Puppy School

By Kay Hisano | Dated October 16, 2023

When you get a puppy, you may think that puppy class is just one of those optional boxes to check off the list ✅

As a trainer, I know that it’s much more than that.

I know that the first four months is where we lay the foundation stones of your dog’s adult life, and when experiences (good & bad) are permanently imprinted in their brain.

Puppy class gives you the knowledge & tools to avoid common mistakes and pitfalls which can take years and $$ to unwind months down the track. Attending a well-run puppy class, and – equally importantly – implementing the training advice throughout puppyhood and adolescence, means you’re much less likely to run into problems later on.

We give you the tools to handle common puppy problems as they arise. There is a LOT of content in puppy class and a lot to take in (because a lot goes into successful puppy raising) which is why we give you so much content after each class – notes, videos & handouts to suit your individual learning style!

Equally importantly, puppy class is also about identifying and resolving problems in the early stages before they become established and a larger issue, that is much harder to resolve.

Most puppies sail through class, but here’s some examples of issues we may see:

1. Puppies overexcited & overstimulated by the world, struggling to get the rest they desperately need.

2. Puppies with serious handling issues.

3. Puppies beginning to show resource guarding.

4. Puppies afraid of the big wide world, or of specific things.

I always say it’s great if an owner notices issues in the critical early stage because it gives them the opportunity to change things! It’s so easy to get the wrong advice & unintentionally end up with bigger problems from something that could have been easily resolved early with the right advice, while a puppy is still in their critical learning phase.

Puppy class taught by an experienced, educated & qualified trainer will set you up with the skills to raise your dog to be their best.

Veronica Sewell CPDT-KA