Schedule of Classes

This table outlines the classes held at Happier Hounds Dog Training. This schedule is subject to change and dependant of demand.

Day	Classes	Time
Monday	Monday	-
Tuesday	Puppy Parties Make It Manners Classes	6.45-7.45pm 7.45-8.45pm
Wednesday	Puppy Power Classes More Fun Matters Classes	6.45-7.45pm 7.45-8.45pm
Thursday	-	-
Friday	Introductory Agility (summer) Clicker Training	6.45-7.45pm 7.45-8.45pm
Saturday	Puppy Parties Introductory Agility (winter) (weekend workshops)	9.45-10.45am 11am-12noon
Sunday	(weekend workshops)

Clicker Training

Clicker Training is a modern positive way of developing new, varied and complex behaviours in your dog. The clicker is a small hand held box that when pressed emits a ‘click’ noise. The origins of clicker training are in marine mammal training where trainers could not lure nor force (never advisable!) such large animals to do certain things, instead they would wait for the animal to offer a behaviour which could then be marked by a clicker (or more often a whistle) which had been previously conditioned to the animal to mean a reward was following. Clicker Training can be time consuming but the results speak for themselves when an animal is able to perform a very complex sequence of behaviours in response to a single cue. Clicker training can also be useful in schedules of desensitisation for dogs that are very reactive to certain things. A clicker can mark and reward the response of the dog which was less than the previous one in the same way that it can encourage a greater response in shaping a new behaviour.

What to expect from Clicker Training Classes…

In Clicker Training classes the clicker can be used in a variety of different ways. After initial work of conditioning the clicker owners get familiar with the clicker by using in for commands their dog already knows before progressing on to new and varied commands. Simple and fun tricks are a great way for owners starting out with the clicker as well as commands that improve obedience such as send aways and advanced heelwork. Owners are encouraged to share areas in which they have difficulties with their dog and these can be discussed or practised where appropriate.

What to do before attending Clicker Training Classes…

In most cases dogs will progress on from Puppy Classes or Make It Manners Classes to Clicker Training but first time attenders are welcome too. As the clicker acts as a marker for a correct behaviour and a signal that a reward is coming owners must consider what rewards they have available. Test your dog with a variety of food rewards in several different situations and try and devise a list of these in order of its preference. Also have a think about any small difficulties you might have with your dog that the clicker might be useful for, for example drying feet or brushing teeth.

How to book in my dog for Clicker Training classes?…

Just contact Alison if your are interested in the Clicker Training classes. Dogs can be any age, size and shape, but it is advisable that they are well socialised, attentive and responsive to owners. Clicker Training classes run for 6 weeks and cost a total of €85 for the six weeks (clicker is included). Owners need to commit to attending all sessions which are usually on a Friday evening. Clicker Training classes are held at Happier Hounds Dog Training, located approximately 3 miles from Abbeyleix, Co. Laois on the Carlow Road.

What else can I do with my dog?…

Being the best owner in the world you will obviously want to keep your dog both physically and mentally active as you work on their obedience to you and having great fun together. Why not try the More Fun Matters classes or Introductory Agility held at Happier Hounds Dog Training? A discount is available for owners that progress through the classes held at Happier Hounds Dog Training.

An Introduction to Clicker Training is also offered in the weekend workshop Unlock your dogs potential- Get Clicking! for owners that are interested in the training technique but live too far from Happier Hounds Dog Training to attend weekly classes. Details of these workshops can be found by clicking here

Want more information about Clicker Training?…

Click here to link to the Karen Pryor website, one of the first trainer to promote clickers.