Dog Training Workshop with Dr. Ian Dunbar.

Tue 24 Mar 2009 by Sue McCabe

As part of my continuing professional development, and part of the requirements of the training association I am a member of (www.apdt.co.uk), I am obliged to attend a certain number of hours training each year. This ideally should include workshops in the practical aspects of dog training and seminars on more theoretical subjects such as aggression and learning theory. Last year for example I attended a practical training workshop on Construction Aggression Treatment with Kellie Snider and a canine body language seminar with Norwegian training Turid Rugaas.

I received an email some weeks ago from a dog training school in Ireland informing me that a man called Dr. Ian Dunbar would be giving a 3 day workshop in all aspects of dog training in April. Having attended a 4 day seminar by Ian Dunbar in 2007, I was keen to attend this practical session with my own dogs.

Ian Dunbar is a registered and qualified vet from the UK, but is also a highly respected and knowledgeable trainer and behaviourist. This in itself is unusual as most vets, by their own admission, know very little about the practical aspects of dog training and behaviour. Ian Dunbar's practical ideas for puppy socialisation classes have influenced the way I have run my classes for some years now. His articles are often given out in my class, as he comprehensively and clearly outlines training in a way which most trainers have never achieved. His website, www.dogstardaily.com is a wealth of resources; articles, videos and blogs about dog training and behaviour and should be visited by all dog owners and trainers alike.

So Sage, my collie and I are going on a road trip. We are driving the van to Ireland and spending 3 days training in the hope of getting some clever ways to train for class and some interesting and fun ways to get the idea of positive dog training across to dog owners of the future.

I will update the blog on my weekend away with Dr. Ian Dunbar when I return!

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