Sound Hounds

The Kennel Club Good Citizen scheme is the uk’s largest dog training programme and is designed to help you to develop a happy and rewarding partnership with your dog. It uses simple but effective reward based training techniques which will produce reliable consistent learning. All dogs are capable of learning how to behave appropriately and with the correct gentle guidance from Sound Hounds you will soon be the proud owner of a happy dog who is a pleasure to own. There are 4 levels to the scheme, Puppy Foundation, Bronze, Silver and Gold each one developing an owners understanding whilst building a dogs confidence and levels of obedience.

The Puppy Foundation award specialises in training owners to train their puppies. Puppies are able to join these classes once they have had their vaccination course, and groups are kept to around 7 puppies. Courses are for puppies up to six months. The classes are taught in a relaxed, informal manner and all family members including children over the age of 5 years are welcome to attend. Short periods of off lead puppy play are included in this course to enable puppies to develop their confidence and social skills. All techniques used are positive reward based, as this produces reliable, consistent learning. Exercises covered on this course include walking on a loose lead, coming back when called, sit, down and stay.

We offer courses for dogs that missed early training. Training includes exercises such as loose lead walking, attention, recall, and commands like "wait" and "stay." Classes are held in small groups, helping dogs adapt without stress. Instructors provide support, using positive reinforcement methods. The course lasts 4 weeks, with groups of up to 6 dogs. After completing the course, the bronze level is available.The "Puppy Foundation" course trains owners to train puppies from 8 weeks to 6 months old after vaccination. Groups are limited to 7 puppies, with short off-lead play periods to develop social skills. Training is based on positive reinforcement, covering commands like loose lead walking, recall, "sit," "down," and "stay."

This level aims to produce a dog that will walk and behave in a controlled manner. It is a basic standard that all adult dogs can easily achieve with correct handling, and aims to educate owners on responsible dog ownership. These classes are held in outdoor environments and are fun and friendly, with all sizes, shapes, and ages of dogs welcome. We offer the flexibility of three days and two venues to choose from. Exercises covered in this level include walking on a loose lead, control at a gate/door, controlled walking among people and dogs, handling and examination, and a 1-minute stay.

This level aims to build on the skills learned in the Bronze award while increasing the level of difficulty. It is a natural progression of practical dog training skills and introduces new concepts which will be invaluable in everyday life. The focus is on enhancing obedience, control, and the bond between you and your dog. Exercises covered in this level include greeting people appropriately, vehicle control, rejoining the handler, and coming away from distractions. Additionally, we will work on advanced recall techniques, impulse control, and maintaining focus in various environments.

This award is the highest level of achievement within the scheme and develops more advanced training skills for both dog and handler. The relationship between the dog and handler will be so secure that exercises such as relaxed isolation and a down stay while the owner moves out of sight will be easily achieved. Dogs and owners that achieve this level really are of a high standard and will have the freedom to enjoy each other's company in all walks of life. Exercises included in this level are free walk beside the handler, sending the dog to bed, emergency stop, and food manners.