Puppy Socialisation Classes

Unfortunately so many of these puppy parties and puppy socialisation classes are run by vet nurses or others that really do not know the dangers of uncontrolled free play.
 
Uncontrolled free play can do far more harm than good.   Puppies of different ages and sizes are allowed off lead and the unconfident ones can become nervous wrecks and the confident ones can become bullies.
 
I run puppy socialisation classes but the emphasis at mine is owner education.   The puppies do get short play times and these are divided up to match size and personality.    I emphasise that no puppy should be forced to socialise and that any socialisation programme should be tailored to the individual puppy and that all puppies must be allowed to take things at their own pace.  Some puppies just sit on their owner’s laps and watch until they feel confident enough to go down.   This is when the pup asked to get down, not when the owner thinks they should.
 
It is far better not to go to a puppy class at all than to take your puppy to one that is not run by a knowledgeable trainer/behaviourist who is well aware that socialisation is NOT the best thing since sliced bread!
 
 

By Wendy Hanson
TTL Forum Moderator
Trainer & Behaviourist
http://www.southeastdog.freeserve.co.uk