There is so much hype around socialisation for puppies and dogs right now but it is so important that it's done in the right way - I can't stress this enough!!!! Throwing them in the deep-end can have disastrous results because socialisation is about so much more than simply meeting lots of dogs and people. All it takes is one negative experience to cancel out a hundred positive ones!
Your dog doesn't need to meet a hundred dogs and people to be happy, confident and social
Getting a new puppy, or adopting a new dog is an exciting time, but it can also be a little daunting! If you’re anything like me, you want to make sure you are doing the best you can for your new addition but knowing where to find the answers can be tricky, especially with the internet at our fingertips. So, I decided to make this journey a little easier for you.
Introducing ‘Mindful Beginnings’…
Mindful Beginnings is a 6-week course that will set you, and your new canine companion, up to have a rewarding relationship for the rest of their lives. But a rewarding relationship is so much more than training your dog to sit on command!
The 6-week course includes a private 1-hour training session each week where we will cover the basics in training (sit, stay, down, etc.) but, because it is a private session, we can tailor it to you and your dog. If your dog takes a little longer with certain skills, we can slow down and take our time until they grasp it. If they are picking up skills quickly, we have the opportunity to do additional training depending on what behaviours you would like to work on with your dog, or if you are having any behaviour concerns, we can also work on these. This is something you just won’t get in a normal group puppy training class.
Alongside basic training behaviours, I will also show you how to perform a basic husbandry check on your dog. As a vet, I see a lot of dogs who don’t like having their health check done, so we will spend time going through a basic husbandry check. This is a great skill to have as an owner as it will help you be comfortable with what is ‘normal’ for your dog and be able to notice changes that could indicate illness much sooner. It will also make visits to the vets less stressful for your dog as they will be used to having their ears, teeth, feet etc checked.
Games, games and more games! You heard me right, games make up a big part of our training sessions. While this might sound a little unconventional, these will help your puppy develop into a confident and optimistic dog, it will help with their recall, loose lead walking and so much more!
In addition to these private training sessions, you will also have access to your trainer for the full 6-weeks, not just during your 1-hour weekly session, to ask them any questions you may have. Is toilet training not working? Are they crying in their crate? Were they sitting on command and now they aren’t? Will they listen to your partner but not to you? Or are you struggling introducing your new addition to your existing furry members of the family? You won’t have to wait until the following week’s training session to ask because you can simply ask your trainer! Why have I included this? It’s quite simple. I know new pet owners have endless questions – this is completely normal, and I would rather you ask me than looking for your own answers on the internet. Don’t get me wrong, there are some good resources on the internet, but there are also some not so good ones – but how are you to know which is which?
My focus is on helping you to become the best owner you can be. I only use positive training methods which is really important for your relationship with your dog. I also dedicate time to help you understand the ‘why’ behind the different techniques and methods, the games, and any behaviours they might be displaying. I can’t teach you to ‘speak dog’ but I will do my very best to ensure you have a good understanding of the ‘hows’ and the ‘whys’.
Whether you are getting a new puppy or a dog of any age, whether you are a first-time dog owner or have had dogs your entire life, this course is a great way to get your new relationship off to an amazing start or help you rest your current one!
If you are ready to take the first step in your journey, simply click on the training tab at the top of the page.
I can't wait to help you start your journey to becoming a mindful pet owner!
Anita