Activity Training Groups

Every dog comes equipped with a highly capable sense of smell which can be used in a meaningful way to protect our local environment and threatened species. By attending Spürnasenarbeit classes, you will work together as a team with your dog to search for one or several target odours related to nature conservation. Some examples include, preventing, mapping, and eradicating invasive species; finding and protecting rare, threatened and endangered species of animals or plants; or ecological monitoring—finding where species live, how many there are, and what they need.

Dogs have a peculiar advantage in that they can cover large areas and rough terrain in a relatively short time, detecting cryptic species and scents hidden in deep vegetation. Some examples of the scenarios we work with here in Luxembourg include carcass detection of bat species protected under EU law. Conducting surveys in their mortality rates is common place around wind turbines. Another example is detecting the scat of wolves. One of the most effective ways of determining population sizes in areas, and the success of reintroduction projects for elusive species, is to perform DNA tests on animal scat. Bark beetle detection on spruces is another example, as bark beetles cause extensive tree losses in our local forests. Dogs can also detect invasive plants such as ragwort, as ragwort contains toxic compounds which can cause poisoning to horses and other livestock if eaten. Finally, we also work closely together with pest control experts for bedbug and mould detection.

We will arrange a new workshop on the detection of odours. The olfactory faculties of dogs are simply amazing, and our Guest Trainer Jacqueline Koerfer will lead a workshop on January 15 to introduce you and your dog to the world of odours and scents:  you will learn to work with your dog to search and identify a target odour and to find where it is hidden. Improving the dogs’ olfactory skills are a great way for a dog to learn and to stimulate his intellectual development as well as fostering good communication and teamwork between dog and owner. 



Jacqueline, a chemist by profession, and who herself works on environmental detection with her four specialised Lagotto Romagnolo dogs, seeking threatened and rare animal and plant species (such as tracking the presence of wolves in the Luxembourg forests) as well as searching for invasive and harmful plants and animals (such as the bark beetle which is destroying woodlands). Her school “Nosey Dogs” and her “Spürnasenarbeit” was nominated as one of the most promising start-up companies in Luxembourg by RTL in 2020. Here at Martha & Friends, she has worked with 6 dog-handler teams since May, training the dogs to become skilled environmental detection dogs.



This workshop is an all-day course, introducing you and your dog to the methods and training on odour detection. You will learn specific exercises to start you on the road of nose-work with your dog, and this beginners’ course will later be followed by more advanced workshops and training. Before coming to this workshop, you should choose the odour (or scent) which you would like to work with and let us know by 01.01.2023 whether you will bring samples with you or whether you would like for us to procure these for you.

The workshop will last from 09.30-17.30 with a one hour lunch (bring your own or each person can order something for delivery) midway. The fee is 210€ per person/dog team and we have 6 places available. Teams will have the opportunity to continue with scent-work training in a bi-monthly class if interested. 

Having fun and joint activities are our aim. You will learn to teach your dog all sorts of tricks. Accompanied by motivating music, we will work on various tricks from a simple "slalom through the legs" to the "jump into my arms", individually tailored to the respective dog and their owner. At the same time you learn to understand your dog's body language and to motivate him even when facing distractions. Learning to do tricks together will strengthen the relationship and trust between you and your dog, and you will master a series of tricks as a team. During the course, we only work with positive reinforcement. A clicker and small soft treats are used as aids.

Having fun and joint activities are our aim. You will learn to teach your dog all sorts of tricks. Accompanied by motivating music, we will work on various tricks from a simple "slalom through the legs" to the "jump into my arms", individually tailored to the respective dog and their owner. At the same time you learn to understand your dog's body language and to motivate him even when facing distractions. Learning to do tricks together will strengthen the relationship and trust between you and your dog, and you will master a series of tricks as a team. During the course, we only work with positive reinforcement. A clicker and small soft treats are used as aids.

This class will let you try out this competitive activity: if you and your dog like it, then we would love to have you join the Martha & Friends Crossdogging Team!
Known as the "Bundesliga of Dog Clubs", this is a fun activity for you and your dog which allows you to compete with other Crossdogging teams from canine training schools in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The tasks change weekly and are made available to participating dog training schools by the company Crossdogging GbR.

Crossdogging involves circuit training in which two people work on each station. One person completes the given task as often as possible for two minutes, the other counts the number of runs. Then the team swaps and when both have completed the task, it goes on to the next of the 5 stations. The teams are not aware of forthcoming tasks until each training session. The tasks involve several different disciplines within dog sports. Sometimes tricky, sometimes more athletic, from agility and retrieval to body language, circle training and tricks performed by the dogs - there will be something for everyone.

Known as the "Bundesliga of Dog Clubs", this is a fun activity for you and your dog which allows you to compete with other Crossdogging teams from canine training schools in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The tasks change weekly and are made available to participating dog training schools by the company Crossdogging GbR.

Crossdogging involves circuit training in which two people work on each station. One person completes the given task as often as possible for two minutes, the other counts the number of runs. Then the team swaps and when both have completed the task, it goes on to the next of the 5 stations. The teams are not aware of forthcoming tasks until each training session. The tasks involve several different disciplines within dog sports. Sometimes tricky,
sometimes more athletic, from agility and retrieval to body language, circle training and tricks performed by the dogs - there will be something for everyone.

Combine mental and physical stimulation with fitness and balance exercises in our doggie trick fitness block course. Led by our licensed dog physiotherapist, Lisah will educate dog and owner on different endurance and strength building exercises, as well as warm-up, cool-down, and stretching techniques.

(Block course with 6 appointments)

Running, romping and fun for big dogs who are well socialised and friendly.

Introductory appointment required.

Running, romping and fun for small dogs who are well socialised and friendly.

Introductory appointment required.

To gain understanding of what your dog is communicating through their body language from nose to tail, join our experts in deciphering the detailed nuances of dog body language. You will get the opportunity to see your dog in different situations (meeting new people, new dogs, and other potentially tense interactions) and learn when your dog is feeling comfortable, stressed, scared or irritated.

Longeing originated with Horse Training but is proven to be extremely effective with Dogs. Basically an exercise ring is created with the owner inside the ring and the dog outside the ring. The owner moves around the ring at different paces and the dog is rewarded as they mimic the movement and pace on the outside of the ring. Through training, tasks are introduced, increasing distances, and the bond and connection between the owner and the dog is improved. The dog gets a real workout and will leave mentally and physically worn out!

Christmas is just around the corner! Christmas is colourful, fast-paced and sometimes exhausting, while it should actually be quiet, contemplative, cozy, and above all celebrated in a circle of nice people. We offer you and your dog 4 sessions in the coming weeks where you will have the opportunity to participate in our peaceful and contemplative activities.

Contents:
1) Hands on stories for you and your dog
2) Funny elves in action
3) Various Christmas game ideas and activities

During our training sessions we read a different story each week with a suitable play action for your dog. You get ideas for keeping your dog busy. Meanwhile, we enjoy hot punch in a cozy circle.

Give up on your everyday life and stress and concentrate for an hour only on yourself and your dog while spending time with other dog owners.

The dog is a companion that reminds us to enjoy every moment :)