Puppy Course for dogs no older than 16 weeks at the start of the Course
Puppies need to be no older than 16 weeks so that they are all of a similar age of development. This will allow them to play together easily. Puppies will be allowed to play in a carefully and controlled way in small groups to ensure they learn good manners around other puppies, do not get scared and learn not to play roughly or bully smaller dogs. We will match them for size, age and experience and will be supervised to ensure that it is a positive experience.
What will they learn?
- Come when called
- Sit and Down by handlers side
- Walking on a loose lead
- Wait for Food Bowl to be put down
- Sit for Lead to be put on and taken off
- Go to their bed and settle
- Accept toys and chews being taken from them
- To be sociable around people, children and other dogs
- Greet people without jumping up
- Not to play bite humans, especially if being groomed
Please note we cannot guarantee the attendance of children to help socialise your puppy, but we do encourage families with children over the age of 5 to bring them to class to learn how to interact positively with their and other puppies.
We have devised our Puppy Course as a 6 week training course which will last one hour. It has been designed to give you a good foundation for life with your new puppy and to steer you through those daunting and sometimes frustrating first few months with your new companion.
The exercises progress gradually each week, building to help your puppy understand reliably and if at any point your puppy seems to either go backwards of just not get it, we are here to help guide you through this and give you alternative methods if we think that you puppy learns in a different way (just like some humans).
Practice and Repetitions are Key
You will get comprehensive homework sheets that complement what you have been shown and practiced in class so that you are able to put these exercises into everyday life. At this stage of your puppies life you need to make sure you put aside time every day to practice as this is when they are most receptive to learning, just like young children they are like sponges and soak up all the knowledge you can give them both good and bad!
What to Expect
We want everyone attending classes to learn in a comfortable and positive atmosphere. Do not worry that your puppy will not be able to do all the exercises. Like humans, dogs will have different abilities and will progress at different rates. Try not to compare your puppy with any of the others in the class, remember they are an individual.
The Instructors are there to help you succeed so do not hesitate to ask one of them to show you an exercise again or watch you so that you know you are doing the exercise correctly.
Puppies will have accidents is class, do not worry, just stand still so we only have to clean one area and then we have poo bags, mop and bucket with disinfectant. We just ask you to take your poo bags home as we have no bins at the Hall.
Commands
As a family, it is important to decide on the commands for the actions you require your puppy to do. This will help to ensure that everyone is being consistent and will avoid your puppy getting confused.
Preparing your Puppy
If you have to travel to the class by car, it is best to get your puppy used to travelling beforehand. Either have your puppy travel in a crate or dog seatbelt harness, never loose in the car.
You can play with your puppy or feed small meals/treats in the car when stationery to give them pleasant associations of being in a car.
Take your puppy on short journeys, ending in a walk or play session.
Drive carefully especially if lots of corners or bends as your puppy will not be able to see out and cannot predict when the next corner will be and may suffer motion sickness.
Arrive in plenty of time to allow your puppy to recover from the journey if they do have travel problems. Take them for a little walk to see if they need the toilet before coming into the hall and please make sure you clean up and take home any bags.
Your puppy needs to be interested in working for treats so for this reason, it is better if they are fed when they get home, even more so if they have to travel by car. Make sure they have had a small meal a few hours before class as this will allow them to concentrate enough in class without being too fixated on the treats.
If you own a high energy puppy, try to arrange a good free running session before coming to class. This will ensure that your puppy is calm and ready to learn.
Most puppies are a little overwhelmed when they come into the hall for the first time but they soon learn to enjoy it and by the second week are keen to get in to the hall.
What to Bring
Your puppy wearing a plain flat collar or well fitted harness and a cloth or leather lead (no check chains, head collars or flexi leads please).
Make sure your puppy is already use to the collar before attending the class.
All the family including any children over 5 years of age. Everyone is welcome, the more people that come the more socialisation can be done.
Selection of small, tasty treats. These should be as small as possible (about the size of a pea) so that your puppy does not become too full too quickly. We do have some healthy treats on sale if you forget or run out!
Toys. Some puppies work harder for a game with a toy rather than food. Soft toys that can be bitten and tugged are best. Please avoid squeaky toys and ones that roll as they can cause distractions to other puppies.
A small piece of bedding that your puppy can relax on and use for some exercises.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes as you may be required to sit on the floor for some exercises.
Advice
Throughout the course, there will be instructors on hand to help you with any problems or advice you require.
Henley Dog Training School, 16 Fawley Green, Henley-on-Thames, Oxon, RG9 6HZ
Tel: 07596 707424 Email: Web: