Q. Do you train competition agility as well as Fun agility?
A. We train Fun agility for those who do not have the time or inclination to compete but still wish to have some fun and exercise with their dog. We have two sets of professionally made First Contact and Jay Cee Jumps alloy or wood equipment to KC regulation standard. Some of our trainers and members do compete, however in the main our members just want to have some fun with their dog. If you get the agility bug we will be pleased to advise on the next steps.
Q. Do you train obedience?
A. Yes we train towards the Kennel Club Puppy Foundation Certificate and the Good Citizen Awards of Bronze, Silver and Gold.
Q. How much does it cost to take the Kennel Club Award tests?
A. Just £5 - the usual hours training fee. Just enough to pay for the certificate, postage and a donation to dog rescue. We encourage the examination of our club dogs by impartial judges.
Q. How come your charges are so reasonable?
A. UNO was originally set up as Heyford Park Community Project aided by The North Oxfordshire Consortium (NOXC). Now the site is owned and managed by the Dorchester Living who continue to support us. No one at UNO receives a wage or any form of payment. We simply want to help owners with what they perceive as problem dogs and prevent them from ending up in rescue. (NB. The dogs - not the owners :o)
Q. I would like to bring my dog but I am embarrassed at the thought of how he might behave.
A. We would be pleased to give you a free private assessment of your dog by appointment. If we don't think that we can help then we will suggest possible alternatives. Don't worry if your dog misbehaves. No one at UNO will judge. If every dog that came to us well behaved then we would be out of a job!
Q. I have heard there is a legal requirement for a dog tag?
A. Yes there is! Under the Control of Dogs Act 1992 when in a public place it is a legal requirement for a dog to have a visible means of identification showing the owners name and address. A phone number is not required but is a sensible addition. If you do not have this you may receive a fine of up to £5,000. This law applies even if microchipped. (By 6 May 2016 all dogs had to be chipped). We encourage our members to engrave the name and phone number of their vets on the rear of the tag. You may choose to have an embroidered collar with the legal details if your dog is of a scurrying nature or perhaps an engraved flat buckle type plate that threads through the collar. Flexi tabs are good. If your dog does not have visible identification and a microchip you will not eligible to enter a KCGCDS test. We cannot train you.
Q. Who were the founders of UNO?
A. UNO was established by seven friends who for some years had worked to raise funds for dog rescue. By setting up the Club providing low cost training the founders hoped to prevent what owners perceived as problem dogs ending up in rescue. Quite often .. it's a problem handler :o)
Q. What is the difference between Bronze 1, 2 and Bronze 3?
A. All these classes receive the same training towards the Bronze KCGCDS Award. Bronze 1 allows us to assess your dog and note what changes and improvements need to be made. Most dogs will start in Bronze 1. Our pups that have trained with us go straight to Bronze 2 or 3.
Q. How many weeks do your courses cover?
A. We appreciate that not all our members can attend every week. Consequently we do not run fixed length courses. You come when you can and pay when you come. However you must appreciate that if you cannot attend consecutive weeks then the process will take a little longer. Why pay for sessions you cannot attend? (NB: Currently operating a book in system).
Q. How many members do you have?
A. A true estimate of our membership can only be calculated each March when the annual memberships become due. Last renewal the membership stood at 120 persons. Usually 40+ or so dogs are present each Sunday. Don't worry ... we have loads of space and trainers everywhere.
Q. I am afraid to let my dog off lead as he will not come back when called. Can I still attend?
A. Certainly you can. Our two acre training field which is divided into 4 half acre training rings, is surrounded by a 12 foot chain link fence and is double gated. No escapees here! Each pup training field is surrounded by limbo proof metal barriers with a sprung gate.
Q. Do I need to bring anything with me?
A. You will be given a membership form on your first visit to complete and return with your vaccination certificate and annual membership fee on your second visit. You should ensure that your dog is wearing a strong collar even if you use a slip lead or harness. We prefer a standard lead of leather or nylon. Your dog may initially wear a Halti if pulling or walking to heel is a problem. Half Check chains, (not a full chain check), may be used in the obedience sessions provided they are used correctly. They must not be worn during agility training. Please bring a bag of small treat rewards or a small squeaky toy. We suggest you weigh out your dogs daily allowance of food the evening before attending and place a handful in a draw string bag. Add some chicken and/or cheese and leave in fridge overnight. Do use the whole bag as this is now part of your dogs daily allowance. You can use this as treats and you will not end up with an overweight dog. The Coaches bags on eBay are a suitable and convenient treat holder. Heyford Park is a former USAF airbase. Most of the year we enjoy fine sunny days, however it can at times be breezy so always have a warm coat in reserve.
Q. I am thinking of getting a dog. Is there any advice you can give me?
A. Owning a dog is a lifetime commitment. Why not offer to dog sit a friends dog for a week or two to see how you get along? In this way you can discover the lifestyle changes you will need to make. Still interested? Next give careful consideration to the breed you choose to find the right dog for you. Find out what job they were originally bred for and how much exercise they need. Draw up a short list of three breeds. Next we suggest you visit Discover Dogs where you can meet all the breeds and talk with the owners. They will tell you why and why you should not have their loved breed! Do select your breeder carefully. A good breeder will have more questions for you about your circumstances than you will have about their dog. They will always offer to take a dog back if things do not work out. Avoid motorway service collections and free to a good home! Ask for feeding advice and what inoculations have already been received. Don't be afraid to ask questions the breeeder will appreciate it. Made your choice? Book a training slot before you bring your pup/dog home. Places are limited everywhere! Early socialisation and training, (especially the first 16 weeks), will prevent many problems that occur in adult dogs. Please don't forget to give a rescue dog a chance. Many end up in rescue simply because the owners fail to follow the above advice. Three things to remember - research, research and research. Good Luck!
Q. Sounds Good! How do I join?
A. Contact us via email or phone. Have your details ready.
(NB: All visits by appointment only. )
Once a place is available for your dog you will be invited by phone or email to attend your class. Upon accepting the date of your first class an information email will be provided. We regret that due to high demand we cannot hold a place open. On your first visit you will be given a membership form to complete and return on your next visit along with vaccination certificates. After payment on second visit you will be given a colour coded light weight plastic tag for your dogs collar which will identify you as a UNO member. Tags will change colour annually. We recommend they remain on the dogs collar throughout your membership.
If it turns out we are not the club for you we will help you to find a club that is! Would you like to join?
Thinking of getting a dog? Would you buy a washing machine without first checking if it is the right model for you? Will it fit in your home? What do you need to do to keep it in good condition and maintained correctly? Or how much it would cost to run and maintain? A dogs life is more important than an inanimate machine! Give it more thought.
Further FAQ's will be added to this page as they arise - Please don't hesitate
to ask if you have any questions.