Puppy class contents

Week one

  • Supervised off lead play for 15-20 minutes
  • What the Dog Warden expects from responsible dog owners and related laws. (Picking up after the dog, collar and id tag etc)
  • Examining the dog. (Signs of a healthy or unhealthy dog)
  • Ears, eyes, nose, mouth, paws, skin and coat, bottom
  • How a dog learns exercise. (Using treats to learn a foreign language)
  • “Watch me” exercise. (Getting the dog’s attention)

HOMEWORK: Examining the dog, increase “watch me” to 7 seconds

Week two

  • Supervised off lead play for 15-20 minutes
  • Assess “watch me” progress
  • “Sit” command
  • “Down” command
  • “Stand” command
  • The dog’s position in the family and the signs to give out to show ‘who’s boss’ (off settees, chairs, etc. eating first, bed and time out areas, ignoring demands etc)
  • Loving recall to finish

HOMEWORK: Practice “sit”, “down” and “stand”, start changing attitude to hierarchy if needed.

Week three

  • Supervised off lead play for 15-20 minutes
  • Assess “sit”, “down”, “stand” progress
  • Discuss progress of hierarchy changes
  • “Leave it” command. (Set-up training to use items dog must leave, never use treats used for training)
  • Fun recall
  • More advice on hierarchy, training problems, etc

HOMEWORK: Practice “leave it” and simple recalls

Week four

  • Supervised off lead play for 15-20 minutes
  • Discuss progress of “leave it” and recalls
  • Talk on fleas, worms and ticks. (Advocate, Frontline, Milbemax, show pictures)
  • Talk on correct diet. (Benefits of dry to wet, Hills to other. Show cans)
  • Talk on neutering
  • Any questions answered
  • Give out puppy class attendance certificates and contact details of ‘Wagging Tails’ training to progress with Good Citizen Dog Scheme.