Force Free and Fun – Clicker training workshop 2nd March 2014

Presented by CyDRA Education Team in conjunction with the PPG Virtual Event for Force free training and pet care.

Venue:  The Fatsa Cafe and Museum, Skarinou, Cyprus

The morning started well – plenty of cloud and no sun!  Every participant was given a sheet to make a shade between cars but they were not needed and it only started to warm up shortly before we finished the workshop.

12 dogs and their owners, many observers and most of Julia’s training team were there.  We started with some theory and then conditioned the dogs to the clicker.  We had many short breaks throughout the morning and also worked the dog for very short sessions and in turn to avoid saturation or over kill!

Carole H took the workshop and each group of four had their own trainer as well.  The dogs were of mixed ages and mixed breeds and  almost all were from rescue facilities here in Cyprus.   Clicker training is new in Cyprus but judging by the response of those attending it was much enjoyed and provisions are being made to form a clicker training group.  Also those who were unable to attend this workshop have asked for another workshop in the future.

During the workshop we conditioned the dogs to the clicker and began to learn some theory and take part in some practical training in the areas of luring, capturing and shaping etc.   There were many ‘Ah Ha’ moments during the day!  No rest for the humans at break time when it was their turn to work at the training game. Kirsty and Lesley were our dog and trainer and both agreed after how hard it must be for the dogs to understand if we don’t make it very clear what we are asking them to do.

Another mix was the ages of the humans!  I will not divulge except to say that our two children Joseph and Ellie (and their Dad), did very well today.  They have only had their little rescue terrier, Smudge, for 3 weeks and they had to share him – which they managed without squabbles or tears.  Smudge was quite distracted but the children, with the help of Andrea (their trainer) who took them to a quiet area, both coped brilliantly. These children helped with our Tales to Tails therapy dog training earlier in the year so they are very valued members of our volunteer helpers.

Venues where dogs are allowed are few and far between in Cyprus so we much appreciate being given free use of the car park of the Fatsa Cafe and Museum at Skarinou.  Their food and beverages always make a visit worthwhile too.  Also donated were clickers from friends in Australia so everyone went off with their own clickers and handouts.  We did raise more funds for the Association, which means more dogs get re-homed, and the beauty of it is that we can do more in the future.

Personally I enjoyed the day immensely and I know the other trainers did too.  They were Carol A, Sara, Andrea, who were also helped by trainee trainers Greg and Pauline.  Julie and Eamonn were hosts who sorted the car parking, general administration and photography out , with the help of their friend Janey who only arrived the day before from UK.  Some holiday!

I am away for my dog fix at Crufts and on my return I will send everyone dates for the next workshop. Thanks to all those who attended and special thanks to the dogs who also enjoyed themselves!

Carole Husein