Author Archive
Puppy Classes
Due to a number of enquiries I am considering running some puppy training classes. These classes are a great way to start your dog training and include: Socialisation Association Training Tips and Advice This will all help bring your puppy forward to the point where formal training can commence. Please contact me if you are interested and would like to take part.
Weekend Training Classes
Please note that the Sunday classes are now taking place on a Saturday, in the same location at the same times; Advanced Class: 9am Saturdays Beginners Class: 10:30am Saturdays If you would like to find out more information or come along please contact me.
New Evening Basic Obedience Course
Due to popular demand a course of ten lessons on basic obedience will be starting April 10th 2012 at 6pm in the Meon Valley, Hampshire. This course will cover all aspects of basic obedience: Sit Stay Recall Heeling on and off the leash Please contact me to book a place on this course or find out more.
Training with a Smile
For those lucky subscribers to the Shooting Gazette you will have received the January 2011 edition, and will find Sarah Miles in the Gundog section talking about her experience and training methods. Expertly written by John Walker, regular writer of 'Shots from the Shires' (found on page 17 in this edition) this article gives a real insight into Sarah Miles the person as well as the dog trainer.
Smiles Events 2011
Places still available on our Monday Puppy Classes at 9:30am. Also some spaces remain for Thursdays Beginner and Advanced Classes - call 07768 830 937 to book your space. Exciting news we've got our first dates for workshops and classes in 2011. There will be more to come but recommend you get these in the diary by giving Sarah a call. Workshops: April 4 May 3 June 9 July 8 August 8 Sept 6 Classes: Sunday Gundog Classes: Advanced 9am Beginners 10.30am Commencing February - Monday Puppy Class From 9.30am Thursday Dog Classes Beginner 9.30am Advanced 11.00am Tuesday evening classes will also be commencing after Easter - contact Sarah for more information. Remember one-to-one sessions can be provided at any time to suit you.
Its All About You
Dog training is more about you the owner than the dog. How you stand, your tone, your arm movements, the speed you move even what you are thinking about. You’ve had a stressful day, you’re tired and then you do some dog training, but nothing is working. Your dog is not responding, is faltering and reluctant – did you take some time to listen to your tone? Dogs recognise the smallest change in pitch if you are tense this will come across in your voice often at a lower pitch, rapid and curt – if you think how other people respond to this then how do you expect your dog will behave to this? When you choose to work your dog make sure you are in the right frame of mind giving you and the dog the best opportunity for not only successful training but enjoyable training as well. A good way of really understanding what are you doing when training is to take a video, Smiles Dog Training can provide this service on request, or ask someone to observe. Remember dogs primary form of communication is body language, think about what your body is doing and what the dogs actually see. ...
It’s never too late to train your dog “Smiles”
When Judi Robertson met Hampshire dog trainer Sarah Miles she was at her wits’ end as her 18-month-old cocker spaniel chased anything that moved and totally ignored commands. Like many untrained dogs, Gemma was frequently running off – responding to her “hunting instincts” – and failed to take a blind bit of notice as Judi called in vain for her to return. Fearing the dog was a bit of a lost cause, Judi entrusted Gemma to Sarah – who runs Dog Training with Smiles – and now describes her as a “super little dog” who responded perfectly to the East Meon trainer’s tried-and-tested, professional methods. Judi said, “I love cocker spaniels and now have three of these busy little dogs and it is essential that they are under control and respond to my commands, I consider the training with Sarah to be very important and also ongoing. My dogs love her and really enjoy their training sessions and I continue to learn a great deal. I am often complimented on my dogs’ good behaviour and have frequently recommended Sarah’s training to those in need of help with their pet or working dog Judi’s three cocker spaniels are just an example of Sarah Miles’ many ...
Gun Dog Training
A well trained gundog is the best companion you can have in the field whether it is a spaniel or retriever, the pleasure of owning and working a well trained gundog is a joy, both to watch and work with. Training a gundog is not difficult; to attain a good standard is possible for most people. However gundog training does take time. Gundog training is a step by step process, building confidence and skills. Dog training with Smiles now offers Weekly Gundog Training Classes and One to One Dog Gundog Training Lessons or give Sarah a call for more details.
Dog behaviour?
As is typical of most dog behaviourists Sarah travels and works one on one with the owner in the home. Though in exceptional cases where the dog behaviour dictates, the training may take place at her Hampshire base. As with all dog behaviourists communication, observation and understanding are the keys to good dog behaviour. It is the owner’s responsibility to learn what their dog is “saying” and why. All dog behaviour training is based on co-operation between human and animal. The dog must have confidence in their owner, the owner must have confidence in their dog and the animal must have confidence in itself. This is confidence is achieved by understanding, communication and observation. What is dog communication?
About dog communication
Dog communication refers to body movements and sounds dogs use to send signals to other dogs, animals and humans. Dog communication comes in a variety of forms, and is taught as part of the foundation of dog social behavior. Dogs use certain movements of their bodies and body parts and different vocalizations to express their emotions. There are a number of basic ways a dog can communicate its feelings. These are movements of the ears, eyes, eyebrows, mouth, head, tail, and entire body, as well as barks, growls, whines and whimpers, and howls. Humans however communicate differently. Our main form of communication is the voice. The timbre, tone and volume the voice conveys many different messages to the dogs. This has to be managed with great care and used in the minimum. Our body language is our strongest form of communication. Our eyes can be used to praise or halt an action and the body to signal your requirements or to block undesired behaviour. Our voice should be used as little as possible and when used it should be low pitched and quiet. Dogs watch us constantly for the small subtle movements which signal their next ...