Dogwood Training Classes was created in 1972 by Olive Pointe and Jack Volhardt. Since that time it has changed hands several times, and is presently owned by Eubar Belgian Tervuren (The Molands Family). We continue to instruct the "Volhardt Method" of obedience training.
Dogwood also instructs Conformation Handling classes, using the handling method formerly taught to A.K.C. licensed handlers.
We would like to share a few photos of some of our students "in action".
Heeling is the foundation of obedience training.
In the beginning, our students are not allowed to hold the lead, thereby preventing them from allowing a tight lead.
We teach our student from the beginning to always move at a very brisk pace.
In our Open Class, jumps are stared at a very low level to test the dogs' willingness.
In the beginning we're always waiting on the other side of the jump with a treat and lots of praise.
If a dog shows any hesitation to jump we require that he be Xrayed for possible structural problems before continuing training.
The figure 8 is a very important exercise in the obedience ring. We teach it using dogs as well as handlers as posts.
Hand signals are started from a very close distance, and given with exageration.
It is essential that reinforcement of signals is immediate, in order to assure immediate response once the signal is learned.
Stays are also started for short periods of time at a short distance.
The length of time and distance is gradually increased.
We teach our students to always use the same body posture when doing stays.
It is important not to release the dog immediately upon returning from a stay.
Body posture is very important when showing a dog in the conformation ring.
Learning to stack a dog to his best advantage can mean the difference between first and last place.
It is of upmost importance that the handler learn to match his stride and speed to that of the dog.
Learning to move in a straight line is much more difficult than it appears.
Below are a few of our Instructors receiving Obedience Placements.
