What we want to avoid:
Puppies launch out of the car, drag the owner to the other puppies, all the puppies start bouncing on each other, most of the owners get dragged into the hall, other puppies are so scared they won’t move, the puppies are over excited, barking their heads off and certainly not in the head space for training.
What we want to encourage:
On arrival, try to park in a secluded spot. Take your time, getting your pup out of your car. Wait until they are calm before encouraging or taking them out. This could be a minute, this could be five minutes. That’s why it’s important to arrive early. Practice this throughout the week. Quickly check out our article on Car Travel.
Spend a moment around your car to let them have a sniff and take in their surroundings. There will be lots of new smells, sights and sounds, so it’s important you give your pup a chance to process these before stepping off.
Whilst your pup is assessing their surroundings, look for a quiet place away from any of the other pups to give your pup an opportunity to toilet.
Once they’ve had the opportunity to do their business, wait at a distance where your pup is calm and relaxed. I know you will be looking forward to meeting everyone, but you’ll have plenty of time in the class for introductions. It’s much more important to focus on keeping your puppy calm and relaxed.
Although thankfully it’s post COVID times, maintaining a two meter distance is good policy:
How To Manage Barking
If your pup is barking, they are either a little scared (totally understandable) or over excited to meet their new class mates. Simply increase distance until they are calm and relaxed again. Remember to reward them with plenty of treats to communicate this is good. Try not to say too much, let the treats do the talking.
Outside of class, don’t worry about being rude if you’re speaking with someone to redirect your focus on your dog and their behaviour. That is your priority. Check out this video on training quiet greetings when out and about HERE.
Sensitive and Confident Pups
If your puppy sways toward the more sensitive type, it’s important to keep distance so they are not overwhelmed by a more confident puppy. Confident pups will more than likely jump all over them, which will make them more scared.
You’re taking your pup to class to increase their confidence around other dogs. Any negative experience is going to undo any good work we do to achieve this. Bare this in mind when meeting other dogs outside of class too.
Make sure you have a blanket (VetBed is best) and a Pizzle Stick, as this will help them settle.
Some breeds are naturally full on with their play style, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, but it can be a little much for sensitive pups. So please be mindful and respectful of puppies who might not be as confident as yours and give them space.
Try not to allow confident pups to engage in rough play with each other. We want to teach them to be calm and relaxed around fellow canines, so they can enjoy relationships with all breeds and temperaments.
Use the right lead, it will help you with loose lead walking and control. Please do not bring any flexi, extendable or chain leads. We highly recommend the Halti Training Lead. It’s by far the best lead I’ve ever used; comfortable, versatile and great value. You can buy them on our Online Shop.
Do you want a dog, that when they see another dog, they go nuts? Or would you prefer a dog, that when they see another dog, they remain calm? Again, remember to make a conscious effort to reward for calm behaviour in exciting situations.
The key is not to react to undesirable behaviour, but to be proactive at rewarding good behaviour, so you don’t have to react.
Body Language
Dogs are great communicators, they have many different ways to express how they’re feeling. Often this goes unnoticed or is misinterpreted by humans.
Over the years I’ve seen owners dragging their dog through the hall, thinking it’s funny and everyone laughs. Where as I would say the dog is in a fearful state and dragging the dog across the floor is not going to help build the dogs confidence.
The best thing you can do, is really understand how dogs communicate. Please watch this video for a great insight into dog body language.
The reason why I took the time to write this article, is I’ve seen so many instances where owners allow their dogs to jump all over a sensitive dog, or not give their sensitive puppy space when they’re nervous. All of this can be prevented through knowledge and understanding.
Inside The Hall
Maintain your two meter distance entering the hall. Find a place to set up camp. Immediately place your mat on the floor, then sit with your pup as they enjoy settling whilst chewing their smelly pizzle stick.
Stock up now on some yummy natural treats (Sprats are always a winner) and a bag of pizzle sticks. The quality of pizzle elsewhere varies, so I highly recommend the ones in our Online Shop for the absolute best.
I call session one the Settle Session. If all we achieve is peace and quiet for 45 minutes whilst your pup enjoys their chew, fantastic! They are learning to be calm and relaxed around a variety of people and dogs. Sit and Down we can train easy. Learning to settle is harder and much more beneficial long term.
Don’t forget to read the Class Checklist so you have everything you need in advance HERE.
I want to help you and your dog have the most rewarding and enjoyable experience. Stick to what I advise and you’ll be well on your way to having the model pup!