What To Expect In Puppy Classes
Shannon McKay © 2010
(First appeared in All About Dogs Nov/Dec 2010)
Shannon McKay © 2010
(First appeared in All About Dogs Nov/Dec 2010)
Do have a look at our Recommended Puppy Schools - all Instructors fully qualified

Not all puppy classes can offer all of these activities, but a good puppy class should be able to provide the bulk of them.
Intra-specific socialising
- Off-lead socialising with other pups
- Off-lead socialising with appropriate adult dogs
- Some schools allow on-lead socialisation while others don’t – not a problem provided there is ample off-lead socialising
- All off-lead socialising sessions should be facilitated i.e. the instructor should be supervising to ensure the safety of every single puppy
- In some cases where a big size and activity difference exists, the off-lead socialising may be structured differently
- Various people petting and giving pups treats
- Mock “vet visit” with puppy being lifted onto a table and examined by a different person at each lesson
- People wearing different items which alter their body outline i.e. hats, aprons, gloves etc
- Exposure to other animals in a safe and controlled manner
Sensory Stimulation
- Exposure to various sights and sounds as well as objects that occur in typical domestic environments (bicycle, pram, lawnmower etc)
- Safe and appropriate physical activities such as tunnels, bridges, different surfaces, mazes etc
Basic Obedience
- Pups can be taught to focus on their owner, walk on a lead without pulling, sit on cue, lie down on cue, stay for a brief period and come to the owner when called
- Additional exercises such as the “leave” and the “settle” could be taught as well
Just as you have House Rules for you family, or rules at work and at school, putting in the basics, based on how dogs interact with one another, sets in place a solid foundation for a well behaviour dog and so easy to do.
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