A NEW business offering "positive reinforcement" training for dogs has been set up in Mole Valley.
Dog trainer Angela Doyle has started Polite Paws, a programme for canines that uses "kind" methods, such as using clickers to enforce good behaviour.
The classes, which do not allow "aversive" techniques, such as lead jerks, are currently being run in Westcott, with further sessions planned in Fetcham and Betchworth in the spring.
"My aim is to use positive reinforcement training that is fun, informal yet still professional," Ms Doyle said.
"A lot of dog training can be like going back to school but we are about creating an environment where both dog and handler enjoy themselves learning.
"We promote only kind techniques, and specifically recommend clicker training because it builds the dog's confidence and makes it much easier for the dog to learn and for the owner to train."
The classes are available for puppies and full-grown dogs, and individual sessions are also offered for shy, nervous or reactive dogs which are not suited to a class environment. Ms Doyle, who qualified as a trainer with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) last year, leads the classes herself and her company now uses the same strict code of practice as the APDT.
"I chose them because they use kind methods and have a strong code of practice when it comes to how you should treat a pet when teaching them," she said.
"But my inspiration for getting involved is my rescue dog, Dylan.
"He was a stray in Swansea with special needs and I took him in and, using certain methods, he has improved drastically since I started training him. He was very nervous and had lots of issues with trust and aggression, but we worked through it and I feel I can offer those techniques to other dog owners in Mole Valley.
"There are not many Dorking dog trainers offering clicker training and I would say that, as I am recently qualified, I am up to date with the techniques."
Sessions are currently held in the Reading Room in Westcott on Thursdays and Fridays.
For more information, call Ms Doyle on 07834 167376 or e-mail angela@politepawsdogtraining.co.uk
