Finding a puppy training class

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Are you a first time puppy owner and looking for new puppy advice? Young puppies and their boisterous play is great fun, but very quickly you’ll want to set down a few ground rules and manage their behaviour a little to fit in with what you find acceptable. Finding a local puppy training class can help your new pal learn important social skills as well as some basic training.

If you’ve never owned a puppy before, you’ll be wondering whether you need to attend a puppy training class, how do you find one and what should you look for?

Why should your puppy attend a class?

Puppy training classes will:

• help you learn good dog handling skills
• help your puppy integrate into your home and give you tips on how they should meet the wider family
  provide a safe, non-threatening environment in which your puppy can meet other dogs and develop socialising skills
• help your puppy meet different people with the purpose of making them feel as comfortable as possible with a wider community
• develop basic command skills, like ‘sit’

Finding a puppy training class

Find your nearest CVS veterinary practice and ask whether they hold their own puppy classes. Inquire as to who is doing the training and also about class size – you don’t want too many owners and puppies there otherwise your puppy could get overwhelmed and you may not get the support you need.

Look for courses that are supported by regulatory bodies such as the Animal Behaviour Training Council (ABTC). The ABTC is the regulatory body that represents animal trainers and animal behaviour therapists to both the public and to legislative bodies

Make enquiries for a local puppy training class as soon as possible, the sooner you start, the sooner you and your puppy learn the correct commands and correct methods. Put your puppy’s name down as soon as you can to ensure there’s a space available when the time comes

Ensure the course is reward-based training as it’s a proven way of training dogs and your puppy will learn to trust you implicitly. Remember, scolding and punishing with harsh words to any animal, will only make them either feel fear or distrust, much better to reward your new puppy for good, desired behaviour.

Your puppy training class tutor can give you advice on how to get the best out of your puppy as they grow, give hints and tips on what methods to use that work well as you continue to develop training with with your dog long after puppy classes end.

Caring for your puppy

Having a pet insurance policy in place will help with unexpected vet bills that can be costly. Be prepared with a policy that suits your needs. While you compare the MiPet Cover policy options, why not take advantage of our four week free WalkawayCover? Simply find a local CVS vet and arrange your puppy’s health check. Once they’ve been seen, they could be eligible for their cover to be set up straight-away, giving you peace of mind (find out about any exclusions that apply here).

Ensure you keep up the necessary regular appointments with your vet as they can give you new puppy advice,  ensure your puppy has all the vaccines they need, discuss appropriate flea and worm treatments and whether or not you wish to get your puppy booked in for neutering.

Schemes such as The Healthy Pet Club help you to take care of your new puppy while you enjoy savings of around £200 per year*. The membership includes all of your dog’s essential annual vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, vet health checks every six months, plus access to a great range of benefits including 10% discount on everything in CVS practices.

*Visit thehealthypetclub.co.uk for further information.