Welcome, Clix and Trix is a small, supportive and super friendly Dog Training Club based in Barnham and run by me Elaine Armstrong and my wonderful team of volunteer helpers. I'm a Certified Trick Dog Instructor with a strong passion for dog training, I have a diploma in both Canine Behaviour and in Dog Training. I have been head hunted by the Victoria Stilwell Academy as a mentor for students who are studying at Victoria Stilwell's Dog Training Academy which is a very exciting part of my career. I am a Canine Hoopers World Instructor and Assessor, I’m canine First Aid trained and also have diplomas in the following studies:
Canine Communication Canine Nutrition Puppy Training Veterinary Assistant Animal Assisted Therapy
I also have my personal achievements with my own dogs too, including taking one of my dogs to Trick Dog Championship level. As a dog trainer and behaviourist, my aim is to help you have a much happier and much stronger relationship with your dog by teaching your dog not only fun tricks from Novice to Advanced levels but also obedience, puppy training and socialisation sessions as well as scent work, recall classes and also fun flyball and 'have a go' agility. All classes are now held at our new training ground in Barnham.
Over at Clix and trix we use FORCE FREE training methods ONLY, we use Positive Reinforcement (+R), Conditioning, Shaping, Capturing and of course Clicker Training to get the results we want from our dogs. Our ethos is to keep the dogs as happy as can be and as stress free as possible so all the classes are kept as fun as possible for both human and dogs!
We use 'Clicker Training' because it's a fantastic method to quickly and efficiently mark and reward your dogs desired behaviour. The only tricky part is being quick enough but that comes with practice so don't be put off. Clicker training gives your dog clear communication that what they are doing is correct, treating that behaviour then strengthens the desire your dog will have to do that behaviour again. It makes teaching your dog new things much clearer and much easier for your dog to grasp.
Force Free Training methods are the way forward, your dog has a natural desire to please you - so we work with it. If your dog is having fun and being rewarded for doing something - then they're naturally going to do it more. We reinforce the behaviour we want by giving them something they enjoy, a toy, a treat, praise, touch, kisses etc. Ignoring the unwanted behaviour and reinforcing the wanted behaviour.
There is no need to use harsh training methods to train you dog, it's totally out dated and has been proven to have a detrimental impact on your dogs life so slip leads, semi chokes, choke collars, prongs and electric collars are not welcome at my club.
I am however, more than happy to trade in your unwanted items listed above and in return I will give you a discount in one of my classes to say thank you for opening your mind to the world of positive reinforcement.
Clix and Trix Dog Garden over at the Windmill Shopping Village, Yapton Road, Barnham PO22 0BD. Our Dog Garden is a fully enclosed quarter of an acre paddock where you can walk your dog away from other dogs, people, cars etc we have 6ft fencing surrounding and a coloured barrier fencing along the front to help our more sensitive dogs who aren't keen on cars and people the opportunity to relax. We have lots of wonderful play equipment that you can enjoy with your dogs. Including a toy bin full of tug toys, balls and a first aid kit should you need it!
There is ample parking and toilets on site. We even have a Dog Grooming Salon, Pet Shop and a Tea Room on the premises too, so why not come down for a visit and see if we can help