We offer Obedience Classes for German Shepherd Dogs only along with the Kennel Club Puppy Foundation and Good Citizen Dog Scheme Classes for all breeds of dog, along with Fun Agility for all breeds of dog, aged one year or over.  All dogs training at the Club must be fully vaccinated and production of an up-to-date vaccination certificate is required prior to commencement of the first class.

Difficult or challenging dogs are most welcome to train with us at the Club.

Obedience Classes, Kennel Club Puppy Foundation and Good Citizen Dog Scheme classes are held throughout the year, except for closure on Bank Holiday weekends.  The Fun Agility is held on Monday evenings from May to September, dependent on weather conditions.  All classes are pay-as-you-go and no block booking or pre-payment is required.

We encourage you to train at your own pace, from basic obedience to the level you wish to achieve for both you and your dog.  Progression tests with certificates are available if you wish to gain promotion through the Obedience Classes.  Merit rosettes are presented throughout the year and Annual Awards are presented for dog and handler combinations.

All training takes place outdoors adjacent to the grounds of Elvaston Castle and spectators are welcome to come along.  Refreshments are available in the Village Hall and your dogs are also welcome inside the Hall.  Free on site car parking is available for those attending our classes.

In addition, to providing training we also hold various social events for members and their families, including quizzes, raffles, an annual Fun Day and a Christmas/New Year party when our Annual Awards are presented.  We also have a Display Team consisting of handlers and their dogs who train with us, who attend local shows, fetes and fun days.

Our Working Trials section host events during the competition season.

The Instructors at the Club are un-paid volunteers who have all trained their own dogs at the Club, progressing through the Classes to the top level.  As Instructors, we strive to keep up-to-date with current training techniques, attending courses and completing relevant correspondence courses, in order to give the best possible service to the handlers and dogs that train with us and ensuring we train in-line with The Kennel Club Guidelines.

At our Club we train using “positive reinforcement” techniques.  We train our dogs with praise and rewards and do not allow heavy handling, shouting, any physical reprimands, or the use of any aversive such as a prong collar, e-collar or choke chain, slip lead, etc.  You will find your dog learns more quickly and enjoys training more, by only using praise, fun, and reward-based training.

Classes/Sessions we offer:

Obedience
 

Good Citizen Puppy Foundation 

Good Citizen Dog Scheme 
 

Fun Agility 
 

Working Trials Nose Work and Control