Puppy School the UK’s leading puppy training organisation

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Puppy School curriculum - What will my puppy learn at puppy training classes?

In our puppy training classes you will learn to teach your puppy to:

  • Come when called
  • Sit, lie down and stand on command
  • Walk on a loose lead without pulling
  • Get used to being handled and examined for vets and groomers
  • 'Stay'
  • 'Settle'
  • 'Gentle’ (taking food from hands gently)
  • Accept people near to food bowls, bones and chews
  • Stop play biting
  • Socialise with an adults, children, and other puppies attending training classes
  • Greet people appropriately without jumping up

Puppy greetings

Prolonged play with other pups can be harmful (shy pups can get scared, boisterous pups can learn to be rough, and all can get over excited and a bit too wild for good interactions), so we take our puppy greetings very slowly, teaching you first how to teach your puppy to turn away from things of interest, and, later, from other puppies.  This allows for carefully controlled, short but beautiful meetings between puppies, allowing them to make friends gradually and develop confidence.

In a similar way, puppies need to learn to be calm and happy to meet humans, so we have a special programme of introduction to other human members of the class, allowing even shy puppies to feel safe when socialising, and, for those more boisterous, to learn how to greet humans appropriately without jumping.

Puppy greetings
Tutor puppy and boy

Behaviour advice

Throughout the course, we are on hand to help you with any behaviour problems you may be experiencing with your puppy from play-biting, mouthing, toilet training and jumping up.

All our Puppy School tutors and associate tutors strive to uphold standards and keep up to date with the latest behavioural science.

We are on hand to support you and your puppy through the various stages of their development.

Boy holding ball for puppy

Practice makes perfect

Although all the information you will need to train your puppy will be given to you in class, you will need to set aside time every day to practice the exercises at home to make the most of the ideas you have been given. Training at home will allow you to progress further in class and will result in a better trained puppy at the end of the six weeks.

As part of our course, clients will receive a helpful Puppy School manual which will allow you and your puppy to practice the techniques in lessons prior to the next class.

Dog sitting between student legs looking up

Too old for puppy training at Puppy School classes?

Puppies need to begin classes between 12 - 20 weeks old so that they are all at a similar stage of development. This allows them to play together easily. Since our classes get booked up quickly, it is recommended that you reserve your place as soon as can, even before you get a puppy if possible. Please contact us if your puppy is older than 20 weeks of age and we can chat through some options with you.

Puppy School Online age limits differ so please do contact us for more information

Reward-based puppy training

Dog Treats

We pride ourselves on using modern, reward-based training techniques based on the science behind behaviour to achieve great results. Only reward-based puppy training methods are used at Puppy School. Treats, toys and praise are used to encourage puppies to be well behaved. No bullying or rough handling is tolerated. In fully appreciating and understanding canine behaviour, we work hard to make sure you and your puppy have the best possible life together.

Are classes fun?

Encouragement and praise are used to help you acquire the skills you need to train your puppy. No humiliation or shaming of owners will occur and all lessons are fun and sociable with a happy, friendly atmosphere!

Regular monitoring for Puppy School training classes

Our Puppy School tutors have undertaken a comprehensive training course with Puppy School Founder and leading APBC registered behaviourist Gwen Bailey. Our tutors are kept up to date with new ideas by regularly attending meeting including Puppy School conferences and exclusive Puppy School courses by leading trainers/behaviourists. In addition, tutors regularly attend seminars and conferences run by groups such as CABTSG, APBC, and BSAVA.

Classes are monitored regularly to ensure high standards. All Puppy School tutors are well trained in the latest training techniques, as well as in human and animal behaviour. Regular refresher courses and an email forum for tutors ensure they stay up-to-date.

For further information, visit www.puppyschool.co.uk