All of our trainers adhere to the Code of Conduct, laid down by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), which involves training methods which are kind, fair and effective, therefore we DO NOT USE choke/check chains or electric collars. Training dogs has changed a great deal in the last few years. It is no longer considered necessary, or acceptable, to use harsh methods in training, and the use of gentle, motivational methods are as successful as they are enjoyable to use.

Kennel Club Puppy Foundation/Socialisation and Early Training Classes

These classes are aimed at any shape or size of puppy UNDER the age of 18 weeks, prior to starting a 6-week course. Classes are held on Monday evenings between 7.00pm - 8.15pm at Tregony Village Hall, Tregony.

Various information sheets and handouts are given out each week, to enable you to build your own personal 'puppy file'.

Our classes are small, friendly and fun, with ample opportunity to discuss and explore any subject relating to you and your puppy.

Because our classes are deliberatley kept small (8 puppies are about right) it is important to book early. Some owners like to book on a course as soon as they know when they will be picking their puppy up.

If you have any queries, please call Viv on 01872 501566.

What is socialisation anyway?

Socialisation and habituation are terms used to describe getting used to all the normal elements in your environment, to the point of ignoring them by being exposed to them on a regular basis.

Every animal, domesticated or wild, has a socialisation period when it is much less fearful and more likely to approach and investigate things. This ensures it becomes habituated to normal environmental features and the socialisation period varies with each species. In the domestic dog the optimum period is between 5 and 14 weeks. After this it becomes increasingly difficult for your puppy to accept and not be stressed by novel situations.

Why do I need to attend a class?

For all sorts of reasons - not least because it's FUN! Here are some others:

How much access does your puppy have to other puppies? In a natural state your puppy would have the constant companionship of others of his own age and interaction with adult dogs of both sexes. Puppies need a certain amount of off lead play with others in order to develop social skills such as greeting and bite inhibition. Most dogfights occur because the participants never had a chance to develop such skills. Some dogs end up living in canine solitary confinement because their owners are too frightened to let them off the lead near other dogs. In a class environment this play can be controlled and monitored so as not to get out of hand.

During the six weeks the following topics will be covered:

• How dogs learn and what motivates them.
• Play and bite inhibition - with people and other dogs.
• Handling - by owners and strangers including grooming.
• Socialisation - with tips and advice to help in your particular situation.
• Basic training - sit, down, come, walk on a loose lead.
• Food manners.
• An introduction to Clicker Training.
• House training and Responsible Dog Ownership.

Some of the techniques may be new to you, but are all based on motivation and reward.

Above all you and your puppy will have fun, meet other people and you should end up with a confident, out-going puppy with no major hang-ups and therefore a sound basis for a long and happy relationship.