Dog Friendly Sussex: RSPCA branch Mount Noddy to launch training classes and hydrotherapy sessions

RSPCA’s ‘Noddy Life Skills’ will take place at the Mount Noddy branch, in Westergate, and all the funds raised will go towards the charity’s Sussex West Branch to continue its important work in rehoming animals.

The sessions will be run by the branch’s behaviour and welfare advisor Sarah Carden, who has a degree in animal behaviour and welfare and leads the assessment and rehabilitation of animals at the centre.

Susan Botherway, animal centre manager, said: “Sarah is now an accredited dog training instructor with the Professional Association of Canine Trainers and we thought it was a perfect idea for Sarah to run these courses which will help raise much-needed funds for our animals at the same time, while providing a vital service for local dog owners.

"We are really lucky to have Sarah working at the centre, our resident dogs benefit hugely from her knowledge and skills and we want to offer this to non-resident dogs while raising money for the centre.”

The training classes on offer include a seven-week course which is suitable for puppies who have completed their puppy vaccinations, with topics which cover: developing a strong and positive relationship; communicating effectively; learning to settle and be calm; teaching good manners, and building confidence.

The classes will be held at Mount Noddy Animal Centre in a purpose-built training room and costs £90. The next course starts on April 18.

The other training class is a one-to-one session called Noddy Life Skills, which is suitable for dogs who are reactive, anxious or nervous – these are tailored to work on specific goals or training requirements.

The sessions cost £35 for 40 minutes, with a five percent discount for block booking five or more sessions.

The centre has also recently started offering hydrotherapy treadmill sessions - with a qualified hydrotherapist - at the cost of £35 a session. Dogs who have been adopted from Mount Noddy get a discounted rate of £20 a session.

Hydrotherapy treadmills can benefit dogs by removing pressure from joints, reducing inflammation and increasing blood circulation.

For more information and to book, visit the RSPCA West Sussex Branch website.

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