Age Guide: 5-9 months (this is flexible)
This is a 9 week puppy training program.
What is included in the program:
- Private 121 Training session (to be completed prior to the class start date)
- Support and guidance with any issues
Puppy Training Programme
This structured training programme is designed for committed pet dog owners who want to give their puppy the very best start in life. You’ll learn how to train your puppy using kind, effective methods, and you’ll gain a solid understanding of how dogs learn, setting the foundation for a happy, well-mannered adult dog.
What to Expect
You’ll be actively involved in training your puppy throughout the course and should be prepared to practise daily at home. Consistency is key, and ongoing practice will help your puppy develop confidence, trust, and real-life skills that last.
This course runs over 9 weeks, progressing from foundational behaviours/exercises to more advanced training, based on the needs of the puppies attending.
Topics We Typically Cover:
- Eye contact & focus
- Loose lead walking
- Nose-to-hand targeting
- Reliable recall
- Sit, down, stand & stays
- Settle and calm behaviour
- Handling for vet/groomer visits
- Drop, leave & swap
- Food manners
- Meeting & greeting people & dogs
- Emergency stops
- Muzzle training
- “Middle” (confidence-building body positioning)
- Preventing unwanted behaviours
- Troubleshooting common problems
Small Class Sizes for Calm Learning
Classes are limited to 4 puppies per group, with the occasional 5th added if suitable. Small class sizes help ensure a calm, focused environment where both you and your puppy can learn without stress or distraction.
We don’t allow large, noisy groups – this isn’t a free-for-all or puppy playgroup. Every activity is guided, structured, and designed to be positive and safe.
No Drop-Ins – Pre-Booking Essential
There is no pay-as-you-go or drop-in option. All attendees must pre-book and commit to the course. This is to protect your puppy’s health and wellbeing. Unexpected visitors can increase the risk of contagious illnesses, which we take every measure to avoid.
Only puppies with a clean bill of health from their vet are accepted into class.
The Critical Socialisation Window
Between the ages of 3 and 16 weeks, puppies go through a sensitive developmental stage known as the socialisation period. During this time, they are especially open to learning about the world around them and are more likely to accept new experiences, people, animals, sounds, and environments as normal and safe. Positive exposure during this window helps lay the foundation for a confident, well-adjusted adult dog. While socialisation should continue beyond 16 weeks, puppies naturally become more cautious as they grow, so early, gentle introductions to everyday life are especially impactful during these first few months. However, the window doesn’t slam shut at 16 weeks – it tapers off gradually. Many behaviourists and trainers consider the broader critical period for social development to extend up to around 20–24 weeks. After that point, a puppy’s openness to novelty typically decreases, and fear responses to new stimuli become more pronounced.
That’s why early training is so important. The sooner you start, the more positive and lasting the results.
Don’t panic if you’ve missed the above training & socialisation window!
While early experiences are crucial, neuroplasticity means older puppies and dogs continue learning, though it may take more patience and repetition.
Much of our early training focuses on:
- Building trust and confidence
- Supporting positive emotional responses
- Introducing puppies to new sights, sounds, handling, and social experiences in a controlled, gentle way
What Comes Next?
This puppy course prepares you and your dog for the next stage of development: our Adolescent Dog Classes, where we build on your training foundation with real-world challenges and advanced skills.