Puppy

At Dog Hollow we believe you can start training your puppy from day one. Puppies are like sponges and can absorb an astonishing amount of information in a short time. The key is patience and consistency. Dogs do not learn what is right and wrong like humans do - they are amoral. They only learn what is safe and dangerous in their environment. Below are a few training tips which we hope will guide you in the right direction.

Socialisation - The best socialisation period for your puppy is between 6 -16 weeks. This is the time when he is much less fearful and much more likely to approach and investigate novel things. At this time it is very important that your puppy is heavily socialised with other animals and people, remembering to include dogs and people of all shapes, sizes and gaits. Get your puppy used to everyday noise particularly if you live in London. I find taking a new puppy down a busy high street very helpful even if you have to carry him at the beginning because he is so small! After this socialisation period, your puppy will behave to increase distance, through the mechanisms of flight or fight, from anything that he has not been socialised with.

Giving Rewards - First thing to remember - it is not the quantity of the reward; it is the quality that matters. Vary the rewards to keep you and what you're teaching interesting. Puppies learn very fast by using the reward method (positive reinforcement) and repetition, so reward your puppy every time they do the right behaviour. Puppies do not generalise when training so it is important to practise in different places and with everyone in the family. Timing of the reward is very important - as soon as your puppy has performed the behaviour you want, give him the reward. This will make sure that he associates the behaviour with the reward; increasing the likelihood he will repeat this behaviour in the future.

Rules To Remember - ‘Ignore’ the behaviour you don’t want, and ‘reward’ the behaviour you do, or teach an alternative behaviour. Dogs do not understand human speech. They learn to associate a human word, your tone and body language with the behaviour they are doing, and if this is safe or bad for them. Ignoring your puppy is bad for him as one of his favourite rewards will be attention. When your puppy is older or has learnt behaviour, the rewards will then need to be phased out, but never completely stopped.

Pre-Puppy Consultation (approx 1 hour at your home)
Dog Hollow offers a consultation visit before you get your puppy to give advice and guidance on the best way to fit your puppy into your lifestyle. Our clients who have had this service found it very useful especially with toilet training, as it gave them a ‘head start’.

1-2-1 Puppy Consultations (1 hour consultation and follow ups as needed)
This covers everything from behaviour advice to basic training done at the owner’s convenience at home and in the park.

Dog Hollow Puppy Socialisation Class (6 week course every Saturday)
A very popular class! Puppies learn to play and socialise with both puppies and adult dogs, meet new people and learn the 5 basic commands. <-- As the owner, you will gain information and advice about looking after your puppy, help with understanding behaviour, keeping them healthy and planning their diet, for more details click here. -->