Puppy Courses
All about Sheps Puppy Key Stage Classes
Our puppy courses, also known as Sheps Puppy Key Stage Classes, are comprehensive programs designed to give your new furry friend the best possible start in life. Our experienced trainers use positive reinforcement techniques to teach your puppy basic commands, socialisation skills, and good behaviour habits.
Sheps Puppy Key Stage Classes is designed to help your pup achieve many long-term health and behavioural benefits. It can help prevent behavioural issues and establish a strong bond between you and your puppy.
The Sheps Puppy Key Stage Classes is an 8-week course (8 x 1 hour weekly classes), and it will include:
- Socialisation with other dogs, people and distractions
- Personal responsibility
- Puppy welfare – handling and care
- Response to name
- Basic sit, down and recall
- Controlled walking
- Puppy play
- Stay 10 to 20 seconds
- Food manners
- Removing items from the puppy
- Cleanliness
- Puppy of the week award
*Puppies must be fully vaccinated.
Early socialisation and puppy classes are essential for the development and well-being of puppies.
- Socialisation: Early socialisation exposes puppies to a variety of people, animals, environments, and situations. This exposure helps them develop positive associations and become well-adjusted, confident, and friendly adult dogs. It prevents the development of fear, anxiety, and aggression towards unfamiliar experiences later in life.
- Behavioural Development: During the critical socialisation period, which typically occurs between 3 and 14 weeks of age, puppies are highly receptive to learning and forming associations. Exposing them to different stimuli and experiences helps shape their behaviour, teaching them how to interact appropriately with people and other dogs.
- Bite Inhibition: Puppy classes provide an opportunity for puppies to engage in appropriate play with their peers. Through social interaction, they learn to control the force of their bites and develop bite inhibition. This is crucial for preventing accidental injuries when interacting with humans or other animals later on.
- Training Foundation: Puppy classes include basic obedience training, teaching puppies fundamental commands such as sit, stay, and come. Starting training early sets the foundation for future learning, making it easier to build upon these skills as the puppy grows.
- Owner Education: Puppy classes not only benefit the puppies but also provide valuable education and guidance for the owners. Trainers can offer advice on puppy care, nutrition, house training, and general behaviour management, empowering owners to raise a well-behaved and happy dog.
- Safe Environment: Puppy classes provide a controlled and supervised environment for puppies to socialise and learn. Trainers can monitor interactions, ensure positive experiences, and address any behavioural issues that may arise.
- Bonding and Communication: Attending puppy classes allows both the puppy and the owner to strengthen their bond. Owners learn to understand their puppy’s body language, cues, and needs, facilitating effective communication and a deeper connection.
Early socialisation and puppy classes are essential for the development and well-being of puppies. Here are the reasons why they are important:
Remember, early socialisation and appropriate training or puppy courses set the stage for a lifetime of companionship and well-rounded behaviour in your dog.
The benefits of Puppy Training
Establishes good behaviour
Puppy training helps establish good behaviour habits early in a dog’s life. This includes potty training, crate training, and socialisation with other dogs and people. Teaching your puppy these habits will make them more likely to behave well in the future, making them easier to live with and reducing the risk of behaviour issues.
Builds a strong bond between you and your puppy
Puppy training allows you to bond with your new furry friend. You will learn to communicate effectively with your puppy through training sessions and establish a mutual understanding of expectations and boundaries. This bond will last throughout your dog’s life, making them a loyal and loving companion.
Promotes mental and physical wellbeing
Puppy training provides mental and physical stimulation for your furry friend. Learning new commands and tricks challenges their mind, while physical activities such as crate training and socialisation help keep them fit and healthy. This stimulation and exercise are important for their overall well-being and can help prevent behavioural issues in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before you give up on your dog, read these commonly asked questions we get at our dog training centre. If you need help assessing and evaluating your dog, please get in touch for a consultation to determine the best course of action.
What are puppy courses?
A puppy course is a training program designed specifically for young puppies to learn basic obedience and socialisation skills.
What is included in a puppy course?
A puppy course typically includes training on basic obedience commands, such as sit, stay, and come, as well as socialisation with other dogs and people. It may also cover house training and other puppy-related topics.
What age should a puppy start a puppy course?
Puppies can start a puppy course as early as 8 weeks old, but it’s important to consult with a veterinarian before starting any training program.
How long is a typical puppy course?
Our puppy course is an 8-week course.
What training methods are used in a puppy course?
Our puppy course uses positive reinforcement training methods, such as using treats or praise to reward desired behaviours.
Can all breeds of puppies participate in a puppy course?
Yes, all breeds of puppies can participate in a puppy course.
What are the benefits of puppy courses?
A puppy course can help to establish good behaviour habits in puppies, promote bonding between puppies and their owners, and socialise puppies with other dogs and people.
How much does a puppy course cost?
Please get in touch with us to learn more about our Puppy Key Stage classes.
How do I choose a puppy course?
We make choosing a puppy course easy at Sheps Dog Training Centre. We’ve created Sheps Puppy Key Stage classes to give you and your puppy everything you need to get your new pup off to the right start. Our training program uses positive reinforcement training methods and has experienced trainers in a safe and clean environment.
What should I bring to a puppy course?
You should bring your puppy on a leash and collar, as well as treats and a water bowl. You may also want to bring a blanket or toy for your puppy to feel more comfortable in the new environment.