The island’s first facility dedicated entirely to dog traning opened its doors in Ramsey on Saturday.
Located in a converted unit in Gladstone Park, Busy Bee Dog Training can offer agility and obedience classes to dogs of any breed or size.
In just a few weeks a team of volunteers converted the empty 1,500 square foot unit into the island’s first facility designed specially for dogs: an inner fence ensures that no dogs can escape through the main door and the floor is carpeted to create a safe, comfortable surface for dogs to work on without slipping.
The centre is the culmination of seven years’ work for well-known local trainer Debbie Martin, whose dogs have represented the island at Crufts on four separate occasions.
She told the Examiner: ‘I’ve been very fortunate to have been able to work between the Lezayre Church Hall and a field at Jurby until now, but sharing with other groups has limited what we have been able to do.’
Debbie added: ‘This is the realisation of a long standing dream. The enterprise is both hugely exciting and not a little daunting but the support from friends and clients has been amazing.’
Classes for up to eight dogs ranging from general training for companion dogs and puppies to behaviour, agility and competition training will take place during daytimes and in the evenings from Tuesday to Saturday.
Individual training is also available for dogs with specific problems such as recall, house training or separation anxiety.
Debbie said: ‘Every dog will benefit from careful and positive training so I am happy to see the smallest to the tallest.
‘All my training is reward based and fun as we all learn best that way, whether two or four legged!’
For more information check www.busybeedogtraining.com or find them on Facebook
