What an early course usually covers
- Name response and eye contact, practised in a quiet room first.
- Sit and down, taught with a treat lure that is faded out quickly.
- A cheerful come-when-called game played indoors, then in the garden.
- Toilet training routines, chewing and mouthing.
- Getting used to the lead, harness, brushing, car journeys and being left for short spells.
- Whether early outings include harbourside crowds and calm exposure to buses and bikes.
Towns in this guide. Around Bristol and the surrounding South West.
Compare other programmes. Find your fit.
How these pages work
Plain advice. Clear limits.
From K9PN. See the Disclaimer for details.
Good questions
Before you begin.
When can my puppy start training?
Learning at home can start the day your puppy arrives. Ask your vet when it is safe to meet other dogs and visit public places after vaccinations.
What if my puppy mouths my hands?
Offer a toy, pause the game when teeth touch skin and reward gentle contact. Puppies tire quickly, so short sessions work better than long ones.
How long is a puppy lesson?
Half an hour to 45 minutes is typical, because young puppies tire quickly and learn best in short bursts.
Are puppies safe near the harbour?
Keep early visits short and calm, and ask your vet when your puppy can meet other dogs. Stay away from the water edge.
