Training
Here you will find all the training courses we offer. From Puppy Socialisation, Basic Obedience to Protection Training, read on to find a course suitable for you and your dog.
Canine Edu-Centre specialises in the education and training of your canine companion. Training a dog involves teaching it what you as its owner/handler expects of it and how to perform the demands you place upon it. A very good level of communication between dog and handler is essential - your canine companion cannot please you if it does not understand what is expected of it.
Using training techniques based on the sound principles of animal behaviour and psychology, the dog is taught commands and the skills needed to perform them, for example the command to "sit", and the corresponding skill of how to actually sit. When the dog carries out a command successfully, it is rewarded with praise.
Every dog is unique, with its own set of breed characteristics, individual personality and personal history. Combined with the specific needs of its owner/handler, each training situation is unique and demands an individually-tailored approach. For this reason training at Canine Edu-Centre takes place on an individual basis so that the instructor can focus all attention on one specific dog and structure the training process to cater to the dog andowner/handler's unique needs.
If you would prefer that a Canine Edu-Centre instructor handle the training of your dog, a convenient inboard training facility is available. The dog boards at the Centre for a specified time based on the course it is enrolled for. You can bring your dog to the Centre yourself, or a Centre representative can collect your best friend at OR Tambo International Airport.
Different courses are offered to educate and civilise your canine companion. The age of the dog and its level of maturity determine which course is most suitable for the specific animal. Previous training also plays a role.
Puppy Socialisation
The Young Puppy
The pup needs to learn about the world and to get used to people, its peer group, older dogs and other animals. It needs to be exposed to sounds and smells. In this way the puppy learns that new things are interesting and that the world is an interesting and not a threatening place. The puppy socialisation course is offered to puppies between eight and sixteen weeks old. Please attend. This is an important, formative phase in the dog's life, and will influence its adjustment and development well into adulthood.
Duration: Five weeks
The Older Puppy
If you did not attend the young puppy socialisation class, socialisation is offered to the older pup between 17 weeks and 6 months old. The puppy is also exposed to the world and new environments and care is taken to assist the animal to come on par with what is expected of a puppy of its age: to get on with its peer group, older dogs of both sexes and also other members (besides its owner) of the human race. The importance of puppy socialisation cannot be overemphasised, as a dog that is not socialised finds it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to fit into a world where other dogs and people exist. Very often the dog becomes confined to the backyard as it is not possible to take it for walks due to its adverse reaction to unknown situations, other dogs and people.
Duration: Six weeks
Basic Obedience
This is the first course where the dog is exposed to training, and certain demands are made by the owner or handler. Basic, civilised manners are taught to the dog, preparing it for a life of pleasure and enjoyment with its owner. A trained dog can enjoy many privileges and outings with its owner, as it can behave in a civilised and controlled manner. The basic elements of self-control is introduced in this course. After completion of the course the dog will be able to walk on a leash properly. It will also be able to follow instructions to "sit" and "down" when told to do so by its owner/handler. It becomes a pleasure to take the dog for walks, with both owner and dog enjoying the outing. If allowed by the owner, the dog can come indoors and "sit" or "down" in the living room whilst its owners have a chat or watch TV.
Duration: Eight weeks
Intermediate Obedience
A high level of self-control and obedience is required from the dog. The leash is removed and the dog responds to verbal instructions. Good communication and respect between canine and human become of utmost importance. The quality of the relationship between the dog and its owner / handler plays an important role.
Duration: Ten weeks
Advanced Obedience
This course is designed for the owner/handler who is very committed to obedience training and for the dog with the necessary potential to perform the commands of this advanced course.
Duration: Fourteen weeks
Personal and Family Protection Training
This course is offered to dogs and owners with the necessary potential. Only dogs and owners/handlers who have completed Intermediate Obedience successfully will be allowed on this course. The dog is trained to protect itself and its family if threatened or attacked. This course is only offered to approved owners/handlers with dogs showing the necessary potential.
Duration: Sixteen weeks