Brush Farm Dog Training Club Inc

02/11/2024

25/08/2024

A great article by the wonderful Suzanne Clothier

Today's Dog Training Myth of the Day: "Only tell them once!"

What if you ask a dog (whatever age, breed, s*x, background, training level) to do something, but there is no response?

Set aside the myth of "only tell them once." Good rule of thumb: if it were a toddler, what would you do? Probably wait a few beats, be sure you had the kid's attention, then ask again.

Just like us, dogs may not be tuned in 100% because they are busy having their own experience of life which may or may not include you at any moment.

If you *do* have the pup's attention, and they did hear you, next step is to consider that they do not understand and/or don't see the point!

I've often asked clients to stand on a chair and sing happy birthday. I've done it while they were trying to take notes. Result: no compliance, and they say usually say, "Sorry - I was focused on taking notes. What did you say?"

If they are paying attention to me but look at me as if I'm crazy, I ask, "Did you understand what I asked? You did? So why aren't you doing it?" Inevitably the answer is, "I don't want to" or "Why would I do that?" It helped them understand how their dogs might be responding.

So give your dogs the courtesy of clear communication, engage attention first, be sure there is understanding, and make it worthwhile for the dog to work with you. Respect, courtesy and taking responsibility for what we are communicating and how we are communicating -- those are all supportive of healthy dog/human relationships.

This does not mean repeating, Sit-sit-sit-sit-sit-sit which is not good communication no matter who you're talking to! 😊

If you want and need response to just one request (and this has great value!), you first have to teach understanding, understand that connection and attention must come first always, then develop the skill, tighten the criteria and make it worthwhile. Then practice!!!

24/08/2024

There will be no classes nor new member registration, tomorrow 25th August.

07/07/2024

Classes are on today if there is no more rain before 2:00 pm. 12:00 pm puppy class will go ahead regardless.
Instructors will be available but the grounds are muddy and slippery. You need to take care and manage your dogs because space may be limited to the perimeter. Wear your wet weather shoes.

30/06/2024

Classes are cancelled today 30th June. Field is only good for ibis

22/06/2024

Classes are cancelled tomorrow 23rd June.
New member registration and orientation will go ahead as usual.

Send a message to learn more

01/06/2024

Classes are cancelled 2nd June due to the condition of the grounds, and the forecast of more rain. Do some indoor training with your dogs.

11/05/2024

Due to the condition of the grounds and, regular classes are cancelled today. Puppy Class will go ahead on the verandah at 12:00pm

Send a message to learn more

25/04/2024

On Sunday 5th May, the Rotary Club of Macquarie Park is hosting a Dogs Day Out at Santa Rosa Park, Ryde. The Brush Farm Demo team will be performing Tricks and Scent Work demonstrations. Come along and support (or just have a laugh with) us! Lots of fun events and stalls happening.

https://www.facebook.com/DogsDayOutRyde

04/02/2024

Unfortunately, due to the high temperature, we have decided to cancel today's classes. Stay cool and hopefully next Sunday will be a little cooler. Registration and Orientation for new members is still on.

21/01/2024

WHEN DO 2024 CLASSES START?

We are back in February!

February 4 - NEW MEMBER registration for Intro & Puppy Classes (without dogs) and Regular Classes resume for existing members

February 11 - New Intro and Puppy classes commence

See our website for times and all relevant info: https://www.brushfarm.org/registration