Pet Manners Classes

Without patience and guidance, our dogs will revert to doing what they do best –normal doggy behaviours, like digging, barking, chewing, chasing or escaping. In order to have the well socialised, confident and calm dogs we all want, we need to invest our time and resources into teaching them how to behave appropriately. Dogs can be taught basic pet manners as soon as you get them – the earlier the better. Training for puppies and adolescent dogs should also continue to focus on socialisation with new and unfamiliar people, places and things. The more new people and animals your dog meets (not necessarily plays with), the calmer they will be around new dogs and people in the future. Attending training classes will provide you with lifelong skills that will help you develop a long, happy and mutually enriching relationship with your dog. Training classes also ensure you spend 1 hour per week 100% focussed on your dog, which is so important in our busy lives, and also provides you with access to a trainer each week that you can discuss any problems or concerns with if they arise. Training shouldn’t be about obtaining perfect scores in an obedience ring, but instead, focus on what you need and expect from your dog in your home. If the majority of dogs could come when called (and get more off leash freedom), walk nicely on leash (and get more walks), leave things when you ask them (and not get into trouble), and not jump on guests (and be more involved no matter who is around), the most common problem behaviours might be prevented before they exist. Basic manners training classes should be reward-based, and incorporate these important foundation behaviours early on. Classes should be fun and informative, with limited class sizes.