Every exercise was evaluated for its practical use in 'real time' applications away from the training centre and was then put into a teaching format that would be easy for both the dog and owner to learn. The techniques taught were also broken down into a consistent formula that was to become the cornerstone of all skill acquisition. "Pattern Learning" is the term Alpha uses to describe the simple format that all exercises follow to produce an easy to understand, overall concept, making the learning of new skills, an easy process. Learning then becomes a comfortable activity which in turn promotes a clearer path to skill acquisition. The "Pattern Learning" term was also a useful reminder to all our dog handlers that consistency was in fact the key to their dogs both learning and maintaining all obedience skills. It was hoped that all handlers would automatically follow the pattern whenever giving commands to their dogs, wherever they were!

For any dog training method to be truly effective, it must also have practical and realistic outcomes that will transfer the skills learnt from inside the training centre to real life situations. Random Practice is a common sense concept that revolves around the normal 'interaction' times spent with your dog, not regimented practice times that are often too hard to keep up with and are often unrelated to real life situations where the dog must also listen to their owner. 

From this little snippet of our early ideals and aspirations you can see what has motivated us to continue with the development of Alpha's progressive dog training system. The System will always continue to develop overtime as the trainers continue to learn based on their experiences. Alpha Dog Training as it stands now uses a combination of obedience and canine good behaviour shaping to change the dogs overall behaviour. The method focuses on building a strong relationship between the owner and dog where the owner becomes leader who the dog trusts and looks to for guidance. Alpha believes in training to either prevent undesirable canine behaviours or rehabilitate undersireable canine behaviours; including aggression, fear, anxiety and over excitability. Alpha has always prided themselves on being able to tackle serious rehabilitation cases that other training services may turn away. Alpha also uses behavioural problem solving to tackle common unwanted behaviours such as; barking, jumping up, digging and aggression.

The Alpha Canine Centre

The Alpha Canine Centre is a home for all of your dog’s training and socialisation needs. The centre has been open since 2014 and continues to develop over time. There are a number of training services available all days off the week; with our weekly group obedience classes being a very popular option. Other training services that operate at the centre include private lessons, short courses and Socialisation classes. 

Another core service that operates at the centre is Alpha Doggy Playcare. A daycare service for dogs that is open Monday-Friday to suit typical working hours. We provide a safe and controlled environment to socialise puppies and adult dogs. Playcare is staffed by professional dog trainers that are able to work with dogs with various temperaments and sociability. This is our point of difference to other doggy daycares. Many of the Playcare staff are also qualified professional dog trainers; this makes us capable of dealing with difficult dogs that other daycares would turn away. Our trainers also work at Alpha’s Weekly Obedience Classes which means we really get to know your dog and owners get to see a familiar face across all of the centres services. 

The Centre is staffed 6:30am-6:30pm Monday - Friday; so there is always someone available at the centre to answer questions and give advice over the phone or in person. The shop is also open between these hours where you can buy training equipment, dog food, dog beds and dog toys!

The Alpha Canine Centre provides everything you need to train and socialise your dog. We can also refer you to the Alpha Boarding Kennels located in Macclesfield if you need your dog looked after overnight. Ultimately, The Alpha Canine Group provides the full experience for you and your dog.