The most important aspects of puppy training are:
Socialisation
This is the process of exposing a puppy to a variety of people, animals, and environments in a positive and controlled way. This helps the puppy learn how to interact appropriately with other dogs and people, and reduces the risk of over-excitement, fear or aggression towards unfamiliar situations.
Positive reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is a training method that rewards good behaviour with treats, praise, or affection. This helps the puppy understand what behaviours are desirable and encourages them to repeat those behaviours.
Consistency
Consistency in training is extremely important to ensure that the puppy understands what is expected of them. If you are not consistent your puppy can become confused. All members of the household should use the same commands to avoid confusing the puppy.
Supervision
Supervision is important to prevent the puppy from engaging in unwanted behaviours, such as chewing on furniture or getting hold of potentially harmful objects. A crate or playpen can be used to limit the puppy's access to certain areas when you are not able to supervise. Using a house line is also another way of providing adequate supervision.
Patience
Puppies have short attention spans and will need lots of repeated training sessions to learn a new behaviour. It's important to be patient and not become frustrated or angry with the puppy. Most puppies are food motivated and this is the best way to train your puppy. At least a proportion of the puppies food should be given to them by hand during training. Good trainers do not miss this valuable opportunity to train and typically will give all of the puppies food by hand during training until the dog is at least 6 months old.
Basic obedience training
Teaching a puppy basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel helps establish a foundation for more advanced training and promotes good behaviour.
It's important to remember that all puppies require consistency, positive reinforcement, and patience when training. It is equally important to provide the correct level of supervision until a dog is approximately 2 - 3 years old.
Video call dog training
For clients too far away to receive 1-to-1 training, we provide one hour video training sessions, to help you get the very best out of your dog. These consultations are there to provide practical skills and training on how to train your dog’s obedience and behaviour, so that you can follow our instructions, and modify any behaviour patterns that may be problematic.
If you wish to receive our expert guidance, and are too far away for practical travel, this is both a cost-effective and dog-effective solution. We can help you train your dog in the comfort of your own home, and facilitate convenient and flexible training schedules. Get in touch with us to schedule a video call, and help your dog get on the right steps to being well behaved and loyal.
Testimonials
His impulse control in just one session has improved greatly......
Had my first session with Steve today. He ensures you understand why you are doing things a certain way. I did some more training this evening on my own with Teddy and he smashed his training session. His impulse control in just one session has improved greatly. His lead walking in a low distraction area was amazing. I am looking forward to my next session with Steve where we will bring in more distractions for Teddy to negotiate.
We recommend anyone wishing to build a good relationship with their dog or who may be struggling with certain behaviours to have a training session with Steve....
We took part in a pack-walk for the first time with our 10 month old dog. It was a very enjoyable experience and gave us an insight of the 'thinking' behind the benefits of such an activity. We went on to book a one to one training session with Steve. He arrived on time, was very informative and professional. Steve listened to us and demonstrated clearly what we needed to do with our dog to achieve the desired behaviour. Steve was realistic with us and emphasised that it was important for us to work with our dog at home and on walks using the tools he has given us. Steve has given us confidence to do this and we will be booking him for more sessions. We recommend anyone wishing to build a good relationship with their dog or who may be struggling with certain behaviours to have a training session with Steve.
What a difference a session with Steve made! ...
What a difference a session with Steve made! He gave me guidance and tips for managing my dogs’ behaviour and on-lead walking and hopefully we are well on the way to being able to walk both the dogs together without my arms being pulled off. Guess what? It worked.
I can't quite believe what a difference one session has made....
I can't quite believe what a difference one session has made. We have tried 3 different dog trainers and had slight advances but nothing quite like this. I am blown away at how good these trainers are. Amazing at getting to the cause of the problem and they really understand any issue. Thank you so much!
Spike is a good trainer......
Spike is a good trainer, he asks enough of the right questions to allow him to help you help your dog. He kept the session dynamic with me; reactivity training when another dog was there, other tips/training when there wasn’t. His manner is helpful and he pitches it all at the right level so you don’t feel stupid or belittled. He also trains where the problems are, at home, not in an enclosed field 50miles away, which you will struggle to get anywhere else. I went to Stockbridge with my dog and my worst nightmare occurred: 7-8 strange dogs and families with kids descending on a stream all at once; I was surprised that my dog only reacted to one dog and then after using Spike’s technique he couldn’t be bothered and was happy tail-wagging the whole time and came away from the unruly dogs when recalled. The main thing I would say is that Spike gives you the confidence to help your dog rather than ignoring the problem and fearing how others will react, this was a big plus for me.
I highly recommend Spike and his son Steve as dog trainers...
I highly recommend Spike and his son Steve as dog trainers. They have years of military experience with dogs behind them.
My dog was aggressive and I thought untrainable but after 3 sessions she is a different dog. Massive relief to get the support in discussions as well. It's a firm knowledgeable approach.
Now they have helped a friend with her rescued shepherd dog which is much loved but showing aggression towards strangers.
very impressed...
Had our first session with Steve and was very impressed & absolutely the kind of training I was looking for. Helping towards Helping my xl to be less reactive whilst out & about, pulling, I also learnt a few things. can't wait to have another session we had homework set & information sent & any questions just to get in contact where they would be happy to help. highly recommend
