What is a Puppy School?
It is a place and time, where you and your pup are educated. Your pup learns to be a well mannered, socially acceptable companion animal, a friend that enhances your life! IT 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:
- 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
- Area should preferably be grassed, which creates a calming atmosphere)
- There should be shade/fresh water easily accessible
ATTENDANCE:
- All the family should be welcome (as should spectators) as long as they are well behaved!
WHAT OWNERS SHOULD BRING TO CLASS:
-
A flat soft collar and soft long leash
- Small "Fast Motivational Foods" 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 old casual clothes
- Dog brush
- Toys
- Current inoculation/vaccination certificate
THE SCHOOL/INSTRUCTOR SHOULD PROVIDE/OFFER
- Enrolment form which should state all relevant details of the pup i.e. inoculations/vaccinations and make reference to the owners goals and expectations for the pup's future.
- Easily accessible water
- Dustbin
- First aid kit
- Booklets/literature/hand outs, on all relevant problems, from grooming and puppy care, to common behaviour problems experienced by puppy owners
- Referral to retail outlets for equipment, such as leads/collars/headcollars/toys and other basic doggie necessities such as grooming equipment etc
- Basis distraction/desensitisation equipment i.e.: umbrella's bicycles, sacks, people in strange coats, i.e. things that pups should be exposed to during their every day life.
- Various noises to expose pups to, either on tape or other simulation: i.e. small firecrackers, tapes of gunshot/storms or other "different" noises.
- Some everyday type physical obstacles to manoeuvre around - i.e. steps, gates, drums, tyres, poles, ramps etc.
- Exposure to other animals - i.e. livestock, cats, fowls, horses, etc.
- 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, and their particular 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
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, of both puppies and dogs.
- No punishment, or heavy handed methods are acceptable
CRITERIA OF GROUP/CLASS
- History and record keeping is essential
- Requirements and purpose/aims of course
- Achievements and objectives and test
- Duration of course
- Weekly programme hand outs
- Maximum of 6 puppies per facilitator/instructor
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 ABC SUGGESTS "APPROVED SCHOOLS". SHOULD YOU EXPERIENCE ANY PROBLEMS, OR HAVE ANY COMPLAINTS REGARDING SUCH CLASSES, PLEASE CONTACT THE ABC.
