Puppy Socialising and Learning Class: The Pup Should Attend from 7/8 Weeks Old!
At puppy socialising groups, owners are taught how to be good pack leaders. Pack leadership is something that the handler learns through training, through specific exercises that are designed to teach a pup who is in charge in a non-conflict, non-aggressive manner.
Pups are taught that through co-operation comes respect. Handlers and pups are taught to work together- not against each other! It is important that training must begin at this early age, to avoid serious problems later on.
PUPPY SCHOOL AND EARLY EDUCATION:
Educating you and your puppy is a vital part of forming a relationship between you and your puppy. It has been proven that puppies that attend good socialising and learning classes develop into more socially acceptable companion animals and are easier to teach later on in their adolescence. They also present with fewer behavioural problems later on in life. Puppies should begin to attend a reputable puppy socialising and learning group as soon as possible.
Most reputable schools accept pups one week after their first inoculation:
In the past pups were not accepted at training class until they were six months of age. Remember the stages of development. At six months of age, many dogs are in the middle of their “fear of new situations” stage of development – not a great time to start something new!
Owners were also discouraged from taking pups out for health reasons, often being told by professionals that they should wait until their pup’s last inoculation at about four months.
With regard to the health issue, research from the USA and UK has proved that pups that are isolated from other animals have a lower immune resistance than pups that are exposed. The latter build up a far greater natural immunity! Another advantage of starting early is that if a good foundation is put down, both owner and pup avoid learning bad habits. Any possible problems are also detected early and are managed far sooner with greater success.
WHAT IS A PUPPY SCHOOL?
Puppy School is a place and time where you and your pup are educated. Your puppy learns to be a well-mannered, socially acceptable companion animal - a friend that enhances your life!
PUPPY SCHOOL IS NOT…..
A place where pups of any age indulge in wild unsupervised/unstructured play or are taught formal obedience training (that is only appropriate for a more mature dog).
THE VENUE
Make sure that the following are provided:
· A secure area for pups to have free, safe, work and play
· A large enough area for pups to play, but small enough for pups to feel secure.
· An area that is preferably grassed, which aids in creating a calming atmosphere).
· Plenty of shade and easily accessible fresh drinking water.
ATTENDANCE
All the family should be welcome (as should spectators and children) as long as they are well behaved!
WHAT OWNERS SHOULD BRING
· The puppy, restrained on a flat soft collar and soft long leash.
· Small "Soft Yummy Dog Treats" - highly palatable and easy to digest
· Bowl for water & plastic packets to "scoop the poop".
· Money (usually to be paid at first lesson).
· Hat (for owner) and wear comfortable, casual clothes/flat takkies or shoes (not sandals).
· Dog brush & dog toys.
· Current inoculation/vaccination certificate and a large sense of humour!
THE SCHOOL/INSTRUCTOR SHOULD PROVIDE/OFFER
· Enrolment form, which should state all relevant details of the pup including
. Inoculations/vaccinations, reference to owner’s goals and expectations for the pup's future.
· Easily accessible water.
· Dustbin.
· First aid kit.
· Booklets/literature/hand-outs on all relevant problems.
· Referral to retail outlets for training equipment, and other basic doggie necessities.
· Basic distraction/desensitisation equipment, to accustomise pups to everyday situations.
· Various noises to expose pups to, either on tape or other simulation.
· Some everyday-type physical obstacles to manoeuvre around.
· Exposure to other animals, i.e. livestock, cats, fowls, horses, etc.
· If possible - access to a safe "puppy friendly older dog" (role model.)
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF INSTRUCTOR
· Knowledge of puppy development calendar and "critical stages" of canine development.
· Knowledge of breeds, breed characteristics, development, purpose and genetics.
· Knowledge of puppy health, care, hygiene and housing.
· Behavioural and training knowledge.
· Good communication skills.
· Experience in various disciplines of the dog sports.
· An open mind.
· A sense of humour.
LEARNING METHODS
· All learning should be "fun" for both pups and owners.
· Only kind, gentle and humane methods should be used.
· Positive reinforcement is the generally accepted way of modern training.
· No punishment or heavy-handed methods are acceptable.
. This includes check or choke chains, spike or electric collars, or any other tools of torture!
CRITERIA OF GROUP/CLASS
History and record-keeping is essential.
Requirements and purpose/aims of course.
Achievements, objectives and test.
Duration of course.
Weekly programme handouts or other forms of written material.
Care should be taken that the "CORRECT CHOICE" of puppy school is made. This is, after all, where your puppy's entire future character is to be moulded! You can even ask for a couple of references from previous puppy owners.
Should you, as the concerned puppy owner, have any doubts or misgivings regarding a class, TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS & LEAVE!
The Animal Behaviour Consultants of Southern Africa (©®™) can only recommend "Approved schools"! All ABC members who run Puppy Schools are bound by ABC Code of Ethics.
Registration with the ABC of SA offers the public protection from “Charlatans” and “Fly by Night” schools.
Should you experience any problems, Please contact the ABC:
See the ABC list of approved puppy schools on their website: www.animal-behaviour.org.za
Alternatively, contact the ABC of SA Secretary at - (011) 969-4467
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