Puppy Parent
- Class
Instructions
Although one goal of classes is
to teach the puppy basic
commands, the MOST important
reason for puppy class is
socialization – the
ability to meet and get along
with other dogs and people. Dogs
that don't go to puppy class
often grow up to be fearful or
aggressive when
seeing new
dogs, and people. Puppy
daycare in addition to puppy
class further benefits
puppies by encouraging positive
social experiences. Puppy play
parties at least weekly
before six months of age, and at
least monthly for the
first 1 - 3 years of life can have a
lasting positive impact on the
adult dog personality.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS:
Before the first class, be sure
the puppy meets the following
requirements:
-
A veterinary physical exam
to rule out any contagious
skin condition
-
At least one set of
vaccinations, to be repeated
every 3-4 weeks
-
At least one de-worming, to
be repeated on a monthly
basis
-
No fleas, and on a monthly
flea prevention program
PREPARATION FOR CLASS:
1) Bring a Ziploc bag of REALLY
tasty treats. Generally, this
means small pieces of meat,
cheese or anything else the
puppy really likes. The puppy
should not get this particular
treat at home, only during these
special training classes.
2) Fast the puppy – no food – on
the day of the class. Water is
fine. You can feed
a small meal
afterwards. We want the pup hungry enough to
totally focus on a food treat,
even if very distracted.
3) Wear casual clothing so that you
can get down on the floor with
the puppy, and have no problem
with dog hair from hugging
puppies.
4) Bring a nylon head collar or
flat neck collar and a 4-6 ft
leash. Do not bring the dog in
a slip or prong collar. Head
halters are encouraged for
larger, more active puppies.
5) Arrive early enough to take the
dog for a brisk walk before
class. Try to get the pup to
eliminate before class (Bring
poop baggies in your pocket.),
and release a little nervous
energy.
Please
give one treat
when getting in the car, and one
as you arrive in
the parking lot.
6) Attempt to bring the entire
family to class. Any child
under 5 will need an adult
dedicated to watching that
child. (i.e. someone other than
the primary puppy handler.)
Children, ages 5 and 12, are
very HELPFUL in class, since one
of the goals is to teach puppies
to be comfortable around kids.
The kid's role will be to give
at least one treat to each dog
in class, as long as the dog
accepts the treat gently.
7) Do
not bring the pup to class if
acting sick, coughing, or if
diarrhea is present. However,
we DO recommend that you come
without the pup to see what is
learned, so you can work with
the pet at home. If YOU cannot
come, try to find someone else
to bring the pup. Makeup for
missed classes if
allowed until
the dog's adult canine teeth
come in.
.jpg)
