FEATURES CHOOSING A PUPPY CLASS
STUDENTS – CAN YOU TAKE THE LEAD?
I would consider a Puppy class to be essential education, not just for the puppy, but also for the whole family and you’ll learn so much more than just obedience cues. As Dog Training is an unregulated industry, it’s wise to research and do your homework. Here’s a few helpful tips; Check out the APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers), IMDT (Institute of Modern Dog Trainers) and ABTC (Animal Behaviour and Training Council). The first two hold assessments which covers theoretical knowledge and practical experience in great depth. They also have a code of practice and ethics which state that no harmful methods shall be used which makes training fun, safe and family friendly. Ask the trainer about their training methods. It’s a lot easier now to find fear free, kind, ethical, science-based trainers that don’t use ‘traditional’ punishment based, old fashioned methods. If they use words like ‘fun’, ‘games’, ‘rewards’ or ‘building a bond’, then great! Ask if you can attend and observe a class, this way you’ll find out if they practice what they preach. Look for happy puppies with their happy guardians. The pups should be working quietly with their handlers in a calm environment. I always welcome people that want to check out my classes to make sure I’m the right fit for them. Check out the trainers teaching skills too. Are they clear with their instructions, do they go around the class giving individual guidance and feedback to all the handlers and are they happy, enthusiastic and professional? Is there a teaching assistant and enough trainers to give all attendees personal time? Ideally there should be 6-8 pups/dogs with 1 trainer and an assistant, any more should have an extra assistant. Any trainer should be skilled at reading canine body language, this is important for predicting interactions and redirecting any inappropriate behaviours. A trainer should be prepared for the class they’re about to teach, lesson plans, extra rewards, different toys, a box of calming enrichment toys and chews, spare long lines, leads, harnesses and any equipment for that particular class. My next Essential Puppy Power UP Course starts 18th September. This includes: 6 weekly classes, goody bags, Puppy Vault of training videos with text, private FB support group with extra resources being provided if necessary, graduation certificate and rosette. . Julie Williams APDT IMDT South Wales Dog Training Academy
Are you a student or young person with the energy and drive to add high-profile project management to your CV? Guide Dogs marks its 90th anniversary this year and needs someone to take the lead in co-coordinating this year’s Guide Dogs Appeal. The project runs until the end of October and involves the planning, promotion, administration and co-ordination of a minicampaign to raise awareness and funds to support people with sight loss. This year’s appeal will focus on St David’s Shopping Centre in Cardiff, where Guide Dogs’ staff, volunteers, dogs and puppies will make regular appearances to meet the public. As the Guide Dogs Appeal Fundraising Ambassador, you’ll liaise with local businesses, schools and individuals who are running their own fundraising events, and will welcome your help in organizing posters and publicity. Jacquie Hughes-Jones of Guide Dogs said: “This is a rare opportunity for a student or young person aged 18-plus to prove they can manage a stand-alone project or mini-campaign for a national charity. It will be an eye-catching addition to a CV, and a chance to meet some of the cutest and cleverest canines around.” To find out more, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-canhelp/volunteering-for-guide-dogs Or ring Jacquie Hughes-Jones on 07919 228635. Caption: Trainee guide dog Enya
DISTRIBUTORS WANTED
To deliver Seaside News in Porthcawl. Must be 18 plus, responsible and available the beginning of each month. Email for further details: info@ seasidenews.co.uk 30 | seaside news
THROUGH CHRISTIAN EYES After this last season of lockdown, this month I felt God prompting me to write briefly about loneliness. Loneliness has been called ‘the great modern sickness of the soul’. Loneliness can be a terrible thing and those who have experienced it know how bad it can be. I want to encourage all those who feel lonely by saying that Jesus wants to come close to you. Take this message as if from him and not merely from me. I guess it would be worth clarifying that Jesus is certainly alive and real today, and that He knows all about how you feel. Turn to Him and allow Him to help you in that area. There are many, many people who have been right where you are and have found rest, comfort and healing in knowing God. God is the one who makes our lives complete and that is certainly something that every person needs. No one has it all figured out. A prayer to pray: Lord, I want to turn to you and know your presence in my life, which makes me whole. Help me to give it all over and find rest in you. NEIL HARVEY Through Christian Eyes
