Herr Rottweiler

Goldie I know that they are starting a distance learning packing as part of the accreditation package. I don't know about the training centres in other states just yet as one of their concerns is maintaining integrity of the course with experienced instructors.

Hi Kavik. I have heard many students tell me how the course changed their life. I was an electrician before I did the NDTF course and started training dogs back in 1991. One of the better things I have done in life and I'll never look back :p

It's always good Kitty It doesn't matter if people are jumping up and down and breathing fire, debate is a healthy part of Australian democracy. The main thing is that you get the best results for your puppy and you're both elated by the outcome. Animal advice always tend to get a little heated at times especially when fact is substituted by emotion, misunderstanding and limited education. My old science teacher used to always say, " A little knowledge can be very dangerous"

I heard they anticipated their distance course would start January, 2006. Are they still on track, HR? Erny, I wouldn't hold my breath for January, i would be more confident about March.

Not yet Yvonne, however they should have something running for interstate candidates next year

Hi all, The NDTF are starting their next course as listed below. I can't highly recommend enough this course to anyone seriously wanting to learn to become a dog trainer and beyond. The Certificate III in Dog Behaviour and Training is a nationally accredited course. The course goes far beyond teaching a dog to sit and lay down - it is a comprehensive program covering Canine Psychology & Behaviour, Basic Veterinary care, the History & Development of dogs, and the understanding of undesirable/abnormal behaviours that dogs exhibit. The course also covers extensive practical training in all facets of obedience, socialisation and agility for adult dogs and puppies. The course is run on a part time basis over a 7 month period. The entire program is conducted outside of normal business hours and should therefore not interfere with your regular employment or education. The next course begins on Saturday 28th January 2006, with another one following in May 2006. Call 1300 66 44 66 NDTF website

I'm honestly enjoying this debate ;) I would have to say that anyone who is new to training would benefit by reading along with this thread as it raises some good concerns and some good answers. One point that I will make.... not everydog can be trained withe the EXACT same methods and some owners are clearly more competent than others. Further back in one of the posts someone mentioned never calling your dog to you to punish it. This statement should be framed and placed in every household of every dog owner! The greatest injustice you could ever do to a dog is call it to you to be punished This would probably be the most bond diminishing exercises in the book! Nat, as far as grabbing dogs by the scruff for bad behaviour, I personally don't have a problem with it providing that; A: It's trained properly B: That the punishment fits the crime If only some people had been a little firmer on their dogs then we would have a lot less dogs treated as disposable commodities in pounds. In making this statement, let me add that I have no objection to positive training as I regularly encourage it and so do the other trainers at ADT however, my personal philosophy in training is, "Use what works best for the dog"

Erny! The aim behind any successful training program is to modify unwanted behaviour and then reward desirable behaviour not simply redirect the pup onto another item. Puppies must learn that mouthing the alpha is totally unacceptable behaviour which will result in some kind of aversive outcome. Even little puppies are smart enough to learn where their advantage lies if their training is structed correctly. I have always been firm but very fair with all my puppies and never ever had my dogs learn to fear me. This isn't only proven with my own dogs, it is also proven with the 1000's of puppies that I have been directly involved in training, all with very positive outcomes in show, working, obedience and pet puppies. Might I also add for the flame throwers that I absolutely detest cruelty to animals as I find it the worst act of cowardise in the book! I'm also not a fan of Anthropomorphism as I find it insulting to a dog who will never know anymore to life than how to be a dog. :pant:

Yes lucky for her

Referring back to my question, I can't see an intimidating underline there at all? My curiosity was what where and how others had learned to train dogs. Yogi, yes i'm one of those ADT people too.

WHOA! Don't get defensive!

Who were you referring to Yogi?

After reading the advice from various different people here can I ask what training experience you all have with different breeds?

Good stuff Goldielover! Have fun and keep up the committment

One bit of advice I may add. Sometimes it is worth the effort to travel than to settle for second best. My motto in life is, "expect the best and get the best. Settle for second and get third"

Call Australian Dog Training 9761 2772

Who was your novice instructor at Berwick?

Good training school choice. Be sure to take the training advice home and practice at least 10 minutes a day. :D

I know Vern through a few of the training and kennel groups I associate with and he's fairly satisfied that his method of training dogs is suitable for what he wants to do. Most trainers / clubs will have their share of bad press whether they choose to be firm on the dogs or use food. I would suggest that you go along and watch to find out if it's suitable for you. If you are not allowed to se some training in action then that answers your question for you.

Hi guys, Hope this hasn't been placed anywhere yet as I have just flicked through the posts. Give this method a try. Have your dog in the corner of a room where the 2 walls meet so the dog can use the walls as a little bit of balance. When the dog starts to get confident and their muscles are adjusting to the position, then start to gradually move the dog away from the way in short progressive steps. It's worked for me and other people who have had trouble with it.