How to run puppy socialisation classes

RE: How to run puppy socialisation classes

Emmilotta Rahkola — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 17:42:46 GMT

Thanks for that, a certificate at the end sounds like fun. Do you find that the owners commit ok with 3 weeks as I was planning of doing 4 classes one in each week during socialisation period or do some just not show up? Also do you have different age puppies in the same class or do you try to keep near same ages? Do you give the owners any handouts outlining the information given during the class? Thanks in advance:)

RE: How to run puppy socialisation classes

PJ Zurawel — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 16:19:14 GMT

I run 'puppy preschool' at my practice, I run a one hour session once weekly for 3 weeks, covering the basic puppy behaviour stuff (toileting play biting training etc) as well as the standard stuff to keep the practice happy (insurance care plans etc). Between the boring talks we do some socialisation where the puppies are allowed to interact and play but only with other puppies at the same level as them, if we have shy dogs they are let off separately so they can explore and interact at their own pace. We provide plenty of enrichment for them as well. At the end we have a little puppy graduation with pictures (for facebook if permitted) and a certificate.

There is lots of CPD available for puppy 'parties' but with your training in behaviour you shouldn't have too many issues.

RE: How to run puppy socialisation classes

Emmilotta Rahkola — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 06:42:16 GMT

Thanks for your reply. Yes that sounds sensible as puppies running wild was not going to be my intention. Enrichment feeders sound like a great idea to keep them occupied.

RE: How to run puppy socialisation classes

Rachel Woodcock — Sat, 26 Nov 2022 20:31:25 GMT

I went to puppy social classes at a dog training school which involved lots of enrichment feeders and food to encourage the pups to coexist rather than jump all over each other.

I've seen some puppy classes where the puppies are all allowed to run about and play with each other and this can encourage chase instinct and fear in some pups which obviously isn't the desired outcome