Bankhouse Barkers Dog Training Club

13/08/2024

🐶Dog Walking Etiquette👍

At Bankhouse Barkers, we believe “dog walking etiquette” should be a core part of every training course. If new dog owners aren’t taught what is acceptable and what isn’t when out walking their newly adopted dog or puppy then how should they know‼️.

Here’s a quick guide to ensure safe and respectful dog interactions:

1. One Dog Is On Lead & One Dog Off Lead
➡️ Don’t let your off-lead dog approach a dog on a lead. Respect their space and move on.

2. If Both Dogs Are On Lead
➡️ Always ask permission before letting your dog greet another. If the answer is no, respect it and move on.

3. If Both Dogs Are Off Lead
➡️ Ask for permission before letting them meet if you are close enough to their human.
If Not Close Enough? Check for potential issues like toys or if it looks like the owner is training the dog. If everything looks good, move closer and ask permission.

Always have good control of your dog. If you can’t follow this etiquette, keep your dog on a lead or long line until you can.

Top Training Tips
Use the above situations as an opportunity to work on:
- Training Walk Close: Your dog walks by your side, on or off lead ignoring distractions.
- To Train Chase Recall: Call your dog back, even when they’re eager to meet others.
- To Work On Your Dogs Emergency Down: Stop your dog at a distance when another dog approaches.
- To work on - Directional Send Aways: To teach polite approaches.

When passing other dogs, give space, and definitely use these moments as training opportunities.

Remember to educate yourself about the law with regards to dog ownership and be an ambassador for responsible dog owners.

Together, we can change negative perceptions and make our community safer for everyone.

06/08/2024

Freymor Dogs have some upcoming Foundation Agility Courses.
Contact Jen Lewis directly to book spaces.

****NEW AGILITY FOUNDATION COURSES ANNOUNCEMENT ****

Freymor Dogs Agility Foundation Skills courses starting in September!

Main venue in New Farnley, Leeds
Tues 3rd September 11am

Acrecliffe Equestrian Centre, Otley
Wed 4th September 6.15pm

This 6 week course will set you up for successful agility training by teaching crucial skills to you and your dog through a series of fun, reinforcement-based games.

These include:
Relationship building
Handling skills
Reinforcement strategies
Creating drive to and away from the handler
Focus for work through distraction and excitement
Introduction to jumps and tunnels

If these are in place, obstacle training becomes so much easier and you will have many skills you can train and practise at home so your time in class is spent more productively. All training will be tailored to you and your dog.

You will also get:

- online support via a closed Facebook group with demonstration videos and/or notes for the weekly games, and problem solving help if you have issues during the week.
- Reinforcement toolkit including our top pick of treats and toys

To get the most from the course, whatever your aim, you should enjoy playing with your dog and be able to commit to several 5 min training sessions during the week between classes. Your dog should be fit and healthy, 6 months or older and be happy to work around other dogs.

You may have the aim of just having fun with your dog at a weekly class or are serious about competing in the future. Dogs that have completed this course in the past continue to come for weekly fun in class and some have gone on to successfully compete at national and international level!

Jen Lewis is the Head Instructor and has competed in top level UK agility for over 20 years, with multiple dogs. She has a world champion title with her border collie Spud and is a Kennel Club Championship level judge and Judge's Trainer and has taught and judged all over the UK and overseas.

The cost of the course is £150, including weekly hour long classes, online support with videos and feedback, dog treat pack and two agility toys for reward success.

If you would like to book a space, please get in touch as soon as possible as I expect the spaces to fill quickly. Once a space is confirmed, payment in full will be requested.

31/07/2024

Yes…such great advice from the Lancashire Canine Academy

🚫𝑰 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒏𝒐 𝒂𝒑𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑷𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒕 𝑳𝑪𝑨 𝑫𝒐𝒈𝒈𝒚 𝑫𝒂𝒚-𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆….. 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒚!! 🚫

𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝑫𝒐𝒈𝒈𝒚 𝑫𝒂𝒚 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒆, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒈𝒐 𝑰 𝒔𝒂𝒊𝒅 𝒊𝒕 🙈

You must think that is a ridiculous statement for a Doggy Day-care Business Owner to make, and yes you are probably right. However, it doesn’t sound quite so ridiculous when it comes from a Dog Trainer & Behaviour specialist does it?

I will always prioritise the welfare of dogs over financial gain, so I am here to give you some of the reasons why we don’t accept puppies at LCA Doggy Day-care to help you make an informed decision whether day-care is the right choice for your puppy.

First of all, puppies need a hell of a lot of sleep, not just at night but frequent naps throughout the day. At least 18 hours per day in fact. This sleep is essential for physical growth as well as brain development, stress reduction, physical recovery, hormonal balance and much more. The noisy, chaotic atmosphere of a commercial daycare can be overwhelming and stressful for a young puppy, potentially leading to long-term anxiety issues - just ask any dog trainer, it’s what pays our mortgage.

Puppies can’t self-regulate, they are like little toddlers that constantly want to get into mischief. Have you ever known a toddler say “right then, I’m getting a little bit over tired now, I suppose I should just ignore all this exciting stuff going on around me and go and have a nap in that quiet corner over there” Oh how we wish it was true….but it is not. Your gorgeous little puppy would be the equivalent of a toddler having a meltdown in the middle of Lidl after only a short time at day-care, and we all know how stressful that can be for everyone involved.

“BUT my puppy needs to socialise I hear you cry”. NO NO NO, it doesn’t, not like you think it does. I hate that word socialisation, it conjures up images of letting your puppy meet and greet every dog and every person that they come across and that couldn’t be further from the truth.

What socialisation actually is, is pleasant social interactions with other animals, well-mannered dogs, women, children, and men (with beards, hats & wearing hi viz - I know how scary right?) as well as careful exposure to different environments such as crowds, traffic, public transport, the vacuum cleaner, the washing machine and any other sights & sounds that your puppy will have to cope with in every-day life. Now how is sending your puppy to run around with a load of other unknown dogs going to tick all of those socialisation boxes?

Doggy Day-care also comes with the risk of injury to your puppy. Larger dogs or more boisterous dogs can easily inadvertently or intentionally harm a young vulnerable puppy during play. Some older dogs have a low tolerance to excitable young puppies and may be a little too forceful in their corrections, again leading to anxiety issues in your puppy that can have long term effects.

If you don’t believe me, ask any other dog trainer. Around 80% of the reactivity cases that I have seen, have come from dogs that have had a negative experience at doggy day-care and it’s pretty much the same for other trainers that I have spoken to.

So why do I run a Doggy Day-Care if I hate them so much? Well, I like a challenge, and I wanted to make a difference, offer something a little different, and show that it can be done with the dogs welfare needs at the heart of everything.

At LCA Doggy Day-care we have a very strict entry criteria and we turn away at least 6 dogs for every one that we accept.

All dogs must be over 12 months old.

All dogs must pass a behavioural assessment where they are introduced to a dog that doesn’t enjoy playing with unknown dogs and they must be able to read that dogs body language and give them space.

All dogs must also be able to self-regulate and settle at nap time.

The reason that our entry requirements are so strict, is that we want every dog in our care to feel safe, secure and at ease whilst at day-care. Also, dogs NEED sleep and if they can’t sleep whilst in our care, then we aren’t meeting their welfare needs and we won’t accept them. It’s as simple as that.

So, before you sign your new puppy up to your local day-care, just ask yourself if it is in the best interest of your puppy. There are so many other alternatives, such as a dog walker, pop in service etc.

𝑷𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒚𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒂 𝒗𝒖𝒍𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈, 𝒍𝒆𝒕’𝒔 𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒐 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒃𝒚 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒅𝒐𝒈𝒔 ❤

10/07/2024

Post the last photo that you took of your dog in the comments below - let’s see your posing pooches⬇️⬇️⬇️

08/07/2024

Our Inbetweener Pet Dog Life Skills Course begins soon and we still have availability.

This Course is designed for all breeds of dogs over 6 months old, but it’s especially relevant to adolescent dogs in the awkward “in-between” stage. They’re no longer the cute puppy from five months ago, nor are they the reliable adult you can trust everywhere.

But on the other hand if you have an older dog or a rescue dog needing practice in everyday life skills, this course is ideal.

This course starts with a zoom session to deep dive your dogs specific struggles. We then continue on with 4 in person sessions.

Our aim is to guide your inbetweener dog through their challenging adolescent stage. With the right training, you can turn this tricky time into a period of growth, resulting in a well-mannered, happy dog you’re proud to take anywhere.

If your dog is reactive, aggressive, or particularly nervous around other dogs, please contact us for advice. We can arrange a 1:1 session, as group classes may not be the best start for such dogs.

We limit class size on this course to just 4 dogs to ensure ample individual attention, creating a calmer, more positive experience for all.
This is a bespoke, tailored dog training course.

What We Will Cover:

• Basic obedience and self-control
• Crate/bed/boundary training and it’s application to real-life situations
• Loose lead walking solutions
• Recall training games for real-life application
• Proofing your dog’s training to withstand real-life distractions
• Any other specific challenges you and your dog face

You can find the booking form "Inbetweener Dog Lifeskills Course Booking Form " at: https://form.jotform.com/241644575787370

13/06/2024

We are running our popular Inbetweener Pet Dog Life Skills Course in July.

This course is ideal for almost all dogs from 5 months plus. It’s perfect for adolescent dogs in that tricky “in-between” stage where they’re no longer puppies but not quite adults either.

If you have an older or rescue dog needing extra life skills, this course is also a great fit. We aim to guide your dog through their challenges, helping you raise a well-mannered, happy pet you can be proud of.

For dogs that are reactive, aggressive, or particularly nervous around dogs or people, please contact us. We can offer advice and potentially arrange some one-on-one session if needed. A group class is seldom the best place for a dog like this until they have some skills under their collar first.

Our class size is limited to 4 dogs to ensure individual attention and a calm, positive training environment.
This bespoke, tailored approach sets your dog up for success, unlike busy crowded classes.

You can find further details on our website.

13/06/2024

Online Tricks Classes Suit All Dogs

Our online tricks class this month is hide in a suitcase. Ann’s dog’s Dot & Dash can both do this so we have levelled up the challenge to have them open the zip on the case first. They’re doing amazingly well already so it shouldn’t be too long before they can complete opening the case then hiding inside.
Trick training is a great way to keep your dogs cognitive skills functioning well, Dot and Dash are both senior dogs who are retired from agility but their trick training helps to keep them active and sharp.

08/06/2024

🎉 **Calling All New Puppy Owners!** 🎉

Have you got a new bundle of furry joy and craziness bouncing around your home? Ready to turn that adorable chaos into well-behaved pooch?
Join our upcoming “Puppy Life Skills Class” and start the training for both ends of the leash!

🐾 **What’s in Store?

- Personalised Attention : Small class sizes mean your pup gets the spotlight.
- Nurturing Environment: A safe, supportive space where puppies can thrive.
- Expert Guidance: Over 10 years of science-based training expertise at your service.
- Real-Life Practice: Indoor and outdoor teaching areas to replicate real-world situations.
- Comprehensive Course:
- 1 Zoom pre-course session to get you started
- 5 in-person 45-minute classes filled with fun and learning
- Access to a supportive Facebook group for ongoing advice
- Bonus online content to reinforce those new skills

🌟 Why Join Us?
Our classes are designed to help you and your pup bond while learning essential skills. Whether it's mastering basic life skills and cues or getting your pup used to working with you around other puppies, we’ve got you covered!

Don’t miss out on this paw-some opportunity. Sign up today and embark on a joyful training journey with your new best friend.

We have limited spaces on our upcoming course, so act fast!

Click here to register now and get ready for some tail-wagging fun! 🐶

https://form.jotform.com/241482765415359

Training for both ends of the leash – because every great partnership starts with a strong foundation!

Please click the link to complete this form.

28/05/2024

Are you looking for a puppy class ?

We have slotted in an additional puppy course due to lots of enquiries for puppy lessons over the past few weeks.

The course is a 6 session program consisting of a zoom pre course meeting then 5 in person group classes.

The zoom for this puppy course will take place on Saturday 8th June at 7.30pm.
The 5 group in person lessons are all at 6.15pm-7pm dates as follows ..
9th, 16th, 23rd June NO CLASS SUNDAY 30th June then the final two classes are 7th, 14th July.

Here is a booking link to sign to the course
https://form.jotform.com/241482765415359

28/05/2024

We currently have no openings to start a foundation agility course, but Jen Lewis of Freymor Dogs is offering a foundation agility course beginning in July. Message her direct on her Freymor dogs page for more information or to book a place.

****NEW AGILITY FOUNDATION COURSES ANNOUNCEMENT ****

Freymor Dogs Agility Foundation Skills courses starting in July

Main venue in New Farnley, Leeds
Tues 2nd July 10am

Acrecliffe Equestrian Centre, Otley
Wed 3rd July 6.15pm

This 6 week course will set you up for successful agility training by teaching crucial skills to you and your dog through a series of fun, reinforcement-based games.

These include:
Relationship building
Handling skills
Reinforcement strategies
Creating drive to and away from the handler
Focus for work through distraction and excitement
Introduction to jumps and tunnels

If these are in place, obstacle training becomes so much easier and you will have many skills you can train and practise at home so your time in class is spent more productively. All training will be tailored to you and your dog.

You will also get:

- online support via a closed Facebook group with demonstration videos and/or notes for the weekly games, and problem solving help if you have issues during the week.
- Reinforcement toolkit including our top pick of treats and toys

To get the most from the course, whatever your aim, you should enjoy playing with your dog and be able to commit to several 5 min training sessions during the week between classes. Your dog should be fit and healthy, 6 months or older and be happy to work around other dogs.

You may have the aim of just having fun with your dog at a weekly class or are serious about competing in the future. Dogs that have completed this course in the past continue to come for weekly fun in class and some have gone on to successfully compete at national and international level!

Jen Lewis is the Head Instructor and has competed in top level UK agility for over 20 years, with multiple dogs. She has a world champion title with her border collie Spud and is a Kennel Club Championship level judge and Judge's Trainer and has taught and judged all over the UK and overseas.

The cost of the course is £150, including weekly hour long classes, online support with videos and feedback, dog treat pack and two agility toys for reward success.

If you would like to book a space, please get in touch as soon as possible as I expect the spaces to fill quickly. Once a space is confirmed, payment in full will be requested.

23/05/2024

More Thursday Morning Awesomeness From Angela & Harry

23/05/2024

Thursday morning agility fun - Jaz doing 12 weaves in a sequence for the first time and he smashed it!
Clever Collie 🐶❤️

22/05/2024

Rain stopped play outside this morning…so we retreated indoors for more agility fun. Just look at Floss go!

09/05/2024

It isn’t just pedigree dogs that excel at dog sports …checkout Bee 🐝 the collie x cocker & Harry the mini labradoodle doing it for the x breeds this morning in the sunshine

02/05/2024

Muppet, Rio, Alfie & Reggie were superstars in puppy class this week when we introduced the concept of duration to their sit behaviour.
How cute are they too🐶❤️

If you’d like to get involved in our next puppy life skills course you can sign up here …

You can find our form " Tuesday 21st May 6pm -6.45pm Puppy Life-skills Booking Form" at: https://form.jotform.com/241195840617358

29/04/2024

Do You Need Puppy Training ?

Here’s what we have coming up over the next few weeks …

Sunday 5th May 3pm to 4pm - Puppy Relationship and Engagement.
A One Off Workshop For Puppy’s 6 months and under.
This one hour workshop will be covering games and exercise to help you develop an amazing outdoor relationship with your puppy. This will help with building both recall and loose leash walking too.

https://facebook.com/events/s/puppy-relationship-engagement-/439601071950404/?

https://form.jotform.com/240486423358359

Limited availability now on this session.

Tuesday 21st May 6pm-6.45pm
Puppy Life Skills
Our comprehensive 6 session puppy program for pups from vaccination to 5 months old.

https://facebook.com/events/s/puppy-life-skills/7449341188465544/?

https://form.jotform.com/241195840617358

25/04/2024

🐾 Ready to dip your toes and paws in to the newest dog sport on the block: Hoopers! 🐾

☺️Are you looking for a new challenge with your dog, strengthen your bond, increase your dog’s confidence AND have loads of fun in the process?

Join us on the 12th May at 12.30pm for 90 minute taster session for complete beginners.

🐶Hoopers is suitable for dogs young and old, of all shapes, sizes and abilities as it is a very low impact activity. It’s also suitable for humans of all abilities as it’s a distance sport - you don’t have to run (unless you really want to)!

⚠️Spaces are limited and fill up quickly so book today to avoid disappointment!

Message or email ([email protected]) for a booking form or for more information

04/04/2024

Anyone for Hoopers - Contact Beccy direct to sign up!

🚨1 space left🚨

Want to learn more about hoopers, have fun with your dog and improve their focus? This is the course for you!

Course dates: 19th and 26th April, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st May

DM or email me at [email protected] for more information or to book your space

22/03/2024

Something a little different - supporting local, independent, small businesses is a cause close to our hearts and we love that these guys are developing the new generation of outdoor enthusiasts.
Why not take a look!

🐣🎉Outdoor Explorers Spring giveaway 🐣🎉

Simply like this post ,share it on your profile and tag a friend who you think would like to come along to Outdoor Explorers.

You could win this spring hamper full of gardening goodies and easter treats for your little ones! Plus a outdoor explorer gift voucher for one free session 💗

Competition closes on the 30th March and the winner will be chosen at random on the 31st March, just in time for Easter ! 🌸🐣

**The competition is run across both Outdoor Explorers facebook and instagram social media pages, all entries will be collated together**

13/03/2024

Puppy Spam!
Checkout photos from some of the current cohorts of our puppy life skills lessons that are too cute not to share.

Who doesn’t love ❤️ a puppy !

If you’ve recently added a new puppy to your family or your new pup arrives very soon then you might be interested in our next puppy life skills course which begins on Tuesday 17th April 6pm-6.45pm at Bankhouse Barkers, New Farnley, Leeds.

The course is suited to pups up to approximately 5 months old.
The course runs for 6 sessions - the first session is held on zoom and that’s for covering housekeeping before coming to your in person lessons and there’s opportunity to get your puppy training questions answered. The zoom for this course will take place on Sunday 14th April at 7.30pm.

The course is supported by a tutored Facebook group and includes online content too.

The cost is £120.

Class sizes are limited to 5 pups and their humans so it’s a positive experience for all.

We cover …
House training, puppy biting, crate training, home alone training, socialisation, relationship building, leash walking and recall foundations, impulse control and much more.

https://form.jotform.com/240712845575360