Training - Our Philosophy

Our training philosophy can perhaps be best described as consequential training. Dogs are encouraged to perform an exercise with enthusiasm and enjoyment. However, if it is clear that the dog understands what is required but simply refuses to perform an exercise then limited and humane forms of compulsion are occasionally used. Throughout training handlers are encouraged to use food and toys to assist in motivating their dog.

At the Meridian Rottweiler League our emphasis is on creating a happy, confident dog and one that fits into your lifestyle and is a valuable and dependable member of your family.

Training Costs & Format

Annual membership fee	R100.00 per family
Training Fee per Term (Domestic Sunday - Obedience Training)	R300.00 per dog
Training Fee per Term (Domestic Sunday - Bridging Class)	R420.00 per dog
Training Fee per Term (Domestic Sunday - Defence/Manwork)	R300.00 per dog
Training Fee per Term (Sunday - Ring Craft)	R150.00 per dog
Training Fee per Term (IPO - Sunday, Monday, Tuesday)	R420.00 per dog
Training Fee per Term (IPO & Domestic Sunday - Manwork)	R600.00 per dog

Our year is divided into 3 training terms of approximately 12 to 13 weeks each. Each term ends with a fun graduation day with all dogs participating and a full “Fry-up” breakfast with Champagne & Orange Juice. Prizes and certificates are awarded on the day based on the progression and ability of the dog and handler to successfully complete the judging criteria according to their category.

Qualifying, according to your trainers assessment throughout the training term means that you may advance to the next class at the start of the next training term.

Training Times

Winter Training Times:

Obedience: 09h00 – 10h00
Protection Work: Start 10h15

Summer Training Times:

Obedience: 08h30 – 09h30
Protection: Start 09h45

Training Venue

We train at Goldfields Kennel Club, Boeing Rd West, Bedfordview, on the bottom field (next to Gillooly's Farm – see map on the contact page: map)

What To Bring For Obedience Training

Water: Bring a bowl & water for your pup.

Treats: Also some soft treats that are easily digestible such as Vienna's/ Chicken / Cooked Liver for the training, chopped into small bite size pieces (about the size of your small finger nail).

Hard treats such as biltong or biscuits are not appropriate.

Also bring your Collar & lead that u are using - our trainers will advise if they are appropriate. We have a well-stocked quartermaster that can supply you with anything that you need in terms of training equipment.

Training Levels Offered

Puppy Class & Socialisation
Beginner Level 1
Beginner Level 2
Novice
CD Beginner
CD

Bridging Class (for those dogs that have not been socialised or have missed the puppy training stage and need some basics before joining a formal class).

Obedience Trainers
Hamidah Ajam, Mara Haylett, Elize Bokelmann, Carol Lees, Nicola Lees, Jenniffer Lees, Cliff Haylett, Leatitia Crawford, Gavin Gobler, Neil Perkins, Bernie Klopper.

Protection Training / Bite Work

Introduction

We offer character (Protection) training every Sunday starting at 10:00am. The character training classes are aimed at those people interested in competing in sport activities that involve, at some point bite work on an assailant or competition helper. However, it is our experience that most dogs can benefit from the confidence and discipline they learn during these training sessions.

Protection Work - Costs and Format

Costs for character training are R420-00 per term per dog. Because of the popularity of the classes we have imposed some rules. Of primary importance is that an absence of three weeks, without informing the trainers that you will not be at training, means that you will no longer be allowed to attend these classes.

You will be required to sign an indemnity form. Each session caters for dogs at various levels depending on the age and experience of the dog in this discipline.

Dogs are worked individually so helpers adjust the training accordingly.

Protection Work - Philosophy

At the Meridian Rottweiler League, we do not teach mindless aggression or encourage distrust towards strangers. We teach the dog when and how to bite under controlled circumstances. Our emphasis is on creating a happy, confident dog that knows when biting is acceptable. We do this by ensuring that:

• No dog is pushed further than it is capable of achieving.
• The dog’s innate prey and defence drives are properly channelled.
• The dog always wins.

In this way we aim to train dogs that will allow visitors and other non-threatening individuals to enter your house or to approach you and your family because they are able to recognize the lack of threat in those situations. A threatening individual will, however, be dealt with because the dog is aware of its capabilities and has become used to dealing with the threat of attack.

Remember that 90% of dog bites are from fear biting dogs, i.e. dogs that have had a fear reaction to a particular situation. We actively work to teach the dog not to fear a wide variety of situations.

For obvious reasons, all dogs not actively involved with any training must be under proper control. While we prefer that the dog be locked away in a trailer or your vehicle, the dog may stay with you if he is well behaved around people and other dogs. Be aware that the excitement of watching other dogs working may make him a bit of a handful!

Protection Work – Equipment & Attire

Most forms of dog training involve their own specialized forms of equipment. You will need the following items:

• A strong canvas or leather leash, 1.2m - 1.5m long. Make sure that the clip on the end of the leash is a strong one! Essential for: obedience, character and show training.
• A strong leather collar with all links and buckles welded closed. Be aware that many collars have leash attachment rings that are not welded closed. Essential for: character training.
• A harness is optional but is highly recommended to enable your dog to work with maximum comfort in the training - Please speak to our quartermaster who can assist you with this.
• A choke or slip chain - THE CLUB HAS A WELL STOCKED QUARTERMASTER & CAN SUPPLY YOU WITH QUALITY TRAINING EQUIPMENT AND TOYS FOR YOUR DOG AT REASONABLE PRICES
• Clothing must be comfortable and practical. You will be encouraged to play with and have close contact with your dog, dress accordingly.
• Wear shoes with some grip - you must be able to hold your ground without your dog dragging you around. Good choices are running shoes (especially of the cross training type) hiking or hockey shoes.
• A water bowl for your dog. Water is available in the clubhouse and elsewhere on the grounds but it is probably easier to bring a 2 litre bottle of fresh water.

Protection Work Trainers

Marius Vorster, Mathew Ross, Renier Gertzen.

Show Training

Schedules and membership forms are available at the clubhouse. Show training will teach you how to handle your dog in the conformation show ring. If you have a KUSA registered dog, which has not been sterilized then you are encouraged to attend this class for advice on your dog’s breed worthiness.

Show Trainers
Barbara Loubser, Hamidah Ajam, Neil Perkins.