Puppy Training Classes

Puppy training classes are a great way to teach your puppies good social skills from a young age. They teach your pets well needed manners that they need in the real world. It is no wonder they are so popular.

What do I need before going to puppy training?

Before attending a puppy training class, you will need to have your dog vaccinated. You might want to take your dog for a brisk walk or some form of exercise to calm them down a bit and release energy. You don’t want to tire them out completely because they still need to have some focus and energy for the class. It is also a good idea to get to the class before time to allow your dog to get their bearings and get used to their surroundings.

When to start?

Puppy training can start as soon as your puppy has had their first round of vaccinations, which is around 8 weeks old. Their age could differ depending on the advice of your vet. Puppies need to be socialised as soon as possible. It is believed that puppies will learn most of their behaviours in their first 12 weeks. They are very eager and receptive during these weeks as this is when they have rapid growth both physically and mentally. This is the perfect time to cement good behaviour and habits.

How long will it take?

Puppy training classes take about 6-8 weeks to complete. During this time your dogs will learn how to socialise, bite inhibition, handling tolerance and obedience:

• Socialisation is teaching your dog how to behaviour around different people and other animals.
• Bite inhibition teaches your dog not to bite down hard. Their teeth and jaws are powerful and could cause injury if they bite with full force.
• Handling tolerance is teaching your puppy to get used to new and unfamiliar people touching and handling them. Ideally, they will respond positively to touch.
• Obedience is simple commands such as, sit, stay and responding to their name being called. They will also be taught to walk on a lead.

Advantages of puppy training

1. Socialising your puppy

Puppy training allows your puppy to gain valuable social experience. It allows your puppy to engage with many different people and dogs. They gain confidence and good manners. It makes them easier to take to parks or social situations. At some point our  dogs are going to encounter other dogs and it is important they know what is allowed and what is not.

2. Form a bond with your dog

Puppy training classes allow you and your dog to spend some quality time together. They feel accomplished as they are learning and getting praise for it. It also makes them easier to handle. Pet owners with well-behaved dogs are more satisfied with their pet and find it more rewarding than those will badly behaved dogs. If you pets are happy, relaxed and well-mannered then the owner will be too. Your dogs are not only learning but they are having fun while doing it. It is fun for you and your dog to get out and do something together. Puppy training classes can also offer additional resources or classes to further your dog’s social life through other classes or groups.

3. Easy to manage

Having a well-trained dog means they are easy to manage. If your dog is well mannered and trained, they can be more included in family outings and events. Training your dog from a young age they will require less time and money to train in the future. That is not to say that older dogs cannot be trained, they just might take a longer time to learn.

4. Safe

Having a well-trained dog is not only safe for your dog but those around them. If the dog listens to your commands, you can easily keep them out of trouble and stop them from crossing a busy road or veering off away from you. They are also safer to have around your family and people as they are more sociable and relaxed. However, dogs are animals and they can be unpredictable at times and should be monitored.

There are many puppy training facilities in the UK. You can easily search online for a class near you for you and your puppy to enjoy.