New dog training school in The Hague

Announcement: science-based, fun-packed and force-free dog training school opens in The Hague
By Laure-Anne Visele, written Mar 2013.

About the author: certified dog trainer in The Hague

Canis bonus: Laure-Anne Visele

I am the co-founder and head trainer at OhMyDog! (dog training school in The Hague). I also own Canis bonus, a behaviour therapy  practice where I give individual guidance to dogs with behaviour problems and their owners.

I graduated in Zoology, and am a licensed dog trainer and certified applied animal behaviourist. After my day job, I review dog books and write about behaviour for my blog and other specialist websites.

If you are near The Hague and have dog behaviour issues, drop me a line. Whether your dog is having trouble with impulse control, is aggressive to other dogs, or is scared of fireworks, don’t let it get worse. Get in touch sooner, rather than later.

I work in English, French, or Dutch and only use animal-friendly methods. If you’re new to the idea of dog behaviourists, you can find out more about what’s involved on my training page.

OhMyDog! New dog training school in The Hague

After years of squirreling away the dog training experience (behaviour consults) and qualifications, I kept dreaming of starting my own dog training school. Whilst studying for the renowned O&O dog training qualification, and I met  my match: another university-trained and dog-obsessed young woman with the same dream.

Like me, Nicolle has a specialist university degree (MSc in Ethology), spent years in the mainstream rat race whilst attending dog training courses and seminars on the side. And then, like me, she left the cushy life behind to follow her true passion: dogs.

It all started with  a grand and vague vision: we were going to bring science and reason to dog training. But the dream got more and more concrete, and, before we knew it, we’d set ourselves a deadline of April 2013.

After months of planning and preparation, we are proud to announce the opening of OhMyDog!, The Hague’s science-based, fun-packed, force-free training school.

What makes us different

As dog training customers, we started picking up on do’s and don’ts (I’ve been quite open about the don’ts), and came up with our approach:

• Positive methods, but measurable progress: With OhMyDog! (The Hague), force-free dog training does not mean permissive. We keep an eye on progress and won’t leave you behind if your dog is lagging.
• Science-based advice: At OhMyDog!, dog training advice is founded on solid fact, not docu-tainment.
• Minimum between-turn waiting: We restrict our class sizes to 6 participants.
• Excellent customer service: Organised, transparent, responsive, and courteous
• Serving local expats: Courses in Dutch AND in English
• Fun: We make use of real-life situations and props and make sure that our exercises are dynamic and variable.

We open our doors on April 8, and our lessons will start every Monday night in Scheveningen. We shall start with basic obedience (for adults) and puppy classes.

Come check us out at OhMyDog! Dog Training The Hague and see for yourselves.

Your comments

What is your experience with your local training schools? Any do’s and don’ts? Are you a dog trainer and you’ve founded your own school? What were the pitfalls and successes? Share, share, share.

Further reading

Dogs and society

• Hot dogs – Quick poll about hotly debated dog issues (e.g. leash/no leash, treat/no treat, etc.)
• Dogs, my philosophical position – My position on debated dog issues
• Does your large dog scare people? – Article about more intimidating dog breeds

Dog training and behaviour

• Separation anxiety – a treatment protocol
• Treating dog-dog aggression – some advice
• The perfect recall – fool-proof guide to getting your dog to come back when called