"Training"

Our group classes start late March and early August each year. Call early to reserve your spot in limited sized classes. Classes are held outdoors, in a large grassy, fenced area.

We train and handle our own dogs in obedience trials, agility trials, tracking tests, rally trials, and field work.

We run obedience training courses for all breeds of dogs. Dogs/pups must be over six months of age and fully vaccinated. Purebreds and cross-breds are welcome, and we accept problem dogs as well. Basic obedience training classes last for ten lessons and cover all the exercises needed to compete in the Novice class at CKC obedience trials for the title of "Companion Dog" (CD).(Heeling on lead, stand-stay, heeling off lead, recall, sit-stay for 1 minute in a group; down-stay for 3 minutes in a group.)

We also have advanced classes that lead to 'Companion Dog Excellent" (CDX) and "Utility Dog (UD) titles, when we have enough interest.

Many dogs from our obedience classes have gone on to earn their titles in licensed trials, some with high scores and High In Trial awards. We limit the size of our classes to 10-12 dogs. In the beginners classes, lesson sheets are handed out after each class.

For those who cannot get to classes, or want their dogs trained while they are away, or on vacation, we offer in-kennel training while dogs are boarded with us. We offer everything from basic manners, to obedience title level training, field work for hunting dogs, and working as special skills dogs. Each dog is regarded as an individual and the training is personalized to each one and to what the owner requires.

Retriever Field Training

Retriever training in progress

We work our own dogs on a regular basis, and compete in Working Certificate test and Hunt Test trials with them. Ivan and his sons also hunt over the dogs. Sandy competed at licensed field trials for many years, but now only runs in the Working and Hunt tests due to other commitments.

In the Spring we start a combination field/obedience training course for people interested in hunting with their dogs or earning working titles such as the Working Certificate (WC) and Junior Hunter (JH). The course last for ten lessons and introduces the dogs and handlers to basic obedience, retrieving, delivery to hand, guns, birds, decoys, throwers, wingers, and water work.

Dogs that have had some previous obedience work can also be booked in to the kennel for field training or to be "brushed up" before hunting season.

More advanced field training is done in smaller groups with interested parties. Dogs from this level work towards their WCI and WCX titles, as well as their SH title.

We have suitable land and water available to us for training both here at the farm, and also close by. We also have neighbours who let us use their fields as well, which allows us to give the dogs variety and a lot of different terrain, vegetation, and experience in different situations.

We run CKC licensed field tests here in June and September. See the EPS Training Assoc. page for dates and more information. Entries for the Hunt Tests close ten days ahead, and for the WC-WCI-WCX about a week ahead of the test date.

Agility Training

Tracking Training

Tracking training, is very time consuming and requires a lot of exercise on the part of the handler. We run classes, starting in the Spring, when we have sufficient interest to start a group. The course starts with an introductory afternoon seminar, followed with some actual work in the fields. In ensuing weeks, other training sessions in the fields are done using different people to lay tracks. Dogs learn to follow tracks, use the wind, and work with the wind in different quarters, make turns, and indicate a find. There are Tracking dog titles, TD,TDX, UTD and UTDX which can be earned from the CKC. Licensed Tracking Trials, run by EPS Training Assoc. are held here in the Spring and Fall, and a trial is also held near Sudbury in early September.

Rally Training

Rally is a pre-set course with 15 to 20 "stations" where different exercises have to be performed by the dog and handler. Many of the exercises are the same, or similar to, ones used in obedience trials, but one has to learn the different signs, and know how to perform the exercises smoothly.....as well as remembering the course. Trials for both CARO (Canadian Association of Rally Obedience) and for the CKC are offered at the farm. CARO trials accept all types of dogs. Ideally, completing a basic obedience course before starting rally training helps both the handler and the dog. Any dog with obedience titles should be able to achieve Rally titles.

Training while Boarding

A limited number of dogs are accepted for training while in boarding, but not during peak boarding periods. Depending on the individual dog, and owner, we may be able to enter and handle these dogs in local tests/trials if they are ready to compete. Training can include basic obedience work, retriever training, or training for special needs owners.