses are designed to expose them to a great learning environment. We offer both a preschool and high school course that cater to different ages.

If you have a puppy and want to get off to a great start contact us today and we can guide you to the best course option.

DATES & LOCATIONS of upcoming classes:

* Preschool Tuesday 2nd July 6pm - Location central Armadale

* High School Tuesday 2nd July 7.15pm - Location central Armadale

06/06/2024

‘Success is not final. Failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts’ Winston Churchill

Dibley and I had a blast at the state agility championships 2024. She gave her all and we played the game as a connected in sync team - that feeling is unbeatable!

Our third month in masters jumping we had yet to crack a clear round, at the states she ran four masters courses and cleared three! WOW she loved the courses open and flowing lines suit her so much, thank you to the judges! She not only cleared those rounds she placed in second and third in the Saturday qualifying rounds earning us a spot in the finals which we cleared to come third!

She also earned a first place in excellent agility and a spot in the finals where I unfortunately let her down in the final run home - sorry Dibs 🤦‍♀️

We walked away from the states 2024 exhaustingly happy with our efforts, running clean connected runs and being competitive in our class especially now we’re playing with the big kids, that feels pretty good!

So proud of you Dibley Doodah looking forward to all that 2024 has to offer us! Love you baby girl ❤️

A massive shout out to Linda Haggie Snaps Photography for always capturing our girls and our connection with them so beautifully ❤️

04/06/2024

'Although she be but little, she is fierce’

What an amazing time Jules and Queenie had at the State Agility Championships on the weekend!

Saturday afternoon saw them win their novice agility run earning them both a place in the finals and their title, which means they have graduated to excellent agility!

Late Sunday night between the showers they both stepped out for their final run with determination and heart to run a clear round and win! Queenie is now State Novice Agility 400 champion!

We are all so proud of their achievement! Driving that Ferrari has come with blood sweat and tears at times, but one thing that shone on Sunday night was their connection.

Thank you to Linda from Haggie Snaps Photography for these wonderful images ❤️

28/05/2024

What awesome feedback from one of our clients who has dedicated a lot of time early in Harvey’s life to training that means they get to share many adventures together, it is at the heart of what and why we do what we do! GO TEAM HARVEY 🙌🙌🙌

“Hey Jules, just wanted to share this video with you. Check out our Harvey (11months now) just sitting chilled while we sit and have a coffee this morning.

Thanks to all the team for all the guidance from puppy preschool, high school and Bronze level.
When getting a dog our aim was to have a dog that could be part of our everyday life and activities and be able to bring him with us. We are living our dream.

Thank you all so much!”

20/05/2024

What a bunch of good looking dogs! ❤️
A busy and fun weekend was had with these guys playing Agility on Saturday and Scent work on Sunday 🙌❤️

Jules and I are so proud of them all for their individual talents and motivation to learn. Whilst they all walked away with a pretty rosette or two once again the biggest wins were found outside the competition ring, facing their individual challenges with optimism and determination. There is no doubt we have a busy household, sometimes it’s like organised chaos but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Ps one of the hardest things we did this weekend was take this photo! 🤣 show us your group photos! Blooper in the comments section to show it isn’t always perfect 🤣

13/05/2024

PUPPY SCHOOLS STARTING SOON!

Preschool and High school classes starting Tuesday 4th June.

Uniquely designed and delivered classes with your puppy’s specific development stage in mind.

PRESCHOOL course for puppy’s aged 8 - 15wks. Starts 4th June 6pm central Armadale. 4wk course. CLASS FULL.

HIGH SCHOOL course for puppy’s aged 16wks - 6mths, starts 4th June at 7.15pm central Armadale. 4wk course. 3 SPOTS LEFT.

Come join us for lots of fun and learning with your new puppy! We are passionate about getting you off to the very best start together and building foundations that will last a lifetime.

Message us here on Facebook or email [email protected] to find out more and book your place. Class numbers are strictly limited.

29/04/2024

If anyone is interested in the sport of agility there is a trail this coming Sunday hosted by the Agility Club of WA they are looking for stewards to help out, no experience necessary and lunch provided. This is a great way to learn about the sport with a Birds Eye view of all the action. Sign up link below ❤️

https://volunteersignup.org/9T3QW?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1KZRZ1DwEdzyjrFvqkvJhJ9ZswESbIYV92t5EoqqX506ymouUmFoswSYI_aem_AacbDt6Edysoiuwnb-GVAeSupE6FNZEeMn82wJ0X6nK4NKgngPQxEM23Hlv145MS8tum6yq5DCJkTj6TFzxEbNZx

Volunteer signup sheet

22/04/2024

Puppy Schools!

At Dogs United Training Academy we strive to provide excellence in all our training classes and our puppy classes are a top priority. This is an important time in your puppy's life, a time where their first experiences help set them up for success later in life.

Each of our puppy courses are designed to expose them to a great learning environment. We offer both a preschool and high school course that cater to different ages.

If you have a puppy and want to get off to a great start contact us today and we can guide you to the best course option.

DATES & LOCATIONS of upcoming classes:
Preschool Tuesday 7th of May - based in Armadale

High School Tuesday 7th of May - based in Armadale *CLASS FULL
(next class starting 4th June)

15/04/2024

After a long few days in clinic what better way to relax and have fun than to go to sniffer school with our golden oldie Eva ❤️ She embodies EVERYTHING I love about dogs, she lives in the moment and gives her all to the game, age and ailments aside, nothings stops this girl from having fun and she proves you are never to old to learn a new skill! I could not love this girl anymore than I do, she means the world to us.

Note that Eva is now completely deaf and so we work with her differently than our other dogs, this does NOT slow her down or stop her enjoyment of the game, the onus is on us to be creative about they way we teach.

Thank you to our wonderful friends at The Doggy Lady for providing such wonderful training opportunities and supporting us along the journey with our one in a million girl Eva ❤️

07/04/2024

Due to popular demand we have created an EXTRA puppy preschool class starting Monday 15th April in central Armadale.

This course is thoughtfully designed to help build your puppy's confidence at a critical time in their development. You will both have lots of fun learning together in these classes.

Class numbers are strictly limited to ensure a positive experience without being over whelming. The course runs for four weeks and your puppy just needs to have had ONE vaccination to attend.

Contact us today for further information or to book.

Happy training!

04/04/2024

Lots of fun in the sun last Monday at the Dogs West open day with the agility dogs! Jules commentating on the microphone helping everyone understand what’s happening on course, all in Scottish 🤣

01/04/2024

Puppy high school - starting soon!

If your puppy is fully vaccinated and is between the ages of 14wks and 6mths puppy HIGH SCHOOL is for you.

This four week course runs from an indoor location in central Armadale. Starting April 9th at 7.15pm.

High school helps to introduce training fundamentals extending, yours and your puppy’s life skills in a supportive environment. As well as learning to work through the distractions of other dogs and people.

Class numbers are strictly limited to ensure you and your puppy have lots of support and fun along the way together. You have access to TWO experienced IMDT dog trainers for the duration of the course.

We also provide access to a private FB group where each week we share training videos of the skills you are teaching your puppy.

To enroll message us on Facebook or email [email protected]

30/03/2024

So we headed to our local park this week for our morning walk and were confronted with a huge flock of birds. In time gone buy this would mean Dibley would definitely need to stay on lead.

I decided to trust her and our training to date and see how things went, previously disaster ensued.

This day was a big win, whilst she was very interested in the birds and I had to manage her around them you can see in this video that we have worked hard on her ‘look at the birds’ then look back at me for reward - this is now a reflex for her and means that she gets to continue to enjoy some off lead time.

We are thrilled at the choices she makes here.

Are we done? Is this behaviour ’fixed’?

Absolutely not, if left without reinforcement it would return so EVERY time we walk I have rewards with me so every good choice she makes can be reinforced. This video is 3.5yrs in the making ❤️ good girl Dibs!

‘training is a journey not a destination’

23/03/2024

Everyone

A shout out to all our League Level Students past and present!

We want to know 'what did you and your dog enjoy the most in our League Level Classes?'

The joy of working together?
Cracking that elusive skill?
Coping and relaxing in what can be a distracting environment?
Learning Scottish?

We work hard to bring you classes that challenge you and your dog but bring joy, understanding and connection to one another. Your feedback is essential to us in keeping these classes the very best that they can be!

21/03/2024

League Level 1 registrations are now open!
Course STARTS 17th APRIL.

These popular and fun classes are now in their fourth year, come join the fun with your dog learning new and important life skills and deepen your relationship and connection with your fury best friend!

Details:
* 10wk course, starting Wed 17th April
* Held in a secure, members only location
* Positive reinforcement training
* Qualified IMDT coaches
* Limited class numbers to ensure positive experience for all
* Create a training language between you and your dog
* Learn important life skills in a fun and supportive environment
* The only prerequisite for the course is that your dog is comfortable around other dogs.

* 8am class - 4 places still available
* 6pm class - Several places still available

Every journey begins with a single step, let us help you take that step with your furry best friend!

Happy Training!

Inspiring people to achieve a lasting connection with their dogs through + reinforcement training

19/03/2024

HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY to our gorgeous Dancing Queen and all her brothers and sister!

It’s amazing to think that 3 years ago we were sat watching and waiting for you to be born, leaving thinking all four puppies had arrived safely only to find out when we got home mumma Rosie had delivered a final 5th puppy who would eventually be ours ❤️

This is an amazing journey to be on sharing the joy of agility with the whole litter and mumma Rosie. Friday night was super special with everyone at the same competition for the very first time.

Thank you to Julie and Rosie for giving us this special girl! ❤️ 2024 is going to be an exciting year!

07/03/2024

PUPPY HIGH SCHOOL!

ONE place left in puppy high school starting Tuesday 12th March!

If your puppy is fully vaccinated and 6mths and under we have one place that has opened up in our upcoming puppy high school class. These classes are designed to introduce training fundamentals, teaching important life skills and having lots of fun together helping to build a great connection between you and your puppy.

This four week course is based in central Armadale and starts at 7.15pm on Tuesday 12th March.

If you would like to join us and take this last valuable spot contact us via messenger or email: [email protected] for more information or to book.

05/03/2024

Dibley Doodah gains her excellent jumping TITLE!!

After a very rocky start to our Western Classic competition on Sunday night Dibley and I managed a clear in our very last jumping run to come 3rd and it turns out this is her 6th pass so is her Excellent Title! We have now graduated to Masters Jumping! That crept up on us and now we get to play with the big kids, we will miss excellent level and will likely feel out of our depth for a while in masters but I have no doubt my little champ will take it all in her stride.

I've been thinking about our experience at the weekend together and it strikes me that Dibley has taught me a valuable lesson in 'resilience'. On our very first run something caught Dibley's attention, she seemed worried and hyper focused, this all happened on the start line, it was hard to get her engaged and this fed my anxiety, she does this on occasion and I feel the disconnect between us deeply.

As a consequence our first run was a bit of a train wreck, and I left the ring feeling deflated, sad and ready to give up, I just wanted to go home. Luckily I have an amazing partner in Jules Pearson and friends that picked up my spirits to carry on, and in our next 3 runs Dibs gave me her all and any mistakes were on me.

As I reflect on that experience what strikes me most is that Dibley shook off that first run where she was spooked with ease to enjoy the rest of her night showing me some solid agility skills that are holding up from training into the trial ring and then came 3rd with her title run in Jumping. I think she's taught me a lesson here, we can all have off moments and days, but the ability to bounce back from these is a very valuable skill, one which I really struggled with on Sunday.

Thank you to my baby girl, my champ, for leading by example and giving me a valuable lesson in resilience, I promise to do better next time Dibs. Love you with all my heart x

What lesson has your dog taught you?