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TAKE THE LEAD DOG TRAINING CLUB
Take the Lead Dog Training Club was formed in 1991, originally as St. Mary's Dog Training Club (the name of the Church Hall where the training took place). It was started by two friends, Helen Fletcher and Brenda Spencer (along with their friend, Ann, who had to retire due to ill-health), who were both Instructors and Secretaries of two local KC Registered Dog Training Clubs.
The name was changed to Take the Lead Dog Training Club in 2004 when the hall was closed for refurbishment and dogs were not allowed back. We therefore had to find alternative accommodation.
We use kind motivational methods of training, based on play and reward. We do not encourage the use of check (or choke) chains.
We train on Wednesday evenings (7 p.m. till 7.45 p.m. approx) in Northwood Parish Hall, which is on Keelings Road, Northwood, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 6PB and is opposite a Texaco Filling Station (now closed) and the Hollybush Pub. Access to the hall is gained from Jervis Street, as there is no parking on Keelings Road. To access Jervis Street, turn into Eaton Street, then first right into Northwood Park Road, first right again into Jervis Street. The Hall is on the left hand side of the road and entrance is gained through the side door. If the door is closed, please ring the bell. We keep the door closed for safety reasons.
We run basic pet obedience classes of 6 weeks duration, restricted to 9 dogs/puppies. The course fee is £30.00. We have no more than 3 dogs on the floor at the same time, each with an Instructor. The reason for the restriction on number of dogs on the Basic Pet Obedience Course is that we believe more progress is made with both dogs and owners than if we took a larger group of dogs.
Certificates are issued at the end of the Course. We do not take new recruits once a course has started as there are set exercises to learn each week. There are follow up classes for those who wish to further their training. These classes include scent, retrieve, teaching your dogs "tricks" and other things which encourage bonding between owner and dog.
We do not do specific puppy socialisation classes. If your dog is older than 5 months (i.e. 20 weeks) he/she is too old for puppy socialisation classes in any event. They usually run from the age of 12-20 weeks.
If you are considering buying a puppy (or if you have already booked a puppy but have not yet acquired it) it is always a good idea to check out the local Dog Training Clubs beforehand and ask if you can go along to see how they do their training. Each club may use different methods. Visitors are always welcome at TTLDTC, just give either Helen or Brenda a call to check whether it will be convenient for you to come along (without your dog/puppy) to see what we do (advice comes free).
COURSE DATES
10th January 2007 - FULLY BOOKED
21st February 2007 - FULLY BOOKED
4th April 2007 - FULLY BOOKED
16th May 2007 - FULLY BOOKED
27th June 2007 - CLUB CLOSED
4th July 2007 - Now booking
15th August 2007 - CLUB CLOSED
22nd August 2007
3rd October 2007
14th November 2007
25th December 2007 - CLUB CLOSED
2nd January 2008 - CLUB CLOSED
It is advisable to book your dog in well before the date of the course you wish to join. We do not take bookings over the phone or without fees. Neither do we "save" places.
If, after you have seen what we do, you wish to join the following course, you can then fill in a registration form and pay your fee. This will ensure your booking on that course.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need any help. Should you wish to telephone us, our contact numbers are 01782 847150 (Brenda), or 01782 856416 (Helen) or Brenda via this site.
Our Instructors, Helen Fletcher and Brenda Spencer, have each been involved in the training of dogs for 30 years and regularly competed in obedience competitions all over the country. They are also obedience judges.
They both acquired pedigree dogs in 1983, Helen starting with a Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervueren) and Brenda a German Shepherd Dog. Helen ultimately became the proud owner of a Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael - named Joker) who was to become a Breed Champion with 21 CC's and top Groenendael at Crufts 2 years running. She has another Groenendael named Eden, who is also a Champion and a young son of hers (Bruk) who has just started competing in agility and is doing exceedingly well.
Brenda acquired her first Border Collie (Jess) in 1988. She later had another Border Collie after Jess died. Wispa (as she was named) was to become Sh Ch Wizaland Whispering Frost at Jenwisp. She also had another Border Collie in 2002, Wizaland Ebony Kaos at Jenwisp (Kaos) who is also qualified for Crufts for life. Her latest addition (another Border Collie) is Jade (Wizaland Ebony Jade) who is now just 2 years old. Brenda is also a full Member/Instructor/Treasurer of the Academy of Dog Training and Behaviour (ADTB).
Helen and Brenda have both since campaigned those breeds at Championship and Open Breed Shows all over the country. Helen is also active in agility and regularly appears after a weekend away at a show complaining how much her back, legs, hips and knees hurt!!!!!
We have an Assistant Instructor - Martin James - who has Border Collies and who also campaigns his dog, Star, at Championship and Open Breed Shows. Star has also qualified for Crufts for life.
HELEN ALSO OPERATES A DOG WALKING SERVICE IN THE BUCKNALL, HANLEY, SHELTON, ASH BANK AND WESTON COYNEY AREAS. PICK UP AND DROP OFF SERVICE. NO AGGRESSIVE DOGS NEED APPLY. HER CONTACT EMAIL ADDRESS FOR THIS IS dog.w@ntlworld.com
Jenwisp Border Collies
Belpetilon Belgian Shepherds
Churnet Valley Veterinary Clinic
Stick to Toys
DEFRA
Dog Train & Behave Week
Send E-Mail to: brenda.spencer@btopenworld.com
Copyright © 2007 Brenda Spencer. All Rights Reserved