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 or Teenage Courses to give your puppy or young dog a solid foundation of training. Basic training courses are also available for the older or Rescue dog, including teaching Everyday Life Skills – it is never too late to start!
For further (or simultaneous) training we have created several training programs in which a distinct, time-bound, and easy to follow curriculum is provided.
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, resource guarding or due to separation anxiety, we have training and courses to help you and your dog achieve a less stressful life together!
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 and workshops focus on health-related issues as well as training dog owners in to provide first aid.
Activities and Tricks
If your dog is a quick learner and finds a new “hobby”, activity 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 show ring training courses and workshops, led by professional handlers and experienced exhibitors will train you and your dog on all aspects of being a star in the show ring.
Puppy & Young Dog Courses
Puppy Course for Large/Medium Breeds - Saturdays
Artur Bonarski
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.
Our puppy and young dog courses allow for play and socialisation during the classes.
Puppies may join a course which has already started, and continue onto the next one (new courses start as soon as one set ends). Exercises are repeated throughout the course.
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Puppy Course for Large/Medium Breeds - Wednesdays
Kerstin Ehses
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.
Our puppy and young dog courses allow for play and socialisation during the classes.
Puppies may join a course which has already started, and continue onto the next one (new courses start as soon as one set ends). Exercises are repeated throughout the course.
Read more
Puppy Course for Small Breeds
Artur Bonarski
This course is for small breed puppies. As with all of our puppy classes, we help your puppy get a good start in life! We work on how to get your puppy motivated and focused with simple exercises aiming at elementary basic obedience. And above all, learning to behave in a social environment with other dogs and humans.
Our puppy and young dog classes allow for play and socialisation during the classes.
Puppies may join a course which has already started, and continue to the next one (new courses start as soon as one set ends). Exercises are repeated throughout the course.
Read more
Teenage Course for Small Breeds
Artur Bonarski
In addition to learning commands that can make everyday life easier, in the Teenage Dogs classes, learning on a social and emotional level plays a major role (as in the puppy classes).The classes also allow for social interaction and play and socialisation.
These classes focus on the next level of development from puppyhood, and especially adolescence and typical problems encountered as young dog matures into adulthood.
All exercises are individually adapted to age, the level of development and the composition of the training group.
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Teenage Course for Large/Medium Breeds - Saturdays
Artur Bonarski
In addition to learning commands that can make everyday life easier, in the Teenage Dogs classes, learning on a social and emotional level plays a major role (as in the puppy classes).The classes also allow for social interaction and play and socialisation.
These classes focus on the next level of development from puppyhood, and especially adolescence and typical problems encountered as young dog matures into adulthood.
All exercises are individually adapted to age, the level of development and the composition of the training group.
Read more
Teenage Course for Large/Medium Breeds - Wednesdays
Kerstin Ehses
In addition to learning commands that can make everyday life easier, in the Teenage Dogs classes, learning on a social and emotional level plays a major role (as in the puppy classes).The classes also allow for social interaction and play and socialisation.
These classes focus on the next level of development from puppyhood, and especially adolescence and typical problems encountered as young dog matures into adulthood.
All exercises are individually adapted to age, the level of development and the composition of the training group.
Read more
Basic Education Courses
Basic Obedience Beginners
Artur Bonarski
This course teaches basic day to day life skills and obedience to adult dogs (e.g. not youngsters for whom our Puppy and Teenage and other educational classes are more appropriate). These dogs need to "start from scratch" or indeed may need a refresher of good manners and behaviour later in life! The course includes leash training, basic obedience, social skills - with other dogs and humans - all the skills needed to have a balanced life!
We train both indoors and outdoors on this course.
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Basic Obedience - Wednesday Edition
Kerstin Ehses
This course is ideal for "graduates" of Basic Obedience classes or Teenage classes, or dogs (young and old) with a good level of basic skills, but which would like to work on perfecting their obedience and furthering their education. Group sessions take place at Martha & Friends, in small groups (between 3 and 5 dogs), and have the same objectives as individual lessons. We aim for walking nicely on the leash in all situations and solid basic obedience, while exposing you and your dog progressively to situations with stimuli accentuated by the presence of other dogs and unfamiliar people.
We also focus on your own body language and attitude in stressful situations. Therefore, we will be much more exacting and also focus on you and your timing, from commands to correct rewarding. Nevertheless, despite working in a group, each pair will progress at their own pace and will not be hindered by the level of the other participants. Each exercise remains individualised and adapted to each individual. These group sessions also improve the socialisation of young dogs and thus contribute to overall development.
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Coming Home - Life with a Rescue Dog
Artur Bonarski
This course is for fresh Rescue Dog Owners or Rescue Dogs with the typical problems as fear, reactivity and lack of trust.
6 sessions (1 lecture / 5 active course sessions)
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Tiny Dog Citizen - Real Life Education
Artur Bonarski
Everday life Education for small and middle-sized breeds.
Ideally for Teenage and Puppy Course graduates!
We will take our dog-human teams to outdoor locations like Globus Baumarkt, crowded street in Kirchberg, the Tram and local parcs.
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Reactive Dogs and Listed Dogs
License Course for Listed Dog Breeds / Formation pour chiens de liste
Luxembourg Ministry of Agriculture Certified Course with Kerstin Ehses
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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Activities
Rally Obedience for Beginners
Artur Bonarski
Rally Obedience is a competitive canine sport developed in the early 2000s in the United States and regulated by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), combining elements of obedience, agility, and canine freestyle (dog dancing). In Rally Obedience, the seamless cooperation between the dog and handler is most important, rather than precise positioning of the dog. This sport is designed with all dog owners in mind, not just professionals. The goal is to train dogs to behave well in various everyday situations. In Rally Obedience, a dog and handler progress through a course of basic heelwork tasks as indicated by various signs. Tasks include multiple changes of direction, varied speed, weaving, spins, backing up, side changes, different positions, and their transitions. Formal Rally Obedience has four classes: novice (NOV), advanced (ADV), excellent (EXC), and master class (MAS). We are currently focusing on the novice class is performed on a leash, while in the other class levels, and when ready, the dogs advance to working off-leash.
We offer "cards" or subscriptions with 5 or 10 sessions, booked at least 24-hours in advance of the scheduled club session that you want to join. A card is valid for one year ( 6 months for the shorter package) from date of purchase.
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Wannabe A Super Dog (Club)
Artur Bonarski
We have set up a new Wannabe A Superdog CLUB which is aimed at young and teenage dogs (for example: after the puppy class) or mature inexperenced dogs and to become a real Super Dog. The combination of basic obedience, impulse control and Agility Parcours including obstacles like tunnels, slalom, jumping bars, bridges etc will keep the motivation high and brings additional value to classic teenager obedience training. Your dog will love it and learn in a playful environment. Super Dog training is both educational and fun, and combines basic obedience training and elements of agility, with also some mental challenges and tricks. These challenges are fun and enhance teamwork and bonding with your dog as you work as a team. We will practice small jumps, zigzags and running through an agility pipe. The classes are great fun for both of you, and you can also get some exercise yourself!
The CLUB format offers the possibility of regular practice and improving the cooperation between handler and dog outside the formal courses and curricula, while still guided by trainers and experts. This allows for a more informal “drop-in” at your own convenience, or "catch-up" in case of one or more missed lessons. We offer "cards" or subscriptions with 5 or 10 sessions, booked at least 24-hours in advance of the scheduled club session that you want to join. A card is valid for one year (10 session package) or 6 months (5 session package) from date of purchase.
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The Super Dog (Club)
Artur Bonarski
Super Dog training combines elements of basic obedience, impulse control and Agility Parcours including obstacles like tunnels, slalom, jumping bars, bridges etc. In addition, mental challenges and tricks are also included – each session is different! These exercises will keep the motivation high and bring additional value to classic obedience training. The challenges are fun and enhance teamwork and bonding with your dog as you work as a team, and you can also get some exercise yourself!
We have set up a Super Dog CLUB for our clients who have already have some understanding of the basic rules and routines of this highly entertaining and educational activity. The Club offers the possibility of regular practice and improving the cooperation between handler and dog, while still guided by trainers and experts. We offer a "card subscription" with 10 sessions, booked at least 24-hours in advance of the scheduled club session that you want to join. A card is valid for one year from date of purchase.
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Scent Detection - Nosework
Nose Work Class 1
with Guest Trainer Iris Oppermann
Our nosework classes offer dogs the opportunity to use their most powerful natural ability: their sense of smell.
Nosework (scent detection) is a structured activity in which dogs learn to search for and identify specific target odours. Originally developed for working and rescue dogs, it has become a highly rewarding and accessible activity for all dogs and handlers.
This activity is suitable for:
Dogs of all breeds, ages, and experience levels
Shy or insecure dogs who benefit from confidence-building
Reactive or sensitive dogs who thrive in low-pressure environments
Nosework encourages focus, independence, and problem-solving while providing excellent mental stimulation. It is a low-impact activity that can be practised both indoors and outdoors, all year round.
Training is based entirely on positive reinforcement, with an emphasis on creating a fun and supportive experience for both dog and handler. Each dog learns to recognise and locate a specific reference scent, progressing at their own pace.
About Iris Oppermann
The classes are led by Iris Oppermann, certified dog trainer and founder of the Zentrum für Suchhunde Luxembourg.
Iris specialises in scent detection and mantrailing and has extensive experience in training both pet and working dogs. She is a certified scent detection trainer, mantrailing trainer, and Tellington TTouch practitioner, and regularly participates in international workshops and seminars with leading experts in the field.
Her training approach focuses on building confident dogs and strong dog–handler teams through positive reinforcement and individually adapted guidance.
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Nose Work Class 2
with Guest Trainer Iris Oppermann
Our nosework classes offer dogs the opportunity to use their most powerful natural ability: their sense of smell.
Nosework (scent detection) is a structured activity in which dogs learn to search for and identify specific target odours. Originally developed for working and rescue dogs, it has become a highly rewarding and accessible activity for all dogs and handlers.
This activity is suitable for:
Dogs of all breeds, ages, and experience levels
Shy or insecure dogs who benefit from confidence-building
Reactive or sensitive dogs who thrive in low-pressure environments
Nosework encourages focus, independence, and problem-solving while providing excellent mental stimulation. It is a low-impact activity that can be practised both indoors and outdoors, all year round.
Training is based entirely on positive reinforcement, with an emphasis on creating a fun and supportive experience for both dog and handler. Each dog learns to recognise and locate a specific reference scent, progressing at their own pace.
About Iris Oppermann
The classes are led by Iris Oppermann, certified dog trainer and founder of the Zentrum für Suchhunde Luxembourg.
Iris specialises in scent detection and mantrailing and has extensive experience in training both pet and working dogs. She is a certified scent detection trainer, mantrailing trainer, and Tellington TTouch practitioner, and regularly participates in international workshops and seminars with leading experts in the field.
Her training approach focuses on building confident dogs and strong dog–handler teams through positive reinforcement and individually adapted guidance.
Read more
Show Ring Training
Show Ring Training Workshops
Guest Trainers and Experienced Show Ring Handlers
The new Show season is upon us! Email us at info@marthaandfriends.lu if you want to book show ring training!
Martha & Friends regularly invites professional show handlers and judges to give workshops and training. These 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!
We also hold Match Shows from time to time (with all the dogs being judged) to show what you have learned and to practice ahead of forthcoming shows. Anyone who is interested in showing your dog is welcome to join our workshops and Match Shows. These Match Shows have been hugely successful, with all proceeds donated to charities - so far, Martha & Friends has been able to donate to date over € 10,000 to various charities.
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Show Ring Handling - CLUB
with Carina Hellemaa and specialist Guest Trainers
We have set up a Show Ring Handling Club to those interested in regular practice sessions, adults and Junior Handlers alike, aimed at improving their handling skills and practicing with their dogs, both experienced and novices. The Club offers the possibility of regular practice and perfecting the skills of both dog and handler outside our more formal workshops, still guided by trainers and/or experts, but allowing for a more informal “drop-in” at your own convenience.
To this aim, we offer a "card" with 10 sessions, booked at least 24-hour in advance of your intention to join a session. The Club sessions will be held every two weeks, depending on the calendars of the participants, or more frequently as agreed. The sessions will be held on Sundays, either mornings or afternoons, usually 10:00-12:00/12:30.
The Club is reserved for those who have purchased the related 6-session Prepaid Package which is valid for one year.
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Dog Health
Canine First Aid
with Valentina Ossola (EN)
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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