Deciding whether or not to enrol your new puppy in training classes is an important choice for any pet owner. While some basics can be taught at home, a structured training programme offers many benefits that are worth considering for your pup’s development and your relationship together. Below are some top reasons to think about puppy school.
Learn the Fundamentals
One of the best reasons to take your puppy to dog training East London is the foundation it gives both of you in core training areas. An experienced instructor guides you in positive reinforcement techniques to teach skills like:
- Basic commands – Sit, stay, come, down, leave it, etc. These provide structure and control to handle your pup in different situations.
- Leash manners – Not pulling, walking close to you, stopping when you stop. This makes walks more pleasant for everyone.
- Socialisation – Meeting new dogs/people in a safe way. This habituates your pup to handle novel things without fear.
You’ll be amazed at how even a young puppy can quickly pick up behaviours that make them more enjoyable to live with when taught properly.
Prevent Problem Behaviours
Puppies are curious explorers. Without direction, this curiosity can often lead to undesirable behaviours like nipping, jumping, barking, destroying objects, or house soiling.
In training classes, instructors work with you to redirect your pup’s energy into positive outlets instead of negative ones. Proper communication and rewards are used to set boundaries and encourage alternates like chew toys for teething rather than nibbling your hand.
Stopping concerns before they start makes for an easier road ahead with your pup.
Strengthen Your Bond
Consistently attending training sessions together forms a ritual that brings you closer to your puppy.
Fun activities with lots of praise and treats release feel-good hormones in both pet and owner. Your pup looks to you for leadership as the source of good things. This elevates your status in their eyes as you work together.
The more effort you invest, the deeper your connection. Puppy class lays an emotional foundation for a lifelong loving relationship between you and your dog.
Ensure Lifelong Manners
Puppies are impressionable, like flexible little sponges soaking up information about how to succeed in their world. Take advantage of this developmental stage to make training stick for the long run.
What’s practiced consistently now becomes a habit as your puppy grows. Say your dog learns not to jump on visitors or leave your garden. Those good behaviours will likely continue into adulthood with little upkeep.
Early training makes living with your mature dog much more pleasurable when those formative lessons hold true years later.
Socialise Your Pup
Playing with their own kind is essential for a puppy to grow into a confident, balanced dog. Yet many puppies today lack sufficient opportunities to interact positively with unknown dogs.
Puppy school provides a safe, structured environment for that social learning. All puppies attend a series of sessions with guidance on proper greetings, play style and interacting with a variety of furry classmates. This teaches communication skills to prevent problems down the road.
Classes also help habituate puppies to be calm around other dogs, even in exciting situations like walks or pet shops. These rewarding experiences help stabilise their emotions when meeting new dogs outside of class.
Put simply – puppy playdates set the foundation for good doggy manners!
The benefits definitely stack up for why you should consider signing up your newest family member for puppy training school. From basic instruction to lifelong social skills, group classes support whole pup development that pays off for years as your faithful companion matures. Check your local options today for creating that canine graduate!
Last Updated on January 30, 2024 by Lucy Clarke
