We hope this page on our website will answer many questions regarding our puppy classes and that the pictures capture some of the atmosphere. Please come along and visit one of our classes if you wish. For times and locations please see below.

Our puppy training courses are designed for the puppy who has just completed its vaccinations and who is under 20 weeks of age by the start of the course. Acorn Dog Training tutors have personal experience of living with puppies of a variety of breeds and characters, as well as having theoretical knowledge and proper qualifications in training, behaviour and the case of Darran Rowe, teaching. In particular, Fran Griffin has had more than 25 years experience of training dogs, using different methods and ideas, as well as taking the time to learn more about how dogs learn by taking a degree in cognitive psychology.

Fran's newest addition .......a much wanted cousin for Tallulah (above) to play with, and a 'pest' for Lotte and Nalle to endure. Click here to read Barkley's Blog (updated 27th May) as it follows his training, his behaviour, the trials and tribulations of puppy ownership, and how Fran deals with the problems he presents us with. Glynis, one of the tutors from the school, also plays a part in his early training.You could find some interesting pieces of advice by going through some of the previous posts. Now Barkley is growing up, his Blog will soon be moving to its new home on the agility page.

Location: Courses will either be held at Woughton on the Green (summer months, outdoor only), Bradville and New Bradwell during winter months. The venue at Bradville offers excellent indoor and outdoor facilities. The hall at Medbourne has enviable indoor and outdoor facilities right on the edge of Shenley Wood. Medbourne classes are run by Darran Rowe.

Indoor facilities

The price of the puppy training course: £70 for 6 sessions and class sizes are now being limited to an absolute maximum of 8 puppies and no older dogs (apart from our own) present. The courses are structured from one week to the next, and can be a time of great enjoyment for both dogs and humans. Stress levels and overall behaviour are constantly monitored, to ensure that the best environment is created to facilitate learning. As with all of our courses, all dogs and owners are treated as individuals, and not just 'one of the class'. Between class advice is available either over the phone, or via email, and all members of the family are welcome to attend. If you are thinking about joining a class I would strongly recommend you contact us quickly as they fill up very fast.

AVAILABILITY:

Puppy Training (for puppies UNDER the age of 5 months by the course start date) ~ for junior classes see section below.

To avoid disappointment, please book your place as soon as you see a date and time which is convenient (course availability updated daily). *Please note that the 7.30 and 8.00pm classes may occasionally start late, due to earlier classes over-running. We do try to keep to time as much as possible, but as we like to give everybody quality time, there may be an overlap.

Monday 14th July at 7.00pm with Fran Griffin, Location Bradville (or Woughton on the Green outdoor venue, weather permitting). To book please call 01908 397236, or email your details to Fran, including your puppies name breed/type. two places available.

More dates for late July/August will be posted here soon.

*Please see below for alternative training schools to contact.

JUNIOR CLASS (for puppies and young dogs OVER the age of 5 months by the course start date, class size maximum of 6 dogs).

Sorry, our junior classes are now all full for the forseeable future.

If you are looking for a class which continues on from your previous puppy training course, please click on the following link: Good Citizen Dog Scheme training

* If there is nothing suitable listed for you then please contact:

Dogs In Training on 01908 691344

Shippshape School for Dogs, 01525 261504

COURSE INFORMATION:

We teach (and often go beyond) the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Puppy Foundation Course. See some of the puppies and owners who have graduated from the puppy foundation course by clicking here.

We cover many topics on our courses (see below) and also have handouts for you to take home for future reference. An example of the types of literature given to owners toilet training.

Clicker training is being used and correctly applied by trainers with a real in-depth knowledge of the subject. If anyone claims that clicker training does not work for most dogs, then they really do not understand what clicker training is all about. This method is the most powerful I have ever used, and I have been truly staggered by what my own puppies were able to learn at such an early age. Barkley and Tallulah were able to grasp the Kennel Club's Good Citizen Dog Scheme's Gold Level exercise "go to bed" (which is a send the dog away from you) exercise by the time they were 10 and 12 weeks of age respectively!

To explode yet another urban myth, when correctly applied, clicker training does NOT result in the dog becoming dependent upon the clicker or treat for the remainder of it's life. Quite the reverse in fact, it has enabled my dogs to truly understand the words I use, without any misunderstandings.

Some of the topics that are covered on our courses:

Basic Obedience Exercises: sit, down, stay, wait, walking on a loose lead without pulling, crossing the road, coming when called, settle down, "go lie in your bed" and much more.

Practical Advice on:            

Play Biting; Grabbing at clothing

"owww! that hurts"
Toilet Training
Jumping Up
Chewing
Digging
Barking
Nutrition
Effective Communication and bond building
Food stealing and scrounging
How to apply the obedience commands your puppy learns into every day living situations
How to be your dogs best friend and trusted guardian as opposed to the dominant pack leader.
Is your dog being dominant? or is it telling you something quite different?

Dog Whisperer (Dog Psychology or Pop Psychology)

We also help to get your puppy used to being handled by other people in preparation for any vets visits, showing, or if you're thinking of doing any of our further Kennel Club Good Citizenship Awards.

Our courses also allow controlled, fun and safe interactions of the puppies with each other and all of the owners.

Have your puppy's school photo taken by Darran Rowe of Kukura Media

Relevant website links

PUPPY TREATS: We are often asked where you can buy the lovely treats we sell in the classes, once you have finished your course. Please click the link below to visit their website.

THE BARKERY

**New** Mutts Munches **available now**

Here is link to another local(ish) biscuit company based in Northampton

The Canine Kitchen

THE BLUE DOG - SAFE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN CHILDREN AND DOGS

Pets and Travel - For great information and advice on traveling with your dog, be it a trip out in the car, or a camping holiday.

"sit stay"

We now sell the Bun-GeePup-ee Dog Leash. This leash, combined with our methods of training a dog to walk without pulling is bringing about remarkable results. Many owners with back, shoulder and wrist problems are now discovering that they can train their dogs to walk nicely and without causing pain or injury to themselves, or to their dogs. For more information on this leash click here.

"Just been out for a walk with Thai. It was the best walk on the lead we have had in about 3 and a half years - he is only 4. Bloody fantastic. Thank you very much" - Sally, Milton Keynes.

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Crate/Cage Training Video for all those who believe cages to be cruel and unkind. Henry reveals all from a puppy's perspective (needs Real Player to view

Fran's eldest dog meets one of the younger guests.

Whilst one of the younger one's takes a rest.

FInally, some of our pup's from the past have become a mums themselves. Well done Storm and Purdey.

This is Khan who 2 years later grew into the biggest German Shepherd many people have ever met. He is Mr. Cool and Calm and loves agility.