At Martha & Friends we have several educational pathways for you and your dog to choose from.
If you have a puppy who has recently joined your family, we recommend you to join our Puppy Courses to give your puppy and young dog a solid foundation of training.
For further (or simultaneous) training we have created several training programs in which a distinct, time-bound, and easy to follow curriculum is provided. For those of you only interested in taking one or two classes of your choice then you are still welcome to book these.
Basic Obedience
This is a great all-around education course for dogs who may be new to your family, young dogs, or dogs who once had good manners, but maybe need a refresher. You will complete this course able to handle your dog confidently!
Reactive Dog Training
If your dog loses control in various situations whether through encounters with other people or dogs, or through specific situations such as on the leash, when let off the leash, or via separation anxiety, this course may be just what you and your dog need!
Dog Health
Every dog owner should educate themselves on how their dog can live a healthy lifestyle as well as be qualified to help their dog in the event of an emergency. These courses focus on health-related issues as well as training dog owners in to provide first aid.
Tricks & Activities
If your dog is a quick learner and finds a new trick or challenge fun and exciting then our Trick & Activity Dog courses will keep you and your dog thinking on your toes and having fun!
Scent Detection Dogs
These courses are all about tapping into your dog’s natural and amazing scent finding abilities, and learning the basics of how scent detection dogs are trained. Using his nose and olfactory skills is your dog’s absolute favorite activity!
Show Ring
Our ring training courses and workshops, led by internationally renowned dog handler Isabel Weber, will train you and your dog on all aspects of being a star in the show ring.
Puppy & Young Dog Courses
Puppy Class - Saturdays
Tanja Karpela / Tiia Karpela / Lena Mertens
Help your new puppy get a good start in life! We work on how to get your puppy motivated and focused, with simple exercises aiming at basic obedience, and above all, learning to behave in a social environment with other humans and puppies present.
(Block course with 7 appointments)
WEEK 1: Starts with a lecture (no dog attendance)
WEEK 2: building contact with the handler
WEEK 3: stay (door, food etc), self control
WEEK 4: release
WEEK 5: sit, down
WEEK 6: teaching treatment procedures
WEEK 7: recap
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Puppy Class - Tuesdays
Tanja Karpela / Tiia Karpela / Lena Mertens
Help your new puppy get a good start in life! We work on how to get your puppy motivated and focused, with simple exercises aiming at basic obedience, and above all, learning to behave in a social environment with other humans and puppies present.
(Block course with 7 appointments)
WEEK 1: Starts with a lecture (no dog attendance)
WEEK 2: building contact with the handler
WEEK 3: stay (door, food etc), self control
WEEK 4: release
WEEK 5: sit, down
WEEK 6: teaching treatment procedures
WEEK 7: recap
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Teenage Dogs 1
Tanja Karpela / Tiia Karpela / Lena Mertens
In addition to learning commands that can make everyday life easier, in the "Teenage Dogs" class, learning on a social and emotional level plays a major role (as in the puppy classes). All exercises are individually adapted to age, the level of development and the composition of the training group.
Starts with a lecture
WEEK 1 AND 2: building strong contact, creating a desire for contact
WEEK 3 AND 4: release (leave it)
WEEK 5 AND 6: heel position and stay
WEEK 7 AND 8: recall (for beginners)
WEEK 9 AND 10: behaviour chain
(Block course with 10 appointments)
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Teenage Dogs 2
Tanja Karpela / Tiia Karpela / Lena Mertens
In addition to learning commands that can make everyday life easier, in the "Teenage Dogs" class, learning on a social and emotional level plays a major role. (Block course with 10 appointments)
Starts with a lecture
WEEK 1 AND 2: hand as a target and heel position
WEEK 3 AND 4: hand as a target and heel
WEEK 5 AND 6: 123-training
WEEK 7 AND 8: group training
WEEK 9 AND 10: behaviour chain: sit, stay, recall, front, heel, down
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Puppy Nose Work
Tanja Karpela / Tiia Karpela / Lena Mertens
Puppies' own Nose Work - A new course for puppies at Martha & Friends!
Puppies' Nose Work is the best activity for a puppy as it allows them to explore the world safely through their sense of smell, providing positive experiences and satisfying their species-specific need to sniff. Positive experiences enhance a puppy's optimism, crucial for its growth and development into a well-balanced adult dog.
Puppies' Nose Work is fun for puppies, and most importantly, this scent-based activity tires even the most energetic puppy in a healthy way, reducing the likelihood of undesirable behaviour at home.
This course is suitable for all types of puppies!
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Basic Education Courses
Leash Training Course
With Tanja Karpela / Tiia Karpela / Lena Mertens
Does your dog pull on the leash and do outdoor walks consist of running after an ever-speeding dog? Does your dog bark at other dogs when passing, or does it jump too enthusiastically towards a passing dog? Or does your dog shy away from strange dogs and people when passing?
This course is suitable for dogs of all ages, including elderly dogs. We start the exercises taking into account each dog's individual starting point in such a way that the dog does not get stressed by disturbances such as the presence of other dogs. Only as the dog's skills progress do we gradually increase the disturbances. The course starts with a one-hour lecture (dogs are not taken to the lecture). During the first hour, we go through causes of this problem of pulling on the leash with appropriate approaches to each of these. Learning and practice are carried out with positive reinforcement, seeking the desired behaviour and strengthening the relationship and communication between the owner and the dog. In this course, you get plenty of opportunity to practice passing safely in real situations. In addition to the instructor, there will be a handler with assistance dogs in attendance, so you can practice overtaking with several different types of dogs.
NOTE: The first session is a lecture, therefore it is not necessary to bring your dog for the first meeting.
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Basic Obedience Training
Tanja Karpela / Lena Mertens
A course recommended for recent graduates from the Puppy & Young Dog Courses. Dog training is easier and more successful the better the dog's basic obedience works in everyday life. Basic obedience means that the dog knows certain basic things well and those basic things have been taught to the dog in such a way that the dog's motivation to cooperate with the handler is strong. Good basic obedience also guarantees a more functional everyday life, creates a balanced and trusting relationship with the dog, provides effective and safe methods of operation for various situations, and creates the basis for future training opportunities in the field of hobbies, competitions or work tasks.
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Recall Training Course
Tanja Karpela / Tiia Karpela / Lena Mertens
Does your dog have selective hearing? Do they suddenly transform into Olympic sprinters the moment you call their name?
A reliable recall is one of the most essential skills we can teach a dog, and can even save their life.
Turbocharge your pup's "come when called" ability. Learn the timing and value of treats and praise. Learn to successfully navigate all types of distractions.
Enroll today, and see how your dog goes from "I'll think about it" to "I'm on my way!" Our certified trainers are experts in making even the most stubborn dog into a master of recall and coming back when you want him to.
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Advanced Recall Course
with Tanja Karpela
For participants who have already completed a basic recall course, the advanced recall course will bring your recall to the next level. Increase the distance, with outdoor scenarios, and the level and intensity of distraction.
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Reactive Dog
Impulse Control
Tanja Karpela / Tiia Karpela / Lena Mertens
Does your dog chase passing cars, motorcycles, or even other dogs? Our impulse control course will help to overcome those urges and learn to walk calmly past those distractions. Our expert trainers will lead your dog through multiple scenarios, teaching your dog to pause, think, and remain calm and controlled when they encounter these events.
Enroll today and take the first step toward a more rewarding walk experience with your dog.
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License Course for Luxembourg-Listed Dog Breeds
Tanja Karpela
Under Luxembourg law, certain dog breeds are considered potentially dangerous, and specific laws apply to their training and ownership.
The import and the purchase of these breeds require a special authorisation from the Ministry of Agriculture, and a person may not own a dog considered dangerous until they have successfully completed a specifically targeted training course and test.
Dogs which are considered potentially dangerous must follow a minimum of 24 hours of behavioural training lessons at a centre authorised by the Ministry of Agriculture. Upon successful completion of the training course the owner of the dog receives a certificate, valid for three years. After three years the certificate must be renewed at an authorised training centre.
Martha & Friends Dog Wellness and its certified trainers has been designated as an authorized dog training center, and we are now offering a course specifically in compliance with the requirements of Law of May 9, 2008, as specified in Article 16(3), and to prepare you and your dog for the requisite test in front of a panel.
Welcome to a useful and high-quality course where all education and dog handling is based on the latest researched knowledge, and it is ethical and reward-based training that supports the well-being of your dog.
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Reactive Dog Course
With Tanja Karpela & Tiia Karpela
Reactive dogs can be very challenging for even the most experienced owners. With a reactive dog, it can be stressful to take your dog on walks, to the park, or even training courses with other dogs. Having to remain vigilant of encounters with other dogs and people is draining for any owner. Would you like to be able to take your dog on walks or be able to play with other dogs, without worrying so much about reactivity? This course will address the reasons and triggers for your dog’s behavior, and will work towards reducing unwanted reactions. We aim to allow you to enjoy more stress-free walks together. It’s never too late to start training your reactive dog!
Sign up for our 8 session course today.
NOTE: the first session is a lecture, it is not necessary to bring your dog to the first meeting.
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Dog Health
Hiking, Jogging, and Intro to Canicross (Workshop)
with Isabel Weber
Hiking or running with your dog can be a more complex subject than you think! Your dog's breed, size and your own size and fitness level can impact the outcome of your trail running attempts. You also need to take into account special leads and harnesses that are designed to keep you and your dog comfortable and safe. Join our educational lecture and demonstration to learn all about safe and successful hiking, running and canicross for you and your dog. If you are interested in joining us regularly, please do let us know, but start with this useful and informative seminar.
The training sessions take place on the following days:
20.01.2024 - 17:00-19:00
24.02.2024 - 17:00-19:00
16.03.2024 - 17:00-19:00
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Canine First Aid
with Valentina Ossola
Valentina Ossola (veterinarian) is our guest trainer for our canine First Aid workshops. In our First Aid course dog owners will learn the basic dog vitals and statistics and how to measure those, how to treat shock and seizures, how to treat and dress wounds, burns, and fractures, how to clear the airway and revive the breathing function (CPR), and what to do during a road traffic accident or toxic ingestion, plus more. The price is 250€ per person coming with their dog and 200€ per person coming without a dog.
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Tricks & Activities
Crossdogging
Lena Mertens
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.
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Slowgility
Lena Mertens
A confidence building course perfect for older, insecure, or anxious dogs, but also for anyone who is interested in promoting their dog's mental health. We work on concentration and staying calm while achieving specific agility goals. Body awareness and balance are trained using poles, bridges, mats and pylons. Targeted movements stimulate the dog's muscles and with targeted sniffing games, which are stimulating and improves your overall relationship via working together.
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Super Dog
Lena Mertens
The Super Dog training is ideal for anyone who wants to have fun with their dog in a fun and fast-paced way. The Super Dog course combines Rally obedience with Agility. We will practice small jumps, zigzags and running through the pipe at speed. We also practice useful obedience behaviours at the same time. A very fun course, where you can also get some exercise yourself.
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Trick Dog
With Lena Mertens
Having fun and joint activities are our aim. You will learn to teach your dog all sorts of tricks. In each course we learn a series of new tricks. 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. (Block course with 6 appointments)
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Agility
Trainer to be announced
The course is an introduction to agility and teaches basics of the sport with a focus on jumps and tunnels. The course focuses on building speed and motivation while safely learning the obstacles and basic handling techniques. Both the dog and handler get to move from the get-go. As everyone moves, the course is held outdoors to guarantee a good grip under shoes and paws.
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Super Dog - Advanced
Lena Mertens / Trixy Feider
The Super Dog Advanced course is a continuation of the Super Dog course. It is ideal for anyone who wants to learn continue the skills and agility training learned in the initial Super Dog course. We will practice small jumps, zigzags and running through the pipe at speed. We also practice useful obedience behaviours at the same time. A very fun course, where you can also get some exercise yourself.
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Ball Herding
Lena Mertens
Ball herding is an excellent hobby for all herding dogs. Herding is a breed-specific behavior that manifests in various ways in the behavior of herding dogs. If a herding dog cannot satisfy this breed-specific behavioral need, it may lead to problem behavior in everyday life. Examples of such problem behavior include nibbling on sleeves and pants, chasing moving objects, and attempting to keep its own group together. Ball herding provides an easy way to satisfy this breed-specific need, thus preventing unwanted herding behavior. Best of all, ball herding is fun, and herding dogs learn it very quickly! Additionally, ball herding also serves as excellent mental exercise and pleasantly tires even the most energetic dog!
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Scent Detection
Nose Work - Beginner
Tanja Karpela / Tiia Karpela
Canine nose work is an exercise where the dog's phenomenal sense of smell is used to identify and search for trainable scents. Nose work exercises were first developed to activate rescue dogs, but quickly spread to be a rewarding hobby available to all dog owners. After all, sniffing is one of a dog's favorite pastimes! This activity is suitable for all types of dogs and handlers, no special skills are required. Nose work is also excellent for dogs who tend to be shy with strange people or even other dogs. In this way, insecure dogs gain self-confidence as they learn to trust their nose. One of the principles of the sport is that it must be fun and comfortable for both dogs and their owners. There are no strict rules related to rewards or handling, and the training methods are based on the use of positive reinforcement.
BEGINNERS: This course teaches the basic skills of nose work. The owner learns the basics of training specific scents to the dog, and the dog learns to identify and indicate the scent to the owner. If you have never taken nose work training, start here.
NOTE: The first session is a lecture, so it is not necessary to bring your dog to the first meeting.
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Nose Work - Advanced
Tanja Karpela / Tiia Karpela
This is a follow-up to Nose Work - Beginners, and is appropriate for those who have already taken the beginners course., or those who have prior scent training experience. Please be sure to select Nose Work Advanced when registering on our booking site.
Booking now! We will add a second group based on demand.
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Puppy Nose Work
Tanja Karpela / Tiia Karpela / Lena Mertens
Puppies' own Nose Work - A new course for puppies at Martha & Friends!
Puppies' Nose Work is the best activity for a puppy as it allows them to explore the world safely through their sense of smell, providing positive experiences and satisfying their species-specific need to sniff. Positive experiences enhance a puppy's optimism, crucial for its growth and development into a well-balanced adult dog.
Puppies' Nose Work is fun for puppies, and most importantly, this scent-based activity tires even the most energetic puppy in a healthy way, reducing the likelihood of undesirable behaviour at home.
This course is suitable for all types of puppies!
Read more
Tracking Course
With Tanja Karpela
In this course, you practice the basic skills of accurate tracking using objects. Effective sniffing, sure object indication, a focused and motivated dog and effective cooperation between the dog's handler create a strong foundation for smooth tracking. The course is suitable for both beginner dog handlers and those who are already interested in tracking. Also suitable for dogs whose desire to chase overrides object motivation. The basic skills taught in the course can be applied to all forms of tracking in which people are tracked. A dog that works precisely solves the corners independently and with concentration, without the handler needing to intervene in the work by, for example, braking. Objects are useful in training. In the course, you will practice different situations of spotting the track and seek certainty in determining the direction of the track.
WEEK 1: LECTURE
WEEK 2 AND 3 AND 4: INDICATION
WEEK 5 AND 6: HOW TO START ACCURATE TRACKING USING OBJECTS
WEEK 7 AND 8 AND 9: CORNERS
WEEK 10 AND 11: SPOTTING THE TRACK
WEEK 12: TRACKING
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Show Ring
Junior Handling Workshops
with Isabel Weber
Show season is upon us! Email us at info@marthaandfriends.lu if you want to book show ring training!
Does your child have an innate passion for dogs? Do you to want to empower them with life-long skills about being responsible and a good sport – whether winning or losing? Junior Handling is a sport for young people where they show off their dog handling skills.
Children learn the basics of ring training, showing their breed specific dogs, while there is a strong emphasis on having fun with your dog in the ring, which is the basis for true showmanship!
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Show Ring Training
With Isabel Weber
Show season is upon us! Email us at info@marthaandfriends.lu if you want to book show ring training!
Isabel worked for many highly respected breeders and trainers in Scandinavia in the early years of her career, and completed her studies as certified dog trainer in 2017. She graduated as professional dog trainer and behaviourist in 2020. Her greatest successes as breeder and handler are to have bred the Junior World Winner 2021 Shar-Pei as well as Owner/Handler of the VDH Winner of the Year and top winning Greyhound in Germany and Luxembourg 2021. She has handled many dogs (including her own) to Best in Show and Reserve Best in Show placements around Europe.
The series of Sunday afternoon workshops will focus on both theory and practice, including breed standard requirements and handling practices for each participant, with tips on how to help make your partnership with your dog stand out from the crowd. Above all, there is a strong emphasis on having fun with your dog in the ring, which is the basis for true showmanship!
To complete the course, we aim to arrange a Match Show (with all the dogs being judged) to show what you have learned and to practice ahead of the springtime dog show season (pandemic willing). Anyone who is interested in showing your dog is welcome to join our workshops.
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