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.

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.

In this course your dog will learn to read your commands purely based on where your eyes are looking or how your body is positioned. This training magnifies the communication and trust between the owner and the dog and forces your dog to pay attention and stay hyper-aware of their owner.