The Puppy Group

Meon Valley DTC  holds three regular weekly classes for dogs and handlers with different abilities and aims. The first class is especially for puppies aged less than 5 months at the start of the term. This is held on Thursday Evenings from 7 to 8pm and each term lasts for eight weeks. Dogs older than 5 months start training in the Starter Class .

Much of the focus is on socialising the puppies to prepare them for everyday life, but training is also important and during the term the dogs will learn basic obedience and control, which is vital for everyday life. The course covers – The Sit, Down and Stand Positions, Coming back when called, Walking to Heel, Controlled Greeting, Grooming, Stays and much more.

The dogs will be introduced to, and socialised with, other dogs, people and noises in different situations. This is done gradually in a controlled  and structured way, so the dog learns to relax rather than panic or show fear or aggression and to develop good social skills.

Numbers are strictly limited so the class is managed to give everyone plenty of time and individual attention. Each week will feature a mixture of group and individual exercises and discussions.

The Course fee is £60 per dog, this includes an equipment pack including everything you need to train your puppy, work over £15. Check the Club News Page for the start date of the next term.

Course Content

The course is the Kennel Club's Good Citizen Scheme Puppy Assessment, which covers the following:-

Responsibility & Care
1. Cleanliness & Identification
2. Attentive Response To Name
3. Puppy Play
4. Socialisation
5. Handling & Inspection
6. Puppy Recall
7. Basic Puppy Positions
8. Walking in a Controlled Manner
9. Stay for approximately 10 seconds
10. Take Article Away from the Puppy
11. Food Manners (take a treat without snatching)

For more information visit the Kennel Club's Website  

First Night At Club

The first night is the induction night. The focus will be on getting the dogs (and handlers!) to relax in each other’s company and very little productive training can be done until the dogs are happy in their surroundings, which usually takes a couple of weeks.

Please remember to bring the following with you:-

·        Your puppy’s favourite toy (a quick game is the ideal way to get your dog to relax and enjoy their training).

·        Some tit-bits (very important for training, especially in the early days, as food is both a reward and lure for the dogs. Bits of cheese or hot dog sausages make good and cheap tit-bits).

·        Your dog’s vaccination certificate.

All training equipment required will be included in your welcome pack.

Recommended equipment:-