Puppy Training: Taking your puppy to relaxed puppy training classes that use kind, effective, and gentle methods, is the single most important thing you can do to help your puppy become a happy, well-behaved and well-adjusted family pet. It is also great fun for all the family, is very rewarding, and will mean that all members of the family are more confident and safe around dogs. The first few months of a dog’s life – up to 16 weeks – are the most important in terms of developing their personality. It is a short time when they must learn how to interact with other dogs and animals (including people), as well as how to cope with the demands of the world around them. If they are not carefully introduced to as many sights, sounds and environments as possible at this early stage, they are very likely to later develop into potentially dangerous and unpredictable animals with untreatable behaviour problems. At the very least, they will need lots of additional work in order to become a good family pet. In light of this, I run weekly Puppy School training classes in Crouch End, North London, having been trained by renowned dog behaviourist Gwen Bailey following the method she uses for her Puppy School classes nationwide: The classes are organised into a course of six fun classes for adults and accompanied children They are limited to six puppies to give you and your puppy the personalised attention you need, and to ensure that your puppy does not find the experience overwhelming You will be given all the information you need to ensure that you can give your puppy the best start in life Amongst many things you will be taught how to: get your puppy to walk well on a loose lead help them learn how to act around humans help them handle strangers help them interact with adult dogs teach them basic commands like “come here”, “sit”, “stay” deal with common puppy “problems” such as toilet training, jumping up, play-biting (mouthing) teach them doggy tricks! What to bring to classes: Your puppy! - preferably hungry for their dinner A vaccination certificate - no puppy will be allowed to join the first class without this A soft, flat collar (with buckle or strong clip rather than one that tightens on tension) and lead (no chains, harnesses or flexi-leads). Harnesses on tiny dogs are ok though and certain harnesses may be recommended as training progresses Some treats your puppy really loves (e.g. cheese, frankfurter, dog choc drops, kibbles of smelly cat food, cooked dried liver) - bring different sorts so that they don't get bored of one type during the evening A piece of bedding for your puppy to rest on A water bowl for your puppy Your puppy's favourite toys to reward good behaviour with, and to help them feel at home Comfortable clothes and flat shoes - suitable for moving around on the floor in. High heeled shoes can injure puppies The rest of your family (if aged 5 and upwards)! Your puppy is one of the family, so everyone should know how to and enjoy interacting with them