5 things you didn’t know about a puppy classes ..

And why it is important for your puppy and you.

I have just watched a video of a puppy class and pups having fun off lead playing. That's what it will look like to ordinary pet parents. Running, barking, rough and tumble, must be having fun ?

That’s not what I see :(

I see puppies over excited, puppies scared, puppies wanting their pet parents to help them, bullying puppies.

In a few months time some of these puppies may really struggle with other dog's and maybe the relationship with the pet parent.

I certainly don't blame the pet parent for joining classes like this, to them it is a class for puppies, so must be good. Plus that's socialisation Right ?

Pet parents won't see or know about the possible harm this type of play could cause.

When people get in contact with me to join my puppy classes, the first thing they usually say is “I want my puppy to be socialised”.

When I ask what do they mean when they say “socialised” usually they reply “learn to play nicely with other pups” or “to get them used to being around other dog's”

I then explain that actually socialisation isn’t all about dogs and other puppies, it is all about real life. About them being exposed to new things gently.

The belief that “the more he/she sees of traffic, dogs, people, new things, the pup will get used to it” is really outdated now.

We know through studies and research that this approach can be quite damaging to our pups.

It is called “FLOODING” in dog trainer speak.

Now, this is used for humans being treated for a phobia, the difference being that the human knows what is going to happen and can agree to go ahead (give consent). The human will also know that their therapist will stop if they ask.

Dog's cannot consent and certainly don’t understand the process.

How scary would it be if you were placed in a room full of clowns (clown phobia is real) and the door is locked, you have no escape. How would you feel? Would this make you less scared of clowns?

What about puppy play?

In a class of say 5 or 6 puppies in a class, there may be one or two pups that really don’t want to play.

They may be fearful, lack confidence or just don’t like playing with other pups.

There may be a bully puppy, one that just bowls in, doesn’t read the other pups signals and just keeps going.

Actually dogs and puppies have the same emotions and feelings as us humans, some are party animals (excuse the pun), extroverts, some are shy and a little introverted.

Then there will be the bully, who just learns that this form of behaviour is ok.

So why am I, as a professional qualified dog trainer against classes of puppies playing together in this way.

Here are the 5 things you didn't know about puppy classes..

1.Puppy classes are the most important part of your pup's exposure to the world.

If the trainer gets this wrong, it could affect your puppy growing up. The trainer needs to have extensive knowledge of body language and puppy behaviour. In the dog training world, even some fully qualified behaviourists don't want to teach puppies. It really is a dedicated skill and so important for your puppy.

2.There will always be a pup that is a slight bully, and this not only affects him/her growing up as he isn’t learning a different way to behave. it will also have an impact on the pups being bullied. It could make even a confident pup feel scared, and could even make that puppy reactive. As a pet parent, I am sure you would hate to be told your puppy is a bully or that a overzealous pup made your dog fearful.

Bully pup, he needs as much help as the scared pup

3.Puppy parents do not yet know the signs to look for when their pup is not enjoying the play. A single trainer cannot possibly watch every pup's interaction and do something before it causes an issue.

4.If you have a fearful puppy, enforcing play will only make his fear worse.

5.Puppy classes are all about helping your pup bond with you, so they learn that other dogs or pups are not as fun or important as you. Also coaching you as a pet parent to speak up for your pup, and recognise when it is finding things scary.

I am not completely against play dates for puppies, there are some really fantastic experienced qualified trainers offering such sessions. Puppy training is one of the loveliest classes, we all love puppies. But it is also the most important to get right. Puppies just need one scary experience and it could stay with them for life.

In my classes I only have 5 puppies maximum.

Everyone has their own place, and plenty of distance between puppies.

The pups learn through fun and reward that their pet parents are the best ever.

They learn to say hello to other pups politely and learn that they don’t get to run over to play, but their own pet parent is more fun.

They learn to focus on their pet parent and build a relationship.

Of course all the other puppy stuff too, and introduction to all the basic things pet parents want their pups to learn.

The classes are fun for both the pups and pet parents,

I am constantly observing every puppy and what their body language is telling me.

The puppies are always set up to win not fail.

You can find all my qualifications and achievements on my web site.

I only use reward based methods, positive reinforcement, and encourage the use of equipment that won’t cause your puppy pain, discomfort or fear.

Examples are slip leads and head collars, spray bottles, shake cans to name a few.

So before you book your new puppy into classes, please check,

Is the trainer qualified?

What is their experience of teaching puppies?

Do they use ethical training methods for all training?

Do they understand each puppy's needs, and treat them as an individual?

Do they have puppy play sessions and how do they ensure the pups will be OK?