Nij Sheepdog Blog
Bertie Blog
Puppy Training
Professional Dog Training in Leicestershire and Market Harborough
Tel: 01162 920315 or Mobile: 07530 439 561 or
Email: nij@bertiedogs.com
My Puppy is an angel and doesn't need puppy training classes or socialisation classes!
Many people who own puppies make the mistake of thinking that because their puppies are well behaved that they will continue to do so. They also wrongly conclude that their it will not need any form of puppy training. Of course there is nothing wrong with being proud that your puppy poses few problems and is responsive to you. However let us examine life from your puppies point of view:
The period when a puppy first arrives into your home is among the most stressful and anxious in their life. It is also a well known fact that puppies undergo a critical period in the development between the ages of 4-12 weeks.
Puppies are naturally wary of their new owners and surroundings and experience tremendous changes in the form of:
Given these circumstances what we perceive to be well behaved puppies are in fact puppies suffering from stress, trauma, and uncertainty, therefore it is natural for many puppies to present themselves as cautious and well behaved. Bringing a new puppy into your new home is sometimes like having a new baby and you will have many questions to ask.
Training the puppy in the home surroundings will give you a good start with our home visit or one-one service which covers all aspects of owning puppies and problems you are likely to face such as mouthing, housebreaking, food guarding, separation anxiety, car problems and so on. We will also give you a pack of information. Clients who book a home visit prior to obtaining a puppy are also emailed a fact sheet titled "what to do when you get your puppy home" which our clients report has been invaluable in helping with problems early on.
In contrast some puppies that undergo the above mentioned traumas may well behave out of character and exhibit aggression towards both adults and children as well as other household pets. As with the above case this too is only a temporary state but only if the problems are managed appropriately. Once puppies are allowed to get away with behaving in a particular manner any changes you propose or try to instill will be met with more resistance.
Facts about Puppies and their owners
Training the puppy in the home surroundings will give you a good start with our home visit or one-one service which covers all aspects of owning puppies and problems you are likely to face such as mouthing, housebreaking, food guarding, separation anxiety, car problems and so on. We will also give you a pack of information. Clients who book a home visit prior to obtaining a puppy are also emailed a fact sheet titled "what to do when you get your puppy home" which our clients report has been invaluable in helping with problems early on.
In contrast some puppies that undergo the above mentioned traumas may well behave out of character and exhibit aggression towards both adults and children as well as other household pets. As with the above case this too is only a temporary state but only if the problems are managed appropriately. Once puppies are allowed to get away with behaving in a particular manner any changes you propose or try to instill will be met with more resistance.
Facts about Puppies and their owners
| • | Change of home and owner |
| • | Examination and vaccination by a Vet |
| • | Lead and collar Training |
| • | Socialisation with the outside world |
| • | Different and inconsistent Language |
| • | Puppies undergo a criticle development period between 4-12 weeks of age |
| • | It is common for puppy owners to wait until they experience problems before considering puppy training classes. |
| • | Puppies are known to have adult brain waves by the age of seven weeks |
| • | Puppies, like children are hungry for new experiences. |
| • | Puppies undergo many different development phases and can be both easy and difficult to train |
| • | Puppies don't speak English fluently so don't expect them to understand |
Puppy Socialisation and Free Lead - Collar Training - For details click here
Puppy Socialisation sessions are provided free of charge to all clients who enrol for our beginner class. Why? We feel that cost should not be a barrier to giving your dog the perfect start in life. If you socialise correctly this will go an awful long way to you puppy becoming a stable adult with strength of character and the ability to overcome adversity and problems. Many books advocate socialising puppies with as many different experiences but few if any tell you how you should undertake this very important task. We at Bertie Dog Training will not only guide you in the right direction but provide written handout to ensure you and your family are consistent.
Below are two reasons why you should seek help when you have a new puppy:
First - Warning about Puppy Parties
In theory the idea of having puppy parties sounds great however for nearly fifteen years we have received phone calls from dog owners who complain that their dogs have poor recalls and run off to greet other dogs. Puppy parties do help to socialise your puppies but they are also responsible for a catalogue of problems such as: poor recalls, nervousness, anxiety and in some cases aggression
Greater care and control are called for when starting your puppy off on the road to adulthood. Training a puppy should be fun and as informal as possible.
Second - Managing Dog Phobias
Puppies are naturally afraid when presented with new experiences such as traffic, vaccuum cleaners people, dogs, going on car journeys and so on. Although it is natural for you to want to reassure your puppy you may inadvertently be creating a long term problem, yet in many instances success with these types of problems is easy to achieve given advice from us. Please understand however that tough love is extremely difficult for people to administer whether it be to children, puppies or adult dogs.
Advice on puppy selection and buying the right puppy
Is it possible to avoid problems when selecting a puppy? The answer is of course "YES"
Before you visit a "breeder" in order to choose a puppy there are many steps you need to have taken.
Choose the right breed for your household by reading books as well as visiting breeders. The Kennel Club Crufts dog show has a "Discover Dogs" area where you can talk to breeders about possible problems with specific breeds.
Honest breeders will be happy to show you their litters and not be desperate to sell a puppy to you.
Good breeders will offer backup support as well as an information pack, including insurance.
Good breeders will not expect you to go home with a puppy on your first visit.
They will ask searching questions about your home, circumstances, experience and want to be satisfied about your suitability.
They will welcome subsequent visits to view the litter so you can choose the right pup.
Do's and Don't about buying a puppy
Be careful buying puppies out of the local news papers. For pedigree puppies it is best to contact the Kennel Club for a list of breeders or contact the breed club secretary. There are many specialist dog websites but there are also some dubious ones.
Don't buy a puppy because you feel sorry for it.
Do expect to see the mother although some mothers can be over protective and aggressive when they have pups and breeders should be honest and upfront about this rather than making excuses.
Don't expect to see the sire as often breeders will use a stud dog from another breeder/kennel. If you do your home work you will know whether the sire belongs to the breeder or not. Ask questions prior to visiting so you don't waste time making unnecessary visits.
Do trust in your judgment and don't just follow your heart.
View lots of litters and don't just visit one breeder. It is good to compare breeders.
Ask for receipts and paperwork such as pedigrees, eye test and hip test certificates when you pick up your puppy. Sometimes there can be a delay with registration papers but ensure you have everything in writing, no matter how awkward you feel.
Most reputable breeders will stipulate a period within which you may return the puppy if you are not satisfied.
Reputable dog breeders will stick to a set price and not deviate from this. If you find the price is dropped to encourage a sale then be suspicious and ask yourself why?
Ask to see the pedigree in advance and get advice from breed club secretaries.
Puppy Socialisation sessions are provided free of charge to all clients who enrol for our beginner class. Why? We feel that cost should not be a barrier to giving your dog the perfect start in life. If you socialise correctly this will go an awful long way to you puppy becoming a stable adult with strength of character and the ability to overcome adversity and problems. Many books advocate socialising puppies with as many different experiences but few if any tell you how you should undertake this very important task. We at Bertie Dog Training will not only guide you in the right direction but provide written handout to ensure you and your family are consistent.
Below are two reasons why you should seek help when you have a new puppy:
First - Warning about Puppy Parties
In theory the idea of having puppy parties sounds great however for nearly fifteen years we have received phone calls from dog owners who complain that their dogs have poor recalls and run off to greet other dogs. Puppy parties do help to socialise your puppies but they are also responsible for a catalogue of problems such as: poor recalls, nervousness, anxiety and in some cases aggression
Greater care and control are called for when starting your puppy off on the road to adulthood. Training a puppy should be fun and as informal as possible.
Second - Managing Dog Phobias
Puppies are naturally afraid when presented with new experiences such as traffic, vaccuum cleaners people, dogs, going on car journeys and so on. Although it is natural for you to want to reassure your puppy you may inadvertently be creating a long term problem, yet in many instances success with these types of problems is easy to achieve given advice from us. Please understand however that tough love is extremely difficult for people to administer whether it be to children, puppies or adult dogs.
Advice on puppy selection and buying the right puppy
Is it possible to avoid problems when selecting a puppy? The answer is of course "YES"
Before you visit a "breeder" in order to choose a puppy there are many steps you need to have taken.
Choose the right breed for your household by reading books as well as visiting breeders. The Kennel Club Crufts dog show has a "Discover Dogs" area where you can talk to breeders about possible problems with specific breeds.
Honest breeders will be happy to show you their litters and not be desperate to sell a puppy to you.
Good breeders will offer backup support as well as an information pack, including insurance.
Good breeders will not expect you to go home with a puppy on your first visit.
They will ask searching questions about your home, circumstances, experience and want to be satisfied about your suitability.
They will welcome subsequent visits to view the litter so you can choose the right pup.
Do's and Don't about buying a puppy
Be careful buying puppies out of the local news papers. For pedigree puppies it is best to contact the Kennel Club for a list of breeders or contact the breed club secretary. There are many specialist dog websites but there are also some dubious ones.
Don't buy a puppy because you feel sorry for it.
Do expect to see the mother although some mothers can be over protective and aggressive when they have pups and breeders should be honest and upfront about this rather than making excuses.
Don't expect to see the sire as often breeders will use a stud dog from another breeder/kennel. If you do your home work you will know whether the sire belongs to the breeder or not. Ask questions prior to visiting so you don't waste time making unnecessary visits.
Do trust in your judgment and don't just follow your heart.
View lots of litters and don't just visit one breeder. It is good to compare breeders.
Ask for receipts and paperwork such as pedigrees, eye test and hip test certificates when you pick up your puppy. Sometimes there can be a delay with registration papers but ensure you have everything in writing, no matter how awkward you feel.
Most reputable breeders will stipulate a period within which you may return the puppy if you are not satisfied.
Reputable dog breeders will stick to a set price and not deviate from this. If you find the price is dropped to encourage a sale then be suspicious and ask yourself why?
Ask to see the pedigree in advance and get advice from breed club secretaries.
