Cleaver Dog Training

25/04/2025

CHARITY DOG SHOW at Bucks Country Show next weekend

Myself and Liz Howlett of Barnaby's Friends will be judging the fun classes on bank holiday Monday. It would be lovely to see some of you there!

Proceeds to go to Husky Welfare Association

24/04/2025

We currently have one space left for a small/medium dog to start the next beginners course on Monday 12th May at 9.30am.
If you are after starting with a larger dog or this time does not suit you, please get in touch directly and we can try to coordinate another course to accommodate you. The next course currently scheduled after his one is 28th June but there are others wanting to start earlier so do give Vikki a call on 07773 784402 and tell her your availability and we will do our best!
We aim at providing fun safe agility for everyone and target more at recreational level than for serious competition.
To book any of the agility courses currently proposed see www.cleaverdogtraining.co.uk/agility
07773 784402

24/04/2025

Another bundle of gorgeousness having completed their Puppy Foundation Manners training recently - apologies to the others but my phone appears to have lost some pictures 😢😢
Well done for the amazing progress and we look forward to seeing you all continue your training journey.
www.cleaverdogtraining.co.uk

19/04/2025

Thank you Hannah Gates Art & Photography for these amazing pictures from our charity event.
I can confirm that we raised a massive £729 which will be divided between Bowel Cancer UK and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People so thank you to everyone that supported us.

05/04/2025

What a fantastic afternoon in the sun raising g money for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and Bowel Cancer UK
Final figure not worked out but over £700 raised.
Thank you to everyone who came.
I think it is safe to say everyone (canine and human should sleep well tonight….if they haven’t already crashed! 😍😂

03/04/2025

Getting off to the right start early on can set you up for a fantastic life together with your new family member.

Beau’s family arranged a home visit a few days after his arrival with them so that they could get answers to their early concerns.

They were lucky that he did not disappear off with Vikki as he was sssssooooo scrummy 😍😂

If you would like to know more about the support available to potential, new or seasoned dog owners, feel free to get in touch for a free discovery call on 07773 784402

We offer home visits, 121 appointments at our training centre and group classes for both general training and agility with an experienced qualified trainer.

www.cleaverdogtraining.co.uk

31/03/2025

Does anyone have any garden chairs they no longer require please?

We are having a charity dog agility show (in aid of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and Bowel Cancer UK) in Amersham on Saturday and more seating would be very useful.

24/03/2025

Happy National Puppy Day!

Lets see all your cuties!

24/03/2025

Well done to this gorgeous bunch of puppies that have all done so well in their Puppy Foundation Manners Course. We look forward to seeing you again soon to learn more skills!

18/03/2025

FANCY TRYING AGILITY?

We have various beginners courses starting as well as classes available for those dogs who have already done some elsewhere. You may have seen it recently at Crufts, but don't worry, we won't be expecting that standard! We specialise in normal people and normal people training together and having fun.
Classes are small with only 4 dogs per session to ensure maximum attention and are only suitable for dogs over 12 months old. If you like to know more, feel free to get in touch on 07773 784402 or to book see https://app.softwarefordogtrainers.co.uk/v2/preview/zE25VyGUET1TGdS1tVG6

If you would prefer weekday classes to the times on the website, please get in touch as these will be timetabled according to demand and there are others currently waiting to join you!

04/03/2025

ITS CRUFTSMAS TIME

If this weekend is in your diary for the first time, here are a few of my top tips to make the most out of your trip

🐾 It is absolutely huge so you will do LOTS of walking and standing around so make sure you wear comfortable shoes and clothing
🐾 Regreshments are expensive so bring your own or expect to spend lots! There are water refill stations near the main arena but I don’t recall seeing them elsewhere but there may be others
🐾 The only dogs allowed entry are assistance dogs and dogs with a valid entry pass (eg competing or part of a demo etc)
🐾 It is very busy, especially on Saturday and Sunday so there can be long queues
🐾 Saturday tickets usually sell out so best to pre order and you will need a separate ticket for the final on Sunday evening and you always used to need separate tickets to have seats to watch the obedience ring (sorry not sure if this is still the case)
🐾 There are loads of different trade stands (not just for dogs) so plan your shopping requirements before you go….amd then expect to double your budget 😂
🐾 Car parking is not included in the ticket price but NEC parking can be pre booked for slightly cheaper than paying on the day (around £18 I think pre booked), or the railway station parking always used to cost slightly less too (check details via BR). There is also a leisure park next door which in the past has offered discount parking as long as you spend money there so sometimes with eating there to get the cheaper parking!
🐾 Events in the main ring are worth seeing but at peak times queues can be very long
🐾 Raw food suppliers usually sell off their remaining stock at up to 50% price on Sunday afternoon
🐾 You will mainly need to carry everything with you so be prepared to look like a pack horse at the end of it 😂
🐾 Showing takes place on all 4 days throughout the halls but is split into breed groups so make sure you go on the right day if you are specifically after seeing this. Remember that whilst owners will usually be delighted to tell you about their gorgeous dogs, bear in mind this should be on their terms and if they are about to go into the ring, or have not had the best day after years of preparation, they may be grumpy if you pester them!
🐾 Discover Dogs takes place on all 4 days and there are over 200 breeds being showcased so it is a great place to go and meet breeders and choose your next breed
🐾 There is television coverage on all 4 days so don’t worry if you cannot get there in person, you can still enjoy it, whilst saving your pennies!

Have an amazing time everyone.

Picture for cuteness only!

02/02/2025

I can recommend this course with Anna which takes place at our training centre

24th February and 24th March workshops now available to book here:

https://bookwhen.com/kangarook9

March 3.30 group now full. spaces in others available

Old Amersham HP7
Indoors. Max 4 dogs per class.

23/01/2025

Change of plan this morning- none of us were enjoying the walk in this miserable weather so rain check in order!

18/01/2025

LOOSE LEAD WALKING
Don’t beat yourself up if you are struggling, for some dogs it really doesn’t come naturally.
Of course there are ways to help train it, but it will be a lot harder than for other dogs.
Take a step back and assess what you are both going to enjoy.
You will rarely see me taking Pixie along a pavement as she really doesn’t not like it. If she is not enjoying her walk, then I probably won’t be either!
Look outside the box and work out what you will both enjoy.
Good luck 😁

10/01/2025

DO YOU REALLY NEED TO WALK YOUR DOG TODAY?
There are lots of keyboard warriors ready to victimise anyone seen with a dog out in the summer and of course, it is extremely important to be mindful of this, but consideration should also be given in cold temperatures too. Within 10 minutes of leaving my house today, I saw someone slip and fall on the black ice; an old blind dog struggling with the ground and dogs being walked on very salty pavements.

I am not saying that no one should walk their dog when it is freezing; but do assess the risk vs benefits. After all, if you fall and break your leg today, you won’t be walking for weeks or months 😢

Hazards to consider in the cold include
🐾 Risk of injury to handler due to slipping on ice
🐾 Potential injuries to dogs caused by slipping
🐾 Increased chance of injury due to cold muscles
🐾 Discomfort/frostbite to paws on extremely cold surfaces
🐾 Irritation to paws caused by walking on salted pavements
🐾 Gastric issues caused by ingestion of salt from dogs self cleaning paws/legs
🐾 Threat of broken/strained toes/legs/tendons etc from running and tripping on frozen uneven ground
🐾 Possibility of hypothermia from cold temperatures

Consider if other forms of exercise and enrichment will meet your and your dogs needs instead. These can include scentwork exercises (finding a single target scent, scatter feeding, tracking a scent trial etc); training different postures, behaviours and positions (sit, down, twist, fetch, wait etc); indoor home based mind games (proprietary brain games, rummage boxes, KONG Wobblers etc); taking your dog to indoor alternatives if appropriate and practicing settling as well as exploring the different smells and experiences (shopping centres, garden centres, cafes etc).

Stay warm and safe everyone.

06/01/2025

LIFE SKILLS PROGRESSIONS CLASSES ARE BACK ON!

If you are looking to polish up your training this new year, this is the course for you.

After a short break for my surgery, I am pleased to confirm this course is restarting this weekend. We will generally be training outside unless the weather is bad, in which case, we will go into the training hall.

Groups are kept small to ensure maximum attention.

For more information, or to discuss if this course is right for you, please get in touch with Vikki Cleaver on 07773 784402 or to book, see https://cleaverdogtraining.upshotbookings.co.uk/face-to-face/silver-improvers-training/

05/01/2025

LOCAL ROAD CLOSURE WARNING
Rectory Hill will be closed from tomorrow for the next 6 weeks to do the work finally to stop the flooding on the bridge….but do not use today as a last opportunity to go that was as st least 4 cars broken down in the flood today already!
Obviously other local roads are likely to be busier as a result so allow plenty of time to get down to Old Amersham.