We feel strongly that our clients need to understand the theory behind how dogs learn. This is how puppies learn more quickly because their humans are clear and consistent.
The point of attending classes is to do practical training and to be coached.
To understand more we provide complimentary access to our online platform Raising Pawfection for the duration of the course. Then owners can have reminders of how to do things between classes.
Puppies learn so quickly when owners know what they’re doing.
I love this clear and kind communication in this video!
A few weeks ago I showed you how we were helping dogs to go through play tunnels.
I explained that we use these because they increase arousal. I devised a sequence of activities alternating higher arousal activities with stabilising activities that require focus. This helps dogs to learn to be able to control themselves.
Here you can see this gorgeous lab trying the full circuit for the first time.
We have the weave poles laid out as a channel for youngsters so we don’t damage their growth plates.
But he was so excited he couldn’t quite do it as calmly as we would like 😂
He pulled himself back though!
Next week he will probably breeze it!
Last week you may remember this little Sharpei pup was watching play from the sidelines!
This week, right at the end, she decided she would initiate play with the little springer pup. What lovely play! I love her butt barging style!
#PuppySocialisation
#FerndownPuppyClasses
#SharpeiPuppy
#SpringeSpanielPuppy
Following on from our shy pups last week. This is the second week. As you can see, the little springer has gained in confidence.
This week we had them on lead because they are gaining in confidence. We tend to have them off lead when timid so they can control their own destiny. The risk of greater confidence is that the interactions are higher energy and at this stage, we want to keep growing in confidence. But as you can see here, these guys had a blast!
#PuppyPlay
#FerndownDogTraining
#PuppySocialisation
Puppy socialisation is not, and should not be a free for all.
I have had to work with far too many clients whose puppy was traumatised in a badly run puppy class. This is disappointing really as people take their puppies to classes to ensure they have controlled social experiences.
We mainly keep puppies on leads whilst we do this so we have good control. But today we had a group of 3 so we were able, and needed, to have some off leash. Eventually all three were off, but closely managed. The timid ones are best off lead so they can control how close they are to the other pups.
It’s a fine line. Here you will see the little springer and the Sharpei do some little freezes. By this time I knew they were ok because we had been working on it. We gave them all time to process the situation and we were all on hand to bail them out if needed.
Get this bit wrong and we make life difficult for these pups and owners. Get it right and we set them up for success.
I love my job.
#PuppySocialisation
#PuppyClasses
I like to introduce play tunnels in our classes for several reasons.
1- many dogs are uncertain at first and it’s a good way to demonstrate how to help them to overcome uncertainty.
2- it’s fun! Once they overcome their uncertainty.
3- it’s an excellent way to build self control whilst having fun!
I like to teach a wait at the entrance whilst the owner walks to the other end.
Then be called through and arrive at a sit.
This is difficult because most really want to run through, and most are exhilarated once they enter the play tunnel and don’t want to stop!
Today we introduced the play tunnel to this delightful Labrador!
We will be having some fun over the next few weeks!
#DogTraining
#StLeonardsAndStIvesDogTraining
#SelfControlDogTraining
#ImpulseControl
Ferndown Scout Hut
What a gorgeous sunny day! Great to take advantage of the enclosed outdoor space for loose lead walking training!
The best kind of day! Sunny, breezy, not too hot and birdsong.
What are you and your pups up to today?
So great to be back running indoor puppy classes again. Today we were teaching “ drop”. The gorgeous George couldn’t quite resist showing me his precious toy in the middle 😂❤️
#PuppyTraining #TeachingDrop #PositiveReinforcement
Dog Training and Behaviour We have classes in Holt, Leonards and St Ives and live coached via zoom. Denise can help with any behaviour problem.
