Information For New Members

Firstly

Many thanks for dropping in. You're at this page because you have enquired about joining us or have happened across us while surfing. The info that follows should answer most questions you may have. If it doesn't just ask us. Or contact us via the contact page. We have had to update the way we operate in order to remain COVID safe but our aim remains the same, we want you to enjoy your time with your dog and get the most out of the time you spend with them.


Golden Rules

  • On arrival, relax! We don't bite.
  • Dog training is fun!
  • Dog training is fun!
  • Dog training is fun!

  • Although amusing points they are actually more important than you might realise. If you are calm and relaxed when you arrive your dog will be calm and relaxed. Many new owners don't realise how much their dog takes it's cue from them. This is especially the case when you both enter an unfamiliar place. Your dog may be unsure when coming into the club for the first time especially if it is full of gobby Shepherds. Your dog will look to you for guidance, if it sees you walk in as though it is an every day occurence then it will quite quickly settle down and relax. If you come in full of nerves your dog may quickly become nervous. If your dog is nervous don't fuss it, you could inadvertently be telling your dog it's okay to feel that way.


    Arrival Time

    You will have been given an arrival time. It is important that you arrive within the given window. This is so that we can keep the different training sessions apart from each other and ensure a smooth change over with minimal interaction. Please please please do not arrive late. It is disruptive to classes when people need to pass through to get to their class. Also the dogs in class take a few minutes to settle. If another dog arrives 5 mins after start all the other dogs become unsettled and need another few minutes to settle once more.


    Where To Go

    Our address is Carr Road, Calverley, LS28 5NE. On arrival drive down the track and turn around at the end. There is room. Come back up the track and park on the left as close to the car in front as possible, remembering to leave enough space for the car in front to get their big hairy GSD out. Please also remain in your car until invited out onto the field.


    Paperwork

    If it is your first time, you will need to bring with you a completed membership application form and a signed disclaimer. Payment can be made via BACS or by placing the exact amount of cash or a cheque in an envelope with your name written clearly on the front. Cheques to be made out to "Yorkshire German Shepherd Dog Training" There will be a bucket provided to drop your envelope in.

    The Forms can be downloaded by clicking below:

  • MemberShip Form
  • COVID Policy and Disclaimer

  • What to Bring

    Please don't worry too much about what to bring. We don't throw you in at the deep end and put you straight into a class. Your first session will be an induction, the aim of which is to give you all the information you need on equipment, clothing, treats and toys. We also cover how dogs learn, how we train. We will show you a few little exercises to practice at home. Then the following week, we throw you in at the deep end! Below are some items that you will need but please don't rush out and spend a fortune on kit. There is no need.


    Suitable footwear and clothing. We always train outdoors on a field.


    Training lead. Leather is best as it is more comfortable to use. Avoid nylon "seatbelt" type materials as they can be uncomfortable. Length should be 4 to 6 feet ideally. A training lead with a number of rings so you can adjust the length is a good idea.


    Suitable collar. A half check (or training) collar is generally regarded as one of the better types of collar to use. A full check or choke chain is not necessary and should never be used on a puppy and certainly not on an older dog without proper instruction first. These can do a lot of harm if used incorrectly. Pinch, spike and electric collars are not allowed. Training is fun and pain is not!.


    Training treats. Soft easily chewable treats are best. Avoid hard biscuit based treats. Cheese, chicken, hot dogs, ox liver are all popular choices. Be careful to make sure the treats you use do not upset your dog's stomach. It may take some experimentation to find the best ones for your dog.


    Waste disposal bags. Please take these with you after class as we have no facilty to dispose of these for you.


    Your sense of humour, you're going to need it.


    Training Fees

    Training fees are kept to a minimum. We charge £5 per week, 50 pence of which goes to our chosen charities. New members are charged an upfront fee of £35 that covers the first six weeks. After the first six weeks are completed then training fees are paid weekly.


    All people wishing to train with the club must be paid up members of the club. Membership fees are payable annually and last for 1 year, they expire at the end of the month in which you joined. Membership fees are listed on the homepage.


    Payments

    Payments can be made in three ways


  • Cash - Please place the exact amount along with any paperwork in a sealed envelope with your name clearly written on the front.

  • Cheque - Please make payable to "Yorkshire German Shepherd Dog Training" and along with any paperwork place in a sealed envelope with your name clearly written on the front.

  • BACS - Please contact us for the bank details. You will need to place any paperwork in a sealed envelope with your name clearly written on the front.