Polite and protected puppies: how to run puppy classes that maintain a safe environment and help to establish good behaviour

Abstract

The main aim of the puppy class is to promote the welfare of the puppy. In addition to offering positive social experiences and owner education regarding care issues, classes can be used to help puppies develop self-control and an awareness of appropriate behaviour. To be safe and successful, the puppy class must be well-structured and carefully managed.

Multiple Choice Questions

1.	Regarding Puppy Parties, which is most true: (a) Allowing puppies to run amok allows them to burn off energy b. Structure in a class encourages smaller or shy puppies to be intimidated c. Shy puppies should be encouraged to run amok at class d. Poorly structured puppy parties can be damaging
2.	Puppies require extra consideration regarding immunisation status. What is the lower age limit for puppy parties? (a) 8 weeks b. 10 weeks c. 12 weeks d. After the vaccine course is complete
3.	Teaching what word can help puppies to regulate their level of excitement with time? (a) Sit b. Stay c. Stop d. Enough
4.	The best way to stop play biting is: (a) Say ‘ouch’ sharply and walk away if it persists b. Say ‘NO’ firmly c. Bite back d. Ignore bad behaviour
5.	At class you should NOT teach owners that: (a) Puppies will still have toilet accidents while training b. Puppies should never chew c. “House rules” will help establish consistency d. Regulated behaviour is more important than obedience
6.	On teaching puppies to walk on the lead, which is false? (a) Start slowly with a few steps at a time b. Build upon the puppy’s natural instinct to follow c. Reward the puppy for moving towards you keeping the lead slack d. Gently tug the puppy towards you if it veers away

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Angela Turrell

Angela Turrell BSc (Hons) RVN

Angela worked in mixed animal practice for seven years, where she and her colleagues held weekly puppy classes. She has a particular interest in animal training and behaviour and has a two-year-old Labrador called Gemma.