Re: puppy parties.. how do u run yours?

Geniverger — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 21:53:42 GMT

I work with a local trainer to do puppy classes. They run for 4 weeks and the ages range from 8 weeks to 4-5 months. We cover a lot of subject in each class, for example;

Sit
Down
Recall
Greeting other dogs
bite inhibition
Negative association/positive reinforcement
Fun and games

I also do a talk each week on a different aspect of dog healthcare, which are (in order) week 1: nose to tail and everything in between health check, week 2: doggy dentistry week 3: Recap of week 1 including obesity and neutering, week 4: Lungworm.

The classes are really popular and both owners and dogs have a great time. We promote the classes in branch with leaflets etc at puppy consults.

If no-one at your branch wants to get involved have you thought about taking on a volunteer, perhaps someone who is interested in dog training or getting some animal handling experience? You could talk to your practice manager (if the puppy parties are held at your branch) about getting someone in. A fresh face and new enthusiasm will get you excited for it again!