Puppy Training & Socialization Ideas
The Puppy Plan can be downloaded from here
What are positive training methods for dogs?
Positive reinforcement training uses a reward (treats, praise, toys, anything the dog finds rewarding) for desired behaviors. Because the reward makes them more likely to repeat the behavior, positive reinforcement is one of your most powerful tools for shaping or changing your dog's behavior.
Taking part in The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Training scheme
Rachel Oates © / The Kennel Club
There are over 1700 organisations throughout the UK that promote Good Citizen Dog Training scheme training and it’s awards. Classes are usually run on a weekly basis and are fun and enjoyable for you and your dog.
Find a training club near you. To find out when the next training course is being held, telephone or email the club and ask.
Who can attend?
Courses and testing sessions
Lessons take place for approximately one hour per week. Puppy Foundation and Bronze courses normally take between six to eight weeks to complete, but silver and gold courses will take longer.
Puppy Foundation courses are assessed by the class instructor and over a minimum four-week period. Bronze, Silver and Gold courses require a short test set at the end of the course or on an approved test day. An approved scheme examiner will assess whether you and your dog meet the required standard.
Each dog and handler who passes is issued with a Good Citizen Dog Training scheme certificate (applicable to the award level). Rosettes, pin badges, souvenir dog discs and a range of merchandise is also available. You do not need to attend a course in order take the Bronze, Silver or Gold award tests. Testing is also available at designated shows and events.
It is advisable to contact the training club first and inform them of any problems you are having. You may be asked to take your dog along first for an assessment so that he or she can join the right class. Find a training club.
Merchandise
The standards
There are four award levels: Puppy Foundation, Bronze, Silver and Gold.
Your dog must wear a collar and lead and have a legally compliant identification tag, as illustrated below. Harnesses and head collars are also permitted in addition to the collar and lead. There are other items such as a toy, some treats, grooming brush and drying towel that you may need but your instructor will advise you about this.
Puppy Foundation
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Why Socialize Your Puppy ?
The idea behind socialization is that you want to help your puppy become acclimated to all types of sights, sounds, and smells in a positive manner. Proper socialization can prevent a dog from being fearful of children, for example, or of riding in a car, and it will help him develop into a well-mannered, happy companion.
When you buy a puppy from a responsible breeder, the socialization process should start before you even bring your puppy home. Gentle handling by the breeder in the first several weeks of your puppy’s life is helpful in the development of a friendly, confident dog. As early as 3 weeks of age, puppies may begin to approach a person who is passively observing them, so having a knowledgeable breeder who encourages a positive experience with people – adults and children — will help shape the puppy’s adult behavior. As their puppies develop, good breeders allow them to experience safe inside and outside environments, car rides, crates, sounds, smells, and gentle handling.
​
How do we train our puppy's with positive reinforcement?
We use positive rewards in our puppy training. Positive reinforcement can include food treats, praise, petting, or a favorite toy or game. Since most dogs are highly food-motivated, food treats work especially well for training. A treat should be enticing and irresistible to your pet. Experimenting helps a bit to see which treats work best with different puppys and Breeds.
​
