Top Barks Dog Training
Kind, fair and effective training
© Top Barks Dog Training 2021
Training services
Our tailormade services
Top Barks believes in using reward based training.
Experts already know that dogs repeat things they
are rewarded for. Here at Top Barks I utilise a method
which is right for you.
There are many ways to motivate a dog to do what
you want. My task is to find out what pushes your
dog’s buttons.
Lessons are available at a range of times to suit you.
They can be booked singularly or in blocks of 4. With
every block booking you will receive a Top Barks
goodie bag filled with treats and delights for your dog.
For more detailed information on my services click on
the links.
Dog training
Gain a better understanding of your best friend and
learn some basic obedience for everyday use.
Learning with your dog should be fun so sessions are
aimed at both you and your dog enjoying your training
together.
Details
The lessons last one hour and are on a one to one
basis with the dog and owner. Our training
programmes include:
•
General obedience training: These lessons are
used to train basic cues for the usual obedience
exercises, including sits, downs, lead walking,
stays and recalls. The course does not follow a
strict routine, and can be tailored to the individual
dog and owner. The dog training programme is
held in your own home, and lasts as long as your
dog needs. Training walks are also available.
•
Focus and control: Ideally suited for those dogs
who do not pay attention to their owners on
walks. I aim to improve your ability to control your
dog in distracting environments.
Pricing structure
I offer both single lessons, blocks of 4 1-hour lessons
and tailor made packages for locations within the York
radius. Other areas are covered. Please contact us for
a quote.
Gundog training
Train your pet to be a gundog
I specialise in helping people who have family pet
gundogs who may not want to take their dog shooting
by giving them an outlet for what they have been bred
to do. Training is of course open to non gundog
breeds and provides excellent stimulation for your pet.
I help establish obedience basics to shape a well
mannered dog both home environment and out in the
world and teach gundog skills so that owners and
dogs can be effective and have fun together in their
daily exercise.
I teach people, not dogs. I work on teaching owners
with pet dogs to have fun together, enjoying a
relationship based on clear rules, boundaries and
respect. My methods are always kind, fair and
effective.
Of course you may want to take your pet shooting and
this can be catered for too. I compete with my dogs in
working tests and trials with one dog running currently
at open level. I also go beating with my spaniels and
hope to have my bracco picking up on shoots this
season.
I offer both single lessons and blocks of 4 1-hour
lessons for locations within the York radius. Other
areas are covered. Please contact us for a quote.
One-to-one puppy training programme
Training puppies on a one-to-one basis has a number
of advantages over traditional group classes. I believe
that training puppies in this way achieves great
results. Some of the advantages of one-to-one puppy
training are:
1.
Puppies are calmer, because they are not over
excited by other puppies. This allows them to
concentate and learn.
2.
Owners are more relaxed and able to
concentrate, as they are not controlling an over
excited puppy.
3.
Focus on specific exercises that are important to
you, rather than concentrating on a generic
syllabus.
4.
Work in your home and on your walks so you get
the training where you need it.
5.
Flexible training times to fit around your lifestyle
and the pups development so you never miss a
lesson.
6.
Tried and tested older dogs to help teach your
dog proper canine etiquette and how to talk dog.
For pricing details please get in touch. I also offer
training walks, so why not let Top Barks be your pup’s
personal trainer? I believe training walks are an ideal
complement to the puppy training package (see menu
for the link).
Behaviour consultations
Dogs can suffer from many types of behaviour
problems, excessive barking, aggression,
inappropriate toileting, chasing vehicles or anything
that moves. By understanding why your dog is
behaving in this way, you can start to work with your
dog to overcome these problems.
In time you will see the huge benefits of reward
based training and you and your dog can start to
enjoy life together.
The consultation is the start of your dog’s
rehabilitation, two hours dedicated to you and your
dog. Learn why your dog is showing its unwanted
behaviour, and how you can help them.
As part of the behaviour I offer three options:
1.
An initial consultation only, which provides
practical help and understanding of why your
dog behaves in the way it does.
2.
The initial consultation and a written behaviour
report to consolidate the initial session and a
plan to improve your dog's behaviour.
3.
The initial consultation followed by two extra 1-
hour behaviour sessions.
Throughout this process phone support is available
at no extra cost. Prices for sessions in the York area
are available on request. Other areas are covered,
please contact us for a quote at
mark@topbarksfordogs.co.uk.
Show training
I offer ringcraft training on a one-to-one basis at your
home or a venue of your choice. If you are looking to
get started on the road to showing your dog to a high
standard, and don't know where to start, these
sessions are for you.
I have a wealth of experience and show currently in
the UK and Europe with our field spaniel, Arthur, and
bracco italiano, Eric. I have appeared a number of
times at Crufts with group and best in show wins to
our credit at open and championship show level. My
proudest achievement to date is Eric being awarded
best puppy in show at the Scottish Kennel Club Show
in August 2017. I specialise in showing gundogs,
having shown clumber spaniels and italian spinoni in
the past. Please contact me for more details.
Both Eric and Arthur were best of breed at the World
Dog Show in 2018. This gained Arthur his final points
for his Dutch champion title.
Training walks
Training walks with your pup’s own personal trainer.
Give your pup the best start possible in the hands of
the experts. Training walks last up to one hour and
are the perfect alternative to regular dog walking or
doggy day care. Ideally this service is for youngsters
under 6 months old. It is perfect for new puppies
(older dogs can be catered for too)!
If you work regularly throughout the day, or have a
busy lifestyle, then this service is for you. Training
walks can also be booked as a package with our
regular training sessions so we can show you how to
carry on the work we have done. Daily training
sessions can be booked for your puppy with me.
I will come to your home, like a dog walker, but unlike
a normal dog walker, you are getting a professional
trainer working with your puppy, establishing the key
skills it will need for life. I will also ensure your puppy
has controlled exposure to the world which is an
essential part of your pup’s socialisation.
What I teach is guided by you but generally the
following specifics I find stand puppies in good stead
for the rest of their lives:
•
Calling your dog back to you
•
Meeting and greeting (not jumping up)
•
Walking on a lead
•
Dealing with the worlds distractions
•
Confidence building
•
To wait patiently
Cancellations policy
Cancellations and requests for changes to pre-
arranged appointments by the Client must be
received no later than 48 hours before a scheduled
appointment.
Refunds and rescheduling
If a cancellation is made by the Client less than 48
hours before the lesson, no refund will be given for
that lesson and it cannot be rescheduled. Refunds
will not be given for non-completion of blocks of
lessons on the part of the client.
Deposits
Any deposit paid is non-refundable in the event of a
cancellation prior to the commencement of a lesson.
Unforeseen circumstances
If your dog is ill, issued with a treatment by a
veterinary practioner, comes into season or suffers an
injury before the appointment, please contact us
immediately.
Resources
Below are our lesson resources. A password will be
provided, if appropriate, during your lesson.