Private Lessons


*Note: private lessons are fully booked up until the end of September 2010. New bookings will only be taken for October onwards.


Do you need private dog training?

Do you have a fearful or reactive dog? In some cases a dog is simply not comfortable around other people and dogs, to the extent that they are not able to participate in group classes. Private lessons are designed to provide an opportunity to attend training for these dogs and owners.

Do you have an otherwise great dog, but just have one issue that is causing problems? Is your dog Is your dog bored and stressed? Have  chewing, barking, biting, toilet training or other problems with your dog? Does your dog jump on guests or run away when called? Is your dog afraid of loud noises, other dogs or certain people?
Got a specific training problem you need help with? Need to learn how to train your dog in a way that's fast, easy and fun? 


About Furbabies private lessons

Private dog training lessons are held at Furbabies Training School premises in Auckland Park, Johannesburg, close to the Campus Square shopping centre, and are available by arrangement. Training is done using lure and reward, clicker, positive reinforcement, TTouch and other gentle methods.

Dogs of all ages and breeds may attend private lessons, however, in some cases, such as where medical issues are present, an assessment may be requested prior to commencing lessons. Severe behavioural issues may be referred on.

Private lessons last for an hour each and are payable per lesson. The handler can choose to attend only one lesson, or several, depending on their individual needs. Please note that Furbabies is primarily a school which offers group training classes, we do not offer full courses of obedience training through private lessons unless the dog is so reactive to other dogs and/or people that they would otherwise be unable to attend training.

Private lessons are usually for one dog only, but in cases where two dogs get on well or are from the same family, and handlers have the same training goals, two dogs may train together, e.g. if a couple with two dogs have a problem with leash pulling on walks with both dogs, they could bring them together. As with group classes, if you are bringing two dogs to a private lesson its best to have someone to help you in order to get the most benefit.


Frequently asked questions:

Q: Will you come to my home to train my dog?

A: Due to time constraints, Furbabies Training School currently only offers private lessons from our premises in Auckland Park, Johannesburg.

Q: It is better for me to attend group classes or private lessons?

A: When dogs are able to participate in a group class, this is preferable to attending private lessons as it allows for some socialisation for the dog, where they can meet other people and dogs they are not already familiar with.

Group classes also help with proofing training against distractions (other people and dogs). After all, life is full of distractions, and its when life is happening, e.g. when you are out on walks, taking your dog to the vet or letting in visitors, that you need your dog to behave. A dog who has not been trained to behave in the face of distractions will not be able to cope with these challenges.

Q: When should I attend private classes rather than group classes?

A: Private lessons are intended for dogs who are reactive to people and/or dogs to the extent that they cannot participate in group classes. We also offer private lessons for owners who have only one or two issues to work on, and who will need only one, or a few lessons. For a full course of basic obedience we offer group training classes instead. Private lessons may also be arranged for clients who are attending a group class, but who need to miss a particular lesson, in order to help them catch up that lesson.

Q: Do you offer private lessons for puppies?

A: Private lessons for puppies are strongly discouraged and are not offered by Furbabies. At this age (18 weeks and younger) your puppy is going through their major learning period and socialisation to other people and dogs is crucial for your puppy as it gives him or her the best chance of being a nice, friendly and confident dog when adult. There is no place better to socialise your puppy than in a safe and professionally supervised group puppy class.

Please contact the instructor for enquiries and bookings.


 
Boerboel and owner doing dog training
 
Association of Pet Dog Trainers - Dog Training Professionals