Welcome to The Wheelhouse Vets Dog Training School
In June 2013, we started running our very own Wheelhouse Vets Dog Training School, which is held at our Chalfont St Giles surgery, in our paddock behind the practice. The school is run by Laura Ward BSc (hons), A.Dip CBM, MAPDT, MTCBTS - Accredited Animal Behaviourist - and is very ably assisted by trainer Maggie Yates with classes. Agility is run by Anna Rayne who is one of our qualified veterinary nurses.
The Trainers
Laura has spent ten years working in veterinary practice as a Registered Veterinary Nurse and has always had a passion for how animals think and feel. Being a strong believer in up to date theoretical knowledge, over the years she has completed accredited qualifications in behaviour and training including an Advanced Diploma in Canine Behaviour Management and a BSc (Hons) in Applied Animal Behaviour. Laura’s professional experience includes puppy socialisation classes, beginner, intermediate and advanced dog training, gun dog training, agility training, scent work and behaviour consulting.
Laura believes all training should be fun for both human and animal. We understand how stressful it can be to have a training or behaviour problem, and take a sympathetic and approachable stance to resolving issues. A veterinary nursing background has provided a good grounding in nutrition and medical factors which may affect behaviour, and Laura takes pride in a good working relationship with a number of veterinary practices.
Laura is also a provisional member of The Canine Behaviour and Training Society and the Association of Pet Behaviour Counselors, and an Association of Pet Dog Trainers (01184) approved instructor.
Anna is an Agility Club Approved Instructor and competes regularly with her Border Terrier, Isla. She aims to do the same with her other dog, Sprite, who is a Working Sheepdog.
Maggie is a Full Member Association of Pet Dog Trainers (01337), which means she has met their academic and practical standards and follows their code of conduct of ‘kind, fair and effective training’ methods. She has over thirty years’ experience working with dogs and runs a successful grooming and boarding business. Maggie runs some of the puppy, intermediate and advanced classes and can also do 121 training.
For regular updates on what’s going on at the training school, please visit The Wheelhouse Dog Training School on Facebook.
121 Training Sessions
If your dog/puppy has specific behavioural issues or doesn’t cope well in a group environment, you may prefer 121 training sessions. These can be carried out at your own home or another location, depending on the aims of the session.
Laura is used to dealing with issues like jumping up, mouthing, recall and pulling on the lead. Please email laura@wheelhousevets.co.uk or contact her on 07931 566921 to for advice or to arrange a training session.
Dog Agility
Agility has arrived at the Wheelhouse Dog Training School! It has been a very exciting project and we are thrilled to announce that we are now fully equipped and classes are underway.
Dog agility is a fun event in which the dog owner directs their dog around an assault course containing a variety of obstacles and challenges. Whether you are interested in coming along as a newcomer, or you already have agility experience, please email annarayne@wheelhousevets.co.uk.
Directions
The Chalfont St Giles surgery is next to the double mini roundabouts on London Road, opposite the Citroen garage. Find directions on our contact page.
Please park in the car park and then head straight to the garden via the first gate on your left (walking towards the surgery).
Please wait on the right hand side of the garden so any dogs that are already in the paddock have room to leave without feeling crowded. We will call you through into the paddock once the previous class has left.