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
with Lena Mertens and Team
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.
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Teenage Dog 1
with Lena Mertens and Team
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.
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Teenage Dog 2
with Lena Mertens and Team
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.
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Puppy Class - Tuesdays
with Lena Mertens and Team
Tuesdays not currently available.
Help your new puppy get a good start in life! We work on how to get your puppy motivated and focused, with simple exercises that are a great starter for basic obedience, and above all, learning to behave in a social environment with other humans and puppies present.
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Basic Education Courses
Leash Training Course
with Lena Mertens and Team
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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Comfortable Handling
with Lena Mertens and Team
It is important that the dog allows itself to be handled, so that all treatment procedures and visits to the vet go smoothly and safely. In addition, care must be taken that the dog finds the handling pleasant and safe. This is a skill that is necessary to teach every dog, so that e.g. nail trimming, vaccinations, ear cleaning, etc. go smoothly. In the course, we teach dog handling skills so that both handler and dog feel relaxed and safe during procedures that require handling.
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Reactive Dog
Reactive Dog Course
with Lena Mertens and Team
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!
NOTE: the first session is a lecture, it is not necessary to bring your dog to the first meeting.
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Impulse Control
with Lena Mertens and Team
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
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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Tricks & Activities
Super Dog Beginners
with Lena Mertens and Team
The Super Dog training is ideal for anyone who wants to have fun with their dog in a fun and fast-paced way. 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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Super Dog - Advanced
with Lena Mertens and Team
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
with Lena Mertens and Team
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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Slowgility
with Lena Mertens and Team
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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Scent Detection
Nose Work - Beginner
with Lena Mertens and Team
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 - CLUB
with Lena Mertens and Team
We have set up a Nose Work Club our clients who have already completed the Nose Work Beginner course with set curricula. The Club offers the possibility of regular practice and perfecting the skills of you and your dog outside the formal lessons, still guided by trainers and experts, but allowing for a more informal “drop-in” at your own convenience, or "catch-up" in case of one or more missed lessons.
To this aim, we offer a "card" with 10 sessions, booked at least 24-hours in advance of your intention to join. A card is valid for one year from date of purchase. The Club sessions will be held every two weeks, starting on Tuesday August 6th from 19.00-20.00.
This course is reserved for those who have purchased the 10-session Prepaid Package.
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Show Ring
Show Ring Training
Guest Trainers / Carina Hellemaa
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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Show Ring Handling - CLUB
with Carina Hellemaa and Team
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 initially held every two - three weeks, depending on the calendars of the participants. The sessions will be held on Sundays, either mornings or afternoons, starting Sunday September 8 and 22, 10.00-11.30.
The Club is reserved for those who have purchased the related 6-session Prepaid Package.
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Junior Handling Workshops
Guest Trainers / Carina Hellemaa
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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Dog Health
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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