Day Training For Puppies

Puppy parents in Houston are fortunate to have several choices when it comes to training their new furry family member. Drop-off day training programs for puppies are becoming increasingly popular. To be clear, day training is not the same as board and train programs. Board and train programs are not recommended for puppies. In Puppy Day School programs, the owners drop off their puppies in the morning and pick them up in the afternoon. These programs can be very valuable because early puppy training is critical! The foundation built during puppyhood will help shape your adult dog’s personality and temperament and can help prevent behavioral issues before they ever begin. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior states that “The Primary and most important time for puppy socialization is the first few months of life.” Technically puppyhood ends, and adolescence begins, at approximately 5 months of age. Time is of the essence and the clock is ticking!

However, caveat emptor - buyer beware! Not all dog training is created equal, especially when it comes to puppies. The type of socialization and training your puppy receives can have an enormous impact on the rest of your dog’s life and can make all the difference. No matter where you take your puppy for training, you must do copious amounts of research and ask loads of questions!

The following items are important topics to discuss and essential questions to ask before dropping your puppy off at any day training school:

» How many vaccinations are required for puppies to begin training? To take advantage of the critical learning period in a puppy’s development, the AVSAB suggests socialization should begin before puppies are fully vaccinated. However, proof of at least the first two sets of vaccinations should be required before being exposed to other puppies. Additionally, training centers that offer puppy training should have strict protocols regarding daily cleaning, disinfecting, and overall safety. Always ask to take a tour so you can see (and smell) for yourself!

» What kind of training methods do you use and what certifications do your trainers have? This can be tricky because dog training is unregulated, and anyone can claim to be a professional. It’s important to ask how the puppies are reinforced, and if any form of punishment is ever used. Methods that focus on dominance, intimidation, or fear, are outdated, and can do more harm than good. Tools that cause pain are never necessary, no matter what. Make sure you understand and are completely comfortable with how your puppy will be trained.

» What will your puppy’s schedule look like during the day? Puppy day school should not simply be daycare for puppies; instead of a free for all, it should be very structured. Puppies have different needs than adult dogs and their days should be designed as such. Curriculums should include basic manners training, playtime with appropriate playmates, exposure to novel stimuli, confidence building, handling, potty training maintenance, and most of all frequent rest! Additionally, puppies should have at least one full day of rest in between school days.

» Is there a limit to how many puppies can attend per day? How many puppies per trainer? Every puppy should be treated as an individual and training plans should be customized for their specific needs. To ensure necessary individual attention, the

By Stephanie Bennett CPDT-KSA Owner, Believe in Dog Training

ratio of trainers to puppies should be kept very small.

» How will your puppy’s progress be communicated to you? After any day training program, you should receive a report card with details of the day’s activities and progress. What went well? Did anything not go so well? What was your puppy’s favorite activity? Who were their best friends?

» How will you be taught to train your puppy? Day school for puppies is a terrific way to take advantage of the early socialization period. However, it is of the utmost importance that owners learn to train their own puppy! Good training facilities will supply homework assignments and provide group classes to ensure the owner learns just as much as their puppy.

Trusting any facility to train and care for your new puppy is a big decision and should be made carefully. Educate yourself on different training methods and trainer certifications. Every trainer and training center should be an open book and should happily offer tours and answer all your questions. Request to observe training sessions or group classes, study social media posts, read reviews, and ask for references! Drop off day training programs can be enormously beneficial for you and your new puppy but be careful! It is essential that your young puppy have a fear-free, all-positive experience.