About Us
Cobham Dog Training Club is run by Kennel Club Accredited Instructor Pauline Scholey. The club has successfully run dog training classes for over 60 years specialising in the training and behaviour of the family pet.
Our classes are both informative and friendly with assistance available for those experiencing difficulty with a particular exercise. Each new exercise is explained and demonstrated before handlers practice what they have been shown.
Although we do not teach competitive obedience, the teaching methods we use will provide you with a good grounding in the disciplines required for competitive Kennel Club run obedience competitions. End of term assessments with Certificates and Rosettes (just to make it a bit competitive!) are awarded by merit each term and training equipment is available for purchase such as collars, leads and whistles.
The club actively supports The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association with many “Puppy Raisers” (formerly called “Puppy Walkers”) attending classes to receive early training and socialisation. Canine Partners is another registered charity that the club supports, including holding an Annual Quiz which is very popular with around 150 people attending each year.
We are very aware that no two dogs are the same, many breeds require different handling, and each dog and handler needs individual attention to reach their full potential. If you would like to know more about the club or how we can help you with your specific requirements, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We look forward to seeing you at one of our classes soon!
Our History
The very first dog training classes were held in Esher in 1958 under the tuition of Jack Kenworthy, whose dog Raf of Shone became the first Obedience Champion at Crufts when the title was introduced in 1951. The club was not officially formed until 1960. Soon after, it moved to Walton-on-Thames and hence the former name Walton & Esher Dog Training Society came into use. Around 1965, under the leadership of Jack Warden, the club moved to Cobham Village Hall.
In 1975 the mantle of Chairman was assumed by Valerie Ingman. The club was under some pressure financially and the committee at that time decided to formalise the membership system which still exists today. The beginners’ class was trained by the Chairman with Jennifer Meade teaching the intermediate class and Iain Hay the advanced class.
By 1979, the club finances were so strong that the committee decided to embark upon the purchase of a Guide Dog for the Blind at a committed cost of £1,000 over two years which proved to be the first of many dogs sponsored by the club up to 1997 and beyond. Various other charities that have received sponsorship from us have included Hearing Dogs, Dogs for the Disabled, Wildlife Aid with talks given by many of them.
The club actively supports Guide Dogs for the Blind Association by offering free training for “Puppy Raisers” (formerly called “Puppy Walkers”) who attend classes to receive early training and socialisation.
The main charity the club has supported has been Canine Partners which is a registered charity and does not receive any funding from the government. It provides highly trained assistance dogs to people with disabilities, and so doing this helps their “partner” to manage many everyday tasks that would be impossible without assistance.
The companionship and assistance that these dogs provide makes all the difference in the world to their “Partners” and enables them to lead a much more fulfilling life. For over a decade we have held a Quiz Night in May for this charity which is well supported with over 150 people attending. We also welcome “Puppy Parents” to our classes.
In 1995 puppy classes were introduced to give owners an opportunity to socialise very young puppies (12-18 weeks), whilst introducing basic control exercises. Around 120 puppies of this age now come to classes every year.
Daytime classes were then introduced and around 100 dogs now attend both daytime and evening classes every week. In addition, private tuition is offered if this is preferred. In particular, owners with puppies in the 8-12 week age group (pre puppy class) have found these home visits beneficial.
In 2010, Pauline took over the full running of the club and organises all the courses that now take place at the Village Hall in Stoke D’Abernon. She keeps a database of clients in order to keep in touch with everyone.