Blackwater Dog Training Centre

 

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Text Box: Our Training Methods  We have been training dogs for many years, going back to the days when all dogs wore check chains (or worse). Training methods have come a long way since then and we are always on the look out for new methods and training aids which will make the dog and owners  training experiences much more successful! We believe your dog will progress faster if he understands what you are asking him to do –  we can tell you how to communicate with your dog, as the Military pioneered talking to dolphins!  How do the top animal trainers in Hollywood and the TV world get the dogs, cats, birds, horses etc to do what they want – by positive reinforcement.  It makes training so easy – and we can show you how!  

Blackwater Dog Training Centre was established by Nick Boyce and Louise Reynolds in 1997, we cater for all aspects of dog training and all our training is tailored to suit individual owners and their dogs. We strongly promote positive, reward based methods of training and especially like using “Clicker Training”.

We are leading promoters and innovators of the latest dog training aids and methods, these methods include Operant Conditioning (Clicker Training) which is now being used for much more that dog or animal training; amongst other things it is being used by tennis and other sports coaches, along with dance teachers and teachers of special needs children.

We run regular weekly classes in pet obedience, competitive obedience, clicker training, and heelwork to music, as well as one and two day workshops in clicker training, working trials, heelwork to music. We are also available to other Clubs for workshops, please contact us for further details.

We also specialise in behavioural problems, where we will visit the dog in its home environment to solve a variety of problems, from housetraining to aggressiveness. Home visits are also useful for dogs which behave well in the class setting, but then become "cheeky" when out on their normal walk e.g. pulling on the lead, or not coming when called, as these problems can be solved in situ.

Blackwater Dog Training Centre is Kennel Club listed which entitles us to host regular Good Citizen’s Dog Scheme test nights and their Puppy Foundation Assessment Course which promotes responsible dog ownership. Nick is also a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and has been commissioned to write several articles for international publications including “Teaching Dogs” Magazine. He has also given talks and supplied literature on dog training and the health and safety aspects of dog ownership.

In 2001 Blackwater Dog Training was approached by the North Essex Mental Health Partnership Trust to join the steering group for “Animal Assisted Therapy”. This project has proven to be extremely successful and two of our class members have been coming along to the sessions on a voluntary basis. Through our work with the NEMHP Trust Nick has invented and produced a “quick release collar” for safety when working in possibly unpredictable situations, the collar allows the worker to release the dog and recall it to them. For further information on our Therapy work please visit www.blackwatertherapets.co.uk.

We have also had the honour of being asked to take part in demonstrations at Discover Dogs and Crufts in the special events ring. Louise’s daughter Laura, has qualified her dog Jacob (a crossbreed) to take place in agility finals at Crufts. Laura is also a member of the Young Kennel Club and is often asked by the YKC to take part in Heelwork to Music demonstrations around the country.

We are available for demonstrations for village fetes, schools etc and can put on a display of agility and/or heelwork to music.