Puppy Fun and Games Class at the Beast Boutique
Hunter's Heart Kennels has been breeding working Brittanys for over 20 years. We provide extensive extra-early socialization for our litters, using best practices from the latest Guide Dog Research. Rely on our experience so you don't need to reinvent the wheel! We'll select suitable playmates to help socialize your puppy, get your puppy off to the best start possible, and have fun at every session.
What You'll Learn
Over 6 weeks, we’ll explore various
games to see which your puppy likes
best, then use them to start training
puppy obedience. This class will help
you to socialize your puppy, and build
a more rewarding relationship with
your puppy. This class is suitable for
puppies aged 8 - 16 weeks.
If you’ve just adopted a dog or they’ve just been fixed/spayed/neutered, we
recommend waiting one week so the dog has had enough time to adjust before adding the stress of attending a class where everything is new.
Puppy games may include:
• Puppy play off-leash (depending on the sizes and play styles of the puppies. We’ll help ensure it’s safe and fun for everyone.)
• Puppy tracking – Follow the food in the footsteps left behind by a tracklayer
• Puppy scent games - Search where you tap
• Agility flat work – Follow the handler's directions around tables, pylons and safe non-agility obstacles.
• Improve rear-end awareness - Move the rear paws and front paws separately (which improves your obedience and safety every time your puppy jumps).
• Learn to be more rewarding, using: food rewards, food chase and play, toys (e.g. 5-Balls Game, tug, frisbee rollers), naked play, e.g., hide and seek
• Cookie zen (decreases nipping and helps build a crystal clear communication system so your dog knows when to wait, when it’s ok to take a reward and how to take rewards gently).
• Following on a loose leash, using motivational movement and nose touches.
• The engagement game helps build a solid foundation for coming when called, even in distracting environments.
• Table games – the motivational way to teach rock-solid stay. Learning to be calm is very important for all puppies, especially high-drive active pups. The goal is to help your pup relax on their table, bed, platform or matt. Once they understand this skill, you can ask them to go to their bed and stay there in distracting situations e.g. you brush them, cut their nails, cook dinner or welcome visitors. Don’t worry; we’ll help your puppy to start relaxing too!
• No previous experience is required. There are no prerequisites except that all puppies need to have at least their first set of vaccinations.
• This is a hybrid class where students will receive access to online resources and discussion. You’ll get all the basics in class, but you can learn more and do homework if you’d like to progress more quickly.
Required Equipment
Bring a bed, matt, or table for your dog to rest on and relax while the instructor explains between exercises. You don’t need to buy anything new: use what you have.
• You can bring your puppy to class on a head halter, harness, buckle collar, or martingale. We do NOT allow pinch, choke, or shock collars.
• A 4-6 foot leash.
• Lots of high-value food rewards and 3 - 5 high-value toys.
• Poop bags.
• Optional: water, bait bag, clicker.
