Trainers:
Sandhills C.T.C. has regular as well as guest Trainers experienced in working their own dogs and training others in specific disciplines such as Agility, Rally, Obedience, Tracking etc. The client and the dogs can enjoy working in a dog sport in which the Trainer not only understands the discipline but has been, or still are an active participant with their own dogs in the sport.
A large part of successful training in any dog sport is to understand from both views; how dogs learn and also how humans learn. A second aspect is that trainers should have hands on practical understanding of the frustrations, joy and effort it takes from forming teamwork between you and your dog for fun - to entering competitions.
Our regular Trainers take classes in agility, rally and obstacle and are still active in these areas with their own dogs.
The Behavior Clinic
Whenever we are approached by a client that has a concern regarding their dogs behavior we have an informal discussion; depending on if it is a training or behavior problem, we will issue a form for the client to fill out giving details of the dog and its daily life. We have an indoor behavior clinic in which we can first offer the client somewhere to come and relax with their dog and discuss the results of the form and the issue/s' they would like to address. If the dog is stressed being indoors we can take a walk around the enclosed paddocks.
If the behavior goes beyond what we feel we have the expertise to deal with, then, with the clients permission, we will contact a behaviorist that specializes in the behavior concerned to either come to the clinic or the clients home, if distance allows, or if the client is willing to travel seek out the appropriate Behaviorist for them and their dog.
Rehabilitation Training:
We do our own rehabilitation training in-house, this means that the client and the dog have a safe place in which to work through a Behavior Modification Program that may include desensitization and counter-conditioning. Dogs that have aggression issues either with people or other dogs and animals need a safe environment to learn appropriate behavior. Often the client requires a managed environment in which they can practice their own handling skills with their dog. We work with our own dogs to help the client understand about canine body language and signaling.



