Training at Young Kennel Club Camp provides challenges and enjoyment for everyone, and the best part is that you do not need any previous experience to enjoy all of the brilliant activities that are on offer!
We have already worked out where you should be each day so all you have to do is follow your programme, which will be available once you arrive at Camp. Our trainers are ready to teach all levels, from beginner to advanced and we thought you might like a little more information about each activity to make sure you are prepared for the week ahead.
Make sure you bring
- Comfortable footwear
- Rain or shine clothing – even in the rain we train
- Sun lotion
- Sun hat
- Raincoat
- Dog treats (lots of treats needed)
- Dog poo bags
Handling
Trainers : Jodie Draper and Fran McWade
Handling is the presentation of your dog in the show ring for the judge’s assessment where basic moves have been designed to test the ability of the handler in the show ring. The aim is for the handler to become 'invisible' with the dog in the forefront. If you have one, make sure you bring along your show lead for the handling training sessions.
Heelwork to music
Trainer : Lucy Creek
Heelwork to music is obedience training with a twist. We will help you and your dog to understand some basic obedience training commands and then, with your help and creativity, piece them together to form a routine to music. It is really important to bring along your dog’s favourite toy or treats to help motivate them.
Agility
Trainers: Jen Slade, Jo Prichard, Richard Horwood-James and Charlotte Martin
Agility is a fast sport where the dog's fitness and the handler's ability to train and direct the dog over and through certain obstacles are tested. At camp, we take things a little slower in the training rings, but it is challenging for all levels nonetheless. Your dog will be in a group according to its size and capability and once again, we ask that you remember to tie back long hair and wear sensible closed shoes.
Rally and scent work
Trainers: Claire Cloughlan and Rachel Bradley
Rally is fun – no matter what experience level you or your dog have, it's easy to get involved. Rally activity derived from the heelwork elements of competitive obedience. However it differs from obedience, primarily in that competitors and dogs attempt a preset course with signs placed stations along the course, requiring them to perform a different exercise. Dog treats needed!
As a training activity, scentwork is fun, very rewarding and it will improve the relationship between you and your dog and is a great confidence builder between you and your dog.
Obedience
Trainer : Anna Herzog
Obedience is exactly what you would imagine, obedient and well-trained dogs having their abilities tested through various exercises. The difficulty of exercises performed will depend on the level at which the dog and handler are training. Once again, it is really important that you remember to bring your dog’s favourite toy and treats along to these training sessions.
Dog grooming
Trainer : Linda Barker
Dog grooming is a very important part of dog care and is the general term given to all aspects of coat and skin care required by animals. All dog breeds require some sort of daily grooming whether short-haired or long-haired. Please can you make sure you bring along any brushes or grooming equipment to your grooming session.
Hoopers
Trainers: Jessica Woodrow and Nicola Hogan
Hoopers is a fun dog sport that’s ideal for dogs and owners of all ages and fitness levels. Dogs navigate a course of hoops, barrels and tunnels with the same pace and excitement as agility. But the courses are flowing and don’t involve tight turns, making them accessible for everyone. Hoopers is focused on the ability of the dog and owner to work together as a smooth-flowing team so it’s a great bonding activity too. Much like agility, please remember to tie back long hair and wear sensible closed shoes.
Good Citizen Dog Training scheme
Trainers and testing : Heidi Lawrence and Dexter Hockley
The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Training scheme is the largest dog training programme in the UK. The scheme is open to all dogs, young or old, pedigree or crossbreed. The scheme promotes responsible dog ownership by teaching owners to train their dog from everyday life situations. There are four award levels: Puppy Foundation, Bronze, Silver and Gold. The scheme is non-competitive and emphasis is placed on the standard of achievement. Testing will be available at camp free for YKC members, parents will need to pay a small if they wish to be tested.
Points of a Dog assessment
Trainer : Pat Dufty
The aim of the assessment is to demonstrate that you are familiar with the points and structure of a dog which is essential if you are interested in judging in the future. The information that you need to learn will be available on-site and in tutoring sessions before testing.
One more thing
Remember that your dog should be on a lead at all times on-site unless they are in the training rings or the dog exercise area. You should always carry poo bags with you and pick up after your dog.