funfordogs run a 4 week course aimed at showing owners how to train their puppies in basic good manners using reward based methods at the same time as learning socialisation skills with other puppies.

Who can come? Owners with puppies under twenty weeks at the start of the course. All members of the family are encouraged to attend and homework sheets are issued each week.

The aim of this course is to provide a structured class environment with a maximum of seven puppies in any one class where you can enjoy learning and teaching your puppy good manners whilst also participating in basic socialisation with other puppies of a similar age.

Modern methods of training are used with toys and treats as rewards for your puppy’s behaviour. Techniques such as teaching an alternative behaviour to replace any unwanted behaviours that your puppy might exhibit replace the old fashioned methods that used to use punishment in training.

We always place emphasis on introducing your puppy to the environment for the first time in a gentle manner to prevent a build up of stress. Throughout the course attention is paid to any subtle signs of calming signals given out by your puppy to help make the learning experience as safe and pleasant as possible.

We show you how to teach your puppy to come when called, walk to heel on and off a lead, stay put when asked to and to sit stand and lie down when requested. We also show you how to prevent your puppy from jumping up at people, to not touch items you don’t want them to and how to deal with other general behaviours that are not acceptable.

The classes are held on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings and Friday mornings in Pitton with a new course starting every few weeks. Owners need to book in ahead of a course to secure a place and a registration form and directions will be posted out or emailed prior to the start.

We include periods of supervised free play during the sessions and general training and behaviour issues are discussed and dealt with throughout the course.

On fine days we do some exercises outside.

Held on: Monday, Tuesday evenings, Friday mornings and Saturday afternoons

Held at:: Wagalot Barn, Stockbottom Farm, Pitton SP5 1SU.

Cost: £50 for four classes, to be paid on first class.

Held By: Sue Holstead, APDT member 864

Tel: 01980 862693 or 07753 149166

Email:

Please ring or email to arrange attendance