Puppy Sitting

Puppies from 8 to 26 weeks

Puppies benefit from two or more 30 minute visits a day (up to 12 weeks puppies can be visited three times a day) while you are at work, out of the house for more than a few hours for any reason, or simply need to get on with something else while I occupy puppy. This makes sure they aren't over-tired by my visits, nor are they left alone for long periods. Prior to vaccination we play educational games in the house or garden; I feed and water them, clear up any mess, work on your house training and make sure they are happy. Once vaccinated we take short walks (starting with 5 minutes and working up to the full 30), play more games and generally have enough fun so pup is happy to sleep once I have gone. They will also get some basic socialisation where possible.

I can support any training you are doing, as well as teaching some basic manners and the basis for a solid, lifelong recall.

Puppy can also be taught some basic skills, for an extra charge. Puppy Sitting will be extended to 40 minutes, 20 minutes of which will be Puppy Training.

Advice on raising puppies comes from many sources - your pup's breeder should have given you plenty of information and be available to advise through pup's life. We can back up their service with advice on feeding, exercise, early learning, training and training classes, and chewing. If you have any other issues please ask.

Around 26 weeks, most puppies graduate to my dog walking service, one hour-long session per day, which is usually a gentle amble in one of the local country parks with up to three adult dogs. Walks include games, recall training, safe introductions to people and other dogs, and manners when out in public. Large or giant breeds may need a 45 minute session until they are 12 months. Most puppies benefit from being walked with other dogs, however, solo walks may be an option if you would prefer puppy to continue to be walked alone. If you would like to keep to two short walks this can be arranged.

Charges

£20 two half hour visits per day
£80 per five day working week
£5 Puppy Training per 20 minute session

For puppies alone 6 hours or less:
£12 one half hour visit per day
£50 per five day working week

Puppy Training

Puppies from 8-26 weeks

Puppies are taught to work with their families as a team, doing as you ask through choice, rather than compelling them through traditional dog obedience training. Families are taught the same – your dog is a team mate and family member, and working together can mean a really contented companion and a happy home. Training can start as soon as you bring your puppy home – training at home means we don't have to wait for vaccination to be complete.

Basic training includes the three essentials:

• No/Leave (stop doing what you’re doing and do something else)
• Wait (stop doing what you’re doing and stay where you are)
• Come (stop doing what you’re doing and come back to me)

For more information please see my main Puppy Training page.

Skills for Life Puppy Handling

Puppies from 6 to 16 weeks

Would you like a well-adjusted, pleasant dog you can take anywhere without worrying how he will react or what he'll do; a dog that is a real pleasure to spend time with? Allow me to take the strain and teach your puppy all the things that will make this possible. I will ask you a few non-invasive questions about your lifestyle, and draw up a socialisation programme to teach your puppy the basic social skills they need to fit into your lifestyle and be a healthy, happy dog.

Dogs who miss out on this early beginning may never like strangers, children, men, horses, may chase traffic, sheep, bicycles and joggers, may bite and snap at other dogs, put up a fight at the vet's surgery, need anaesthetic simply to have their claws clipped or ears cleaned, dislike grooming so much they have to be completely shaved at the grooming parlour, or be terrified of the outside world in general. They may never be able to run and explore off-lead for fear they will run off, get into trouble or bite someone or something. When they are on the lead they may pull forwards or backwards, bite the lead, jump up so getting tangled up on a regular basis, or try to tug the lead from your hands. Walking a dog like this can be a real chore, something to be put off, rather than looking forward to spending time with your dog.

Puppy should start the socialisation plan as soon as possible - the ideal time is six weeks of age, pre-vaccination. They will only be introduced to safe dogs I can ensure are fully vaccinated and healthy, and will not be taken to any areas of 'heavy dog traffic' until the vaccination course is complete and they are fully protected. Some vets will start the vaccination process at six weeks if they use a certain brand, others will give an interim parvovirus injection. The socialisation process needs to start before vaccination is complete – Guide Dogs for the Blind Association send their puppies out to puppy walkers to be socialised at six weeks of age with only benefit to the puppies. Nobody can doubt the steadiness of a Guide Dog.

If your puppy's breeder prefers to keep puppy until eight weeks I can visit the breeder and collect puppy from there (for one hour sessions only), returning him safely. I can also work with the breeder to make sure puppy is learning about home life (washing machines, vacuum cleaners, visitors, etc).

Puppies will also be taught some basic skills and to obey basic commands, which include, but are not limited to, the three essentials:

• No (stop doing whatever it is you are doing and do something else)
• Wait (stop doing whatever it is you are doing and stay where you are)
• Come (stop doing whatever it is you are doing and come back to me)

The Skills for Life Puppy Handling programme is designed to give you a good level of control over your dog. While this might sound restrictive, in reality it allows you both plenty of freedom, as you can rely on puppy responding to your voice, without needing a lead to make him do what you ask. It will also give puppy the best possible start in life which will put you both well on your way to a wonderful companionship that will last many, happy years.

Sessions are available in one hour slots, all day bookings, or in some circumstances, longer periods. Multiple sessions may be needed, at least once a week.

These skills will need to be passed to you as puppy's owner, so I am available to discuss what I have been doing with your puppy, in person or on the phone. For all day sessions, there will be a 'report card' handed over with puppy, and for longer bookings, a session where I will transfer handling skills to you.

More information on puppy socialisation and why it is so important is available on the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors website.

We offer a bespoke service for puppy training and puppy handling that you won't find anywhere else, so please contact us to discuss your needs.