On the first of September we held our first Puppy Socialisation Practice. We had five gorgeous, fluffy puppies (it’s such a tough job!) who had a wonderful time meeting each other and an adult dog, meeting lots of different humans, clambering over obstacles, testing different surfaces, biting and chewing cardboard boxes and their packaging contents, playing with metal tins and spoons, exploring odd obstacles and hearing bangs, fireworks, guns, cars, planes and traffic.
They (and their humans) all went home tired but happy. Most importantly, they built their confidence with all sorts of different things in a new environment, all of which will contribute to them becoming well socialised, calm family pets.
Socialisation is just the start, of course. Puppies also need training to do what we require of them – walking nicely on lead, coming back when called, being comfortable being handled to do all the husbandry and grooming they need, basic manners in the house and polite meetings and greetings.
But arguably the most important reason to train your dog is to build a strong relationship. Doing any sort of training with your dog helps strengthen that all important bond.
Why not set aside some time each day to do some training with your dog?
Perhaps you can review all the games you learnt in our Perfect Pet course? Or train your dog to help with tasks around the house? Or just practice things your dog knows but where they could be better, such as wait or stay, or go to bed?
We want to encourage people to do just a little daily dog training practice to build a new, highly beneficial habit for themselves and for their dogs.
Keep training and keep safe,
Carol