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We are
the ones who
need to learn to
”
communicate

better with our
pup, rather than
expecting them to
read our minds
and kind way, (which stands them in good ”

feet, mouths, etc. examined in a positive
stead for future vet and grooming visits).
They are exposed to noises, umbrellas,
children, bicycles and other potentially
‘scary’ things they will encounter. They
have the opportunity to explore various
obstacles, including those at different
heights and filled with water . . . everything
to ensure that your pup grows up to be a
well-rounded canine citizen.

Lastly, and possibly most important of all,
is the pet-parent education aspect. Dogs
don’t speak human languages and they
think and communicate in very different
ways to what we do. As the humans in the
equation, we are the ones who need to
learn to communicate better with our pup,
rather than expecting them to read our
minds and know what we expect of them.

HOW DO I CHOOSE A GOOD
PUPPY SCHOOL?
These days, puppy school classes
should always be based upon positive
reinforcement training, where positive
behaviour is rewarded to reinforce it, and
negative behaviour ignored or distracted
from in a kind manner. Compulsion
training (or Alpha-dominance training)
where dogs are rolled on their backs in
Source: Image with thanks to Smart Puppy.
forced submission, and where equipment
help new puppy-parents to manage their throughout his life. Puppies need to be able like shock collars and choke chains are
expectations of their fur-babies. to get stuck in and revel in their play, but employed, should be avoided at all costs.
also know that the humans in the mix can Also steer clear of doggy ‘boot camps’
WHAT IS PUPPY SCHOOL support them, should they feel out of their where your dog is sent away to be trained
ALL ABOUT? depth. by someone else. You have no control
Puppy school brings together a number of of what’s going on there, what methods
different aspects. The primary purpose is Another important aspect of Puppy School are being used and who is working with
for pups to socialise with other pups and is some obedience skills. This is the your fur-baby - and you miss out on the
with other humans, besides their owners, owner-centric part, as we humans wish to opportunity to build a truly special bond
and expose the pup to the world through have well-mannered pups who not only with your pup as you learn and develop
a series of positive experiences. The understand dog-to-dog interactions but can together.
socialisation part may look to the outside function in the human world too. We want
observer like simple playtime with pups our pups to be able to go to the toilet in There should be no more than 6 pups per
enjoying play and interacting with each appropriate places, eat their meals when qualified trainer (ie. groups with 8 pups
other. But a skilled facilitator has a keen we want them to, return to us when we call should have two trainers), so that they
eye to pick up which pups are timid and them in the park, walk nicely on the lead, can identify problem behaviour in play
which are overly exuberant, and knows not re-landscape our gardens or freak out and intervene appropriately in order to
how to group pups of similar sizes and/ when we take them to the vet or groomers ensure that all the pups have a positive and
or dispositions so that their experiences and greet our friends and family politely. enjoyable experience and have enough
with each other are fun and interactive, but Puppy socialisation gives pups a good time to spend with each pup and their
never overwhelming. Knowing exactly how grounding in developing all of these skills. handler.
to read puppies’ body language and social
cues is vital, as a frightening experience Various experiential things are covered The environment should be safely fenced
at this tender age can result in the puppy as well: pups are taught to be handled off and include shady areas and plenty of
struggling with behavioural problems by different people, and have their ears, drinking water.
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