Puppy Training          

When to start training your puppy is a question I am often asked and the answer is immediately. Puppies are very quick to learn good behaviours as well as unwanted or bad behaviours so making a start from day one is essential.

How the puppy is raised and managed in it's first few months will have a huge impact on it for the rest of it's life so providing a soild obedience training, environmental and socialsation programme is essential 

If you are thinking of taking your puppy to a dedicated puppy class, considerationion MUST be given to how the classes are run. I have come across too many adult dogs that were not dealt with correctly at these types of puppy classes. Providing socialisation opportunies by simply letting all the puppies off lead togther is not good practise as any 'bully' or over dominant puppy will pick on any weaker individuals. This only serves to empower the bully puppy and weaken and frighten the already nervous puppy so beware of trainers who advocate a free for all apparoch to 'scoialistaion' as it will only create bigger problems for you in the future. Not allowing the puppy off lead to meet any dogs during these classes is equally damaging as it will inhibit and frustrate a puppy to the point where it will also create issues later in the puppy's life.

It is my experience that balanced and well adjusted adult dogs make great teachers for very young dogs on how to behave and interact with other dogs. They set the boundaries and limitations for puppies better than any human ever could which is why puppies from 4 months of age are welcome at my 'adult' classes which are held at me secure and private venue at South Green 1 mile from the A249 between Maidstone and Sittingbourne. They can be carefully managed and allowed off lead with the right dogs in the large training pen at my facility to learn how to approach and interact with other dogs, to develop bite inhibition whilst at the same time developing the recall.

However, if your dog is getting regular socialisation opportunities with other dogs during daily walks etc, then I can provide 1 to 1 training for you & your puppy if classes are not required or not appropiate for you. 

Advice On Buying A Puppy Or Acquiring An Older Dog

I can advise you on all aspects of acquiring a new puppy. This will include choosing the right breed for you, gender, settling in the new dog and establishing rules and training plans, socialising and how to avoid behavioural problems in the future. I would urge anyone considering acquiring a new dog to consider the reasons why they want to own a pet and the breed specifics of the various breeds of dogs they may be considering. Choosing the right breed is fundemantal and careful consideration should be given to this prior to getting a new dog.