Puppy Class
The HDTC Puppy Course is a four-week program designed for young puppies up to around 20 weeks old. Classes are held at 1:00pm, before the adult sessions, to minimise distractions and help puppies focus.
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These classes focus on helping your puppy gain confidence through socialisation and introduce the basics of obedience. Once the course is completed, most puppies progress to the Beginner One class. If your puppy is still shy around people or other dogs, they may benefit from repeating one or two puppy sessions.
Next Puppy Class Start Date : See Events & Updates
Please make sure you attend an Introductory Class before starting Puppy Classes.
Weekly Breakdown
Week One
In the first week, puppies are gently introduced to being handled by their owners, with special care given to shy or nervous dogs. Each new member receives an information pack with helpful training materials to use at home. The focus is on socialisation, exposure to new environments, and learning the first command: "sit."
Week Two
Week two provides extended handling for the dog with different people and situations, plus the introduction of more distractions to desensitise the puppy. The correct way to pick up the puppy is taught and practiced, as is the correct way to approach a dog. New exercises this week inlude the recall where the dog comes when called, as well as an exercise where the dog leaves things it is not allowed. The puppies are introduced to a couple of small jumps and a puppy tunnel to allow them to build confidence.
Week Three
More difficult distractions are included in week three, including (when available) a calm adult dog for the puppies to become used to dogs of different ages. Handling is more intensive as the dogs have become much more used to being touched. The correct way of caring for a dog is demonstrated, especially how to keep nails short. More difficult from week two, puppies are taught not to become too possessive over food in the bowl. The puppy is taught how to lie down and walk in a controlled fashion this week, as well as further practice of earlier exercises and the early phasing out of lures for the sit. Confidence building objects are again implemented for the puppy to play with.
Week Four
In the final week, puppies undergo more thorough handling, including ear checks and gentle nail trimming. They are also taught to stay calm when separated from their owners. Exercises become more advanced: commands are practised without food lures, and puppies learn to give up objects on cue. At the end of the course, instructors will advise whether your puppy is ready to move on to the adult classes.