Old ICC Newsletter - Spring 2006 - please note that the old web-site site www.icc-dog.co.uk is no longer running and has been changed to www.iccdogtraining.co.uk
5.1.06.
HAPPY NEW YEAR! And I do hope that you had a lovely Christmas. Christmas turned out to be very amusing as far as our dogs were concerned. The Great Dane had a delightful time at Christmas, and had remembered the pressies and tree. The tree was put in a rather unfortunate spot and he kept knocking the decorations off with his tail and then ‘helpfully’ tidying them up to his bed or giving them to us. (We then had a rather top heavy tree as I moved the decorations higher up!) Christmas morning he suddenly decided that the tree was useful for scratching his ears (well, it could be worse!) and dived into it, sending the tree flying which amazingly I managed to catch mid-flight! He did calm down a little after that, but I still found myself saying ‘Caleb, come out of the Christmas tree’ on a rather regular basis!
As well as this he and I are going to our first competition for Canine Freestyle / Heelwork-to-Music. I intended to practice outside over the Christmas break, but we didn’t get very far with the snow. My 2 decided to play sliding up and down the drive, both reverting to puppies. At the moment the practicing has gone pretty well but I have discovered that we can only do the routine once before his brain goes rather mushy!
UPDATE – He did really well at the competition, and I was so proud of him. After deciding that he’d really rather not be there he then settled and did well. In fact he came 2 nd out of 13 dogs, and has now won out of Starters into Novice! Wonderful, for his first competition. I think that he decided that it was ok. after all because half of the audience were queuing up to cuddle him! Anyway, onto the ‘official newsletter’…
Well, I'm really looking forward to 2006! 2005 was a good year, and ICC saw a large amount of growth which has meant that we are able to push the boat out and have some top level handlers and instructors doing workshops for us in 2006. All I would say is that places will fill up very quickly (they are also going to be advertised on large national web-sites) so if you would like a place on any of the workshops or seminars I suggest that you book and secure a place now!
I'm also delighted to welcome 2 new members onto our team. Kathy will be developing our charity work, and will be a great help to have on the team. We are also joined by Jill who is a guest member of our team. She will be joining us in April as an agility instructor to help our more advanced agility classes. She has won the title of Agility Handler of the Year twice, and her experience will be a very valuable asset.
We are also developing our Friendship Scheme which will be overseen by Kate. This is designed to support people that may need more time than we are able to give in classes, or people whose dogs are difficult and who need special support and encouragement. If you feel that this is an area that you could help with please let us know (she will also be building links with local churches for some of the charity work that we will do, so if you are a member of a church and would be able to help in any way please let us know.)
The Social Walks have grown beyond all recognition (I knew that it was very valuable to let dogs socialise naturally, and from the number of people that have signed up for social walks you agree!) Because of the number of dogs involved and the mixture of personalities we’ve arranged dogs into 8 different walking groups, each led by members of the ICC team. (Getting the right mix of dogs has taken many, many hours of planning!) I’ve tried to remember and include most of the dogs that have been on social walks in the past, as well as people that have shown an interest in them more recently. If you have been put down for a social walk and do not wish to be included I’m very sorry. Please either contact me so that I can take you off the list, or ignore it and you will automatically be removed from the walk after 3 months. If you wish to be included on a walk and haven’t been please let me know NOW so that I can put you into one (we are beginning to get a waiting list building up.) Walks are £3 per dog, per walk, and if you are unable to come to some of them don’t worry. If you cannot manage to come at the time that has been arranged for you please let me know so that we can change it. All walks will meet at Wilsford Village Hall (NOT our training centre.)
From February all walks will be overseen by Debbie (one of our instructors) who can be E-mailed at (E-mail address now changed) or a message left for her on the telephone number above. We will also be arranging Thursday daytime walks in the next few months (we’re running out of Saturdays) so if you are able to come on a walk on a Thursday daytime please let Debbie know now. Thank you!
Finally, all classes will be starting again at the end of January. If you wish to book a place please do so now (certain classes will fill up VERY quickly.) All information for classes and workshops in 2006 can be found on our web-site along with on-line booking forms, www.icc-dog.co.uk (Please note that this web-site site is now no longer running.)
With very good wishes for a very happy 2006 to you and your family (including those members with fur!)
Christina and the ICC team
P.S. We’re adding a photo gallery to our web-site with pictures of dogs that have some link with us (training, behaviour, walking etc.) If you would like to add a picture of your dog please either E-mail it to me at christina@icc-dog.co.uk (now Christina@iccdogtraining.co.uk )or hand me a photo and we’ll scan it into the computer. (I say ‘we’ – Dave will and I’ll think ‘oh how clever!’)
Workshops, Talks and Seminars
These courses are usually not suitable for dogs that bark at or are aggressive to other dogs or people HOWEVER we can sometimes work around problems doing some of the practical handling on a one-to-one basis. If you are not sure please phone us to discuss things further.
Behaviour Seminars
We are delighted to offer a series of Seminars designed to give you a greater understanding of dog behaviour. These will include more in depth dog behaviour theory that is designed to be interesting and understandable to pet dog owners. These will be taught by Paddy Driscoll, lecturer in dog behaviour for Bishop Burton College, the Metropolitan Police Force, and a respected speaker at a number of dog training clubs. These will be theory sessions (although they will be interactive) and the only dogs that will be there will be demonstration dogs.
Understanding Your Dog’s Behaviour – Seminar 1, A Wolf in Your Living Room? Saturday 8 th April 10am-4pm.
Teaching your dog manners around the house and learning to see life from your dog's point of view. Cost – £20 (or £15 if you book all 4 seminars)
Understanding Your Dog’s Behaviour – Seminar 2, Hark! Hark! The Dogs Do Bark! Saturday 10 th June 10am-4pm.
Understanding different types of barking and what to do about them. Cost - £20 (or £15 if you book all 4 seminars)
Understanding Your Dog’s Behaviour – Seminar 3, Bringing a Rescue Dog into the Family Saturday 2 nd September 10am-4pm.
Understanding the reasons behind some common behavioural problems seen in rescue dogs, and what you can do to improve them. Cost – £20 (or £15 if you book all 4 seminars)
Understanding Your Dog’s Behaviour – Seminar 4, Puppies and Adolescence Saturday 21 st October 10am-4pm.
The developmental stages of dogs and how to bring up a problem-free dog! Cost – £20 (or £15 if you book all 4 seminars)
Competitive Obedience and Motivating Your Dog with Joanna Hill Saturday the 22 nd July 9:30am-5:30pm.
Joanna is widely regarded as one of the most original (and successful) obedience instructors in the UK. This workshop will be useful for those interested in Competitive Obedience, Heelwork-to-Music / Canine Freestyle (for how to teach good heelwork and motivate your dog to keep going through a routine,) and anyone wanting new ideas on how to motive their dog. All work with dogs will be on a one-to-one basis (and is therefore suitable for dogs that have some issues with other dogs,) but it is important that your dog is happy to be left in the car for a reasonable portion of the day. Owners will gain a lot from watching each other work their dogs, and regular breaks will be provided for owners to see to their dogs.
Cost – Handler place - £26
Spectator place - £12
Canine Freestyle / Heelwork-to-Music Workshop with Richard Curtis Saturday 4 th March 9:30am-4:30pm.
Richard is one of the top competitors and a well known judge in Canine Freestyle / Heelwork-to-Music. He is regularly asked to run demonstrations at Crufts. Handlers will be split into 2 groups (so that they have plenty of space) but it is helpful if dogs are happy to be left in the car when they are not working.
Cost – Handler place - £26
Spectator place - £12
Canine Freestyle / Heelwork-to-Music Workshop with Attila Szkukalek Saturday 30 th September 9:30am-5:00pm.
Attila is one of the top handlers and instructors in Canine Freestyle / Heelwork-to-Music, and he brought a new level of skill to the sport. He has a training and behaviour centre in Norfolk and is very highly regarded. He has a kind and encouraging way both for the dogs and their owners! Handlers will be split into 2 groups (so that they have plenty of space) but it is helpful if dogs are happy to be left in the car when they are not working.
Cost – Handler place - £26
Spectator place - £12
The Dancing of 'Dancing with Dogs' with Jill Notley
Thursday 8 th June 7pm-9pm.
As well being a dog trainer Jill is also a qualified dance teacher, and has competed on Come Dancing. She will combine both her knowledge of dogs and dance to help owners look at ways of making what they are doing in their routines look better. Whether you are already a good dancer and need help polishing your performance, or you are terrified about the whole idea and need someone to take you by the hand and help you with a couple of basics (or even how to march with style!) this evening will be helpful for you. Jill and Christina will be happy to help people that have not put a routine together yet, but you will get the most out of this evening if you come with your own ideas for a routine and have already begun practicing this with your dog.
Cost - Handler place - £7
Breed Showing Workshop with Paddy Driscoll
Saturday 3rd June 10am.-4pm.
This day will concentrate on helping (and motivating!) your dog to show themselves off in the ring. It will be particularly useful for experienced handlers who are experiencing problems as well as those new to the show ring, with help on how best to avoid problems in the first place. As well as being a successful breed show competitor and judge Paddy also lectures in dog behaviour and training, which is essential knowledge for getting the best out of your dog, and getting them to WANT to co-operate (essential for any Champion-to-be!)
Cost – Handler place - £22
Spectator place - £10
Agility
We are currently trying to arrange an agility workshop. If you would be interested please let us know now so that we can inform you once we have more details.
ICC Talks and Workshops
Talk Nights
These are included in the price of the I.C.C. Foundation Pack. If you have done or are thinking about doing any I.C.C. course we would strongly recommend that you attend a talk night. Topics covered - Canine communication / Cause and effects of stress and over-excitement / An introduction to clicker training – (although there will not be time to go into a lot of depth.) Please do not bring your dog to these evenings.
Talk nights in 2006
7:00-9:30pm , Wilsford Village Hall. 13 th March, repeated on 14 th September
Assisting in Dog Training Classes - Part 1, Some Basics of Training
23 rd June, 7pm-9pm.
This is mainly designed to be training for the ICC support team, but other people will be made most welcome. This evening will build on the workshop on Clicker Training, and will focus on how to be adaptable for different breeds of dog and different ways of learning. It will be a practical evening and if you have a dog that is happy with other dogs you are welcome to bring them to work with. If you do not have / do not wish to bring a dog you will be able to work with some of the dogs that are there. Part of the aim is for people to get used to working with each other's dogs and learning from one another what does and does not work. Cost - £7 (or £5 each if you book both ‘assisting’ workshops)
Assisting in Dog Training Classes - Part 2, Instructing
7 th July, 7pm-9pm.
This is mainly designed to be training for the ICC support team, but other people will be made most welcome. We will look at what to do when faced with a room full of dogs! Class management, stress reduction and how to observe and instruct owners will be mentioned. It will be a practical evening and if you have a dog that is happy with other dogs you are welcome to bring them to work with. You can then take it in turns to try out your instructing skills! Cost - £7 (or £5 each if you book both ‘assisting’ workshops)
ICC Birthday Party
Saturday 23 rd September 7pm-9pm.
Cost – Free! Bring some food or drink to share for the buffet.
Junior Dog Club
Saturday 29 th July 9:30am.-12:30pm. For children age 7-11.
It will be a mixture of a holiday club, and a dog club and activities will include: Quizzes, games, art, clay, baking, badge making, face painting and drinks and biscuits, as well as what dogs need, games to play with dogs, how to train dogs, how to greet dogs, understanding their body language, and learning about different breeds of dog. (Not all of these will be included in the first session!) Part of this will be practical handling with one of the dogs owned by the I.C.C. Team (please do not send your child with their own dog.) All staff will be experienced with children and will be led by Heather, a qualified primary school teacher.
Other things in Lincolnshire that you may be interested in
Show Off! Puppy Training for the Show Ring near Lincoln - Sunday 26th February 10am- 4pm. Learn how to start a pup off in a friendly, positive training environment which won't overstretch him. Learn how to set him up for success in the ring without losing sight of the need to raise a confident, well adjusted companion dog! Suitable for all breeds, sizes and ages up to about 5/6 months. Cost - Handler - £22 / Spectator - £10. Ring Paddy Driscoll 01522 694644 or E-mail teamworktraining@aol.com
Coach trip to Crufts – Sunday 12th March / Coach leaves Sleaford 7:30am. / Arrives NEC Birmingham 10am. / Leaves NEC Birmingham 5:30pm. / Coach cost £10 per person / Separate entry into Crufts. Ring Jill Notley 01526 834161
Heelwork-to-Music / Canine Freestyle Choreography Day near Louth - 1st April. Learn how to put the moves to music to make routines that flow. This day is a theory day without dogs. Run by 3 of the top handlers in the country (Top Lodge Dancing Dogs.) Cost - £20. Ring Carol Mortimer 01507 327612 or E-mail carol.mortimer@btopenworld.com
Heelwork-to-Music / Canine Freestyle Fun Day near Louth - 19th August. Cost - approx £3 per round. Ring Carol Mortimer 01507 327612 or E-mail carol.mortimer@btopenworld.com
ICC Classes for 2006
We expect a number of these to fill up VERY quickly. If you wish to reserve a place please contact us ASAP. Tel – 01400 230965 or www.icc-dog.co.uk
Day |
Time |
Class |
Start Date |
Spaces Available? |
Notes |
Mondays |
6:10-7:10pm |
30th January |
yes |
|
|
|
7:20-8:20pm |
30th January |
yes |
under 5 months old |
|
|
8:30-9:30pm |
30th January |
yes |
over 5 months old |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wednesdays |
7:00-8:00pm |
25th January |
yes |
Welcoming those not wishing to compete as well! |
Thursdays (Daytime) |
9:30-10:30am |
2nd February |
yes |
under 5 months old |
|
|
10:40am-11:40pm |
2nd February |
yes |
over 5 months old |
|
|
11:50am-12:50pm |
2nd February |
yes |
|
|
|
1:30-2:30pm |
2nd February |
yes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thursdays |
6:10-7:10pm |
2nd February |
limited |
For small dogs - this is an ongoing class for dogs that have done our Introduction to Agility |
|
|
7:20-8:20pm |
2nd February |
limited |
For large dogs - this is an ongoing class for dogs that have done our Introduction to Agility |
|
|
8:30-9:30pm |
2nd February |
yes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Saturdays |
10:00am-3:00pm |
on-going |
limited |
3rd Saturday of the month (usually) Not always |
|
|
3:00-4:00pm |
on-going |
yes |
3rd Saturday of the month (usually) Not always |
CAN YOU HELP? Elvis, a Parson Jack Russell (Jack Russell with fairly long legs) 8 month old puppy has gone missing (lost/stolen.) His owners brought him for puppy training with us, and obviously they are very worried indeed. He went missing from his home in Caythorpe just before Christmas. He is pure white with a black patch over one eye and ear. If you see him please ring (no longer applies.)
FINALLY – A friend of mine is making dog harnesses and collars and needs measurements! She would be grateful if you could send her your dog’s collar measurement when it is done up (in cm) and your dog’s breed(s). Her E-mail address is info@dog-games.co.ukThank you!
Social Walks – leaving from Wilsford Village Hall
Walk 1 – Led by Debbie Eales – 2 nd Sat of the month, 2pm.
Walk 2 – Led by Debbie Eales – 4 th Sat of the month, 2pm.
Walk 3 – Led by Heather Preece and Mary Cross – 2 nd Sat of the month, 10am.
Walk 4 – Led by Christina and Debbie – 1 st Sat of the month, 10am.
Walk 5 (Small, lively Dogs) – Led by Barbara Eveling and Fiona Granger – 4 th Sat of the month, 10am.
Walk 6 (Small, quiet Dogs) – Led by Debbie Eales – 2 nd Sunday of the month, 2pm.
Walk 7 (Big Dogs) – Led by Kate Lewthwaite and Jay Knowles – 1 st Saturday of the month, 2pm.
Walk 8 - Temporary walk, As some dogs move onto Thursday walks these dogs will gradually be filtered into other walks as spaces become available – Led by Christina and Debbie – 4 th Saturday of the month, 10am.
Rehab. Walk – Lead by Christina Oxtoby (with Caleb, and sometimes Asaph.)
Dogs added to…