We all need to get to know our puppies; their likes and dislikes, their natural outlets, their motivators, the list goes on…because every puppy is different.
But, waiting to learn what problems we are going to see with our puppies (and there will be at least one) is majorly flawed.
And I’ll tell you why…
In this blog post, we’ll explain the DANGERS of delaying your puppy’s training. The cost literally and emotionally for you and your puppy. And how to avoid them.
The DANGERS of delaying your puppy’s training
At the very least, your puppy has learned a behaviour you don’t like, such as jumping up, not coming back when called or pulling on the lead. So, you get in touch, we put a plan in place to prevent your puppy from practising the behaviour and teach a new behaviour; one that you do like.
Sounds simple, doesn’t it?
This will take on average 5 one-to-one coaching sessions, costing £355 and a hell of a lot of dedication and hard work from you and all the family.
Not to mention the stress and embarrassment that has already been caused, “Fido, Fido, Fido…”
Work often needs to be done around trust as well.
Now you might think, instead, I’ll head over to Google. Type in my problem and get a choice of articles and videos that’ll provide a solution.
But there’s a problem with learning in this way.
You’re not addressing the bigger picture. You’re only getting a small piece of the jigsaw puzzle. And these pieces are strewn all over the internet in a mish mash of info.
Info that isn’t always the right advice. The internet can quickly send you down a rabbit hole if you’re not careful.
To address the bigger picture, work often needs to be done around trust as well. As humans our response can be a cross, “no, get down” for example. This creates a sense of ‘not safe’ for your puppy and causes frustration as the puppy has no clue what that means.
So, we need to re-frame that too.
And figure out the WHY.
This stuff can’t be solved by searching online people!!!
We think, this isn’t going to happen to me.
Now, here’s the really scary stuff, so hold onto your pants!
- We’ve all seen a lady braced on the street at night holding onto her dog as they lunge, bark and snarl at other dogs or people walking by.
- We’ve all had someone running over to us apologising for their dog’s “friendliness”.
- We’ve all read real-life stories where a dog has been surrendered because they’ve bitten a child.
And we think, this isn’t going to happen to me.
But, here’s what you don’t know…
Whilst I’ve been walking my own dogs, this week, I have seen at least one person, EVERY SINGLE TIME, with a dog who needs help from a behaviourist.
But, these people are completely oblivious to the stress their dog is under, until something alarming happens.
This week, I have received 3 calls where I have referred the client directly to a behaviourist.
The most common theme includes clients that have had dogs before. They thought that teaching their new puppy wasn’t going to be a problem.
Unfortunately, the lingering memory and self-confidence is completely mis-matched with reality. So they try all the tricks up their sleeve to no avail and finally get to a point where they admit they need professional support.
Examples include;
- the dog has bitten them
- snarled at a their child
- is reactive to other people and dogs
The fact is we live in a very different world to only a few years ago, we live very different life-styles and they’ve not had THIS puppy before.
The cost for one consultation with a behaviourist is around £200 and I can say with great certainty that a single session is not going to provide the solution to the problem.
These clients kick themselves and carry a lot of guilt on their shoulders.
They’re desperate for help there and then, but these things take time; initial assessment, veterinary input, medication and on-going support. This is life changing stuff, for the better, but the damage has been done and the dog has spent most of its short life absolutely miserable.
And the ultimate cost for a family is re-homing their much loved puppy or worse.
Colleagues qualified to deal with behaviour issues tell me that most of the behaviour they see in dogs could have been prevented with a solid puppy training programme.
This is what can happen when we wait to learn what problems we are going to see with our puppy.
- When we delay their training.
- When we are reactive and not proactive.
- When we turn to Doctor Google to solve our problems.
- When we presume our past experience is more than enough.
But, don’t go holding your head in your hands just yet!
It’s not all doom and gloom!
The most important take home for you as a new or soon to be puppy guardian is your life does not need to be this way.
Your puppy’s life does not need to be this way.
Colleagues qualified to deal with behaviour issues tell me that most of the behaviour they see in dogs could have been prevented with a solid puppy training programme.
- With the right advice.
- With a step by step plan.
- With professional support.
So instead of forging ahead alone in the wrong direction, I’d love to show you an easier way.
One that will lessen the chance of behaviour issues in your puppy cropping up in the future.
I don’t want this for you and your puppy, which is why I’ve created The Puppy Wise Academy.
This monthly training membership offers you unrivalled puppy training at home, on your schedule. You’ll get instant access to all the support you need to raise an awesome pup!
THIS ISN’T A DIY COURSE!
I want to set you and your puppy up for success. So you’ll never be alone in your training.
I know you’ll have questions, need support and may even need some accountability to keep you going when life gets busy!
Your membership gives you exclusive access to our private community group where I host weekly Q&A sessions, monthly online classes and am there to offer continuous support whenever you need it.
Post questions, share your training videos and get fast feedback to keep your training on track and nip problems in the bud.
PLUS, get discounted 1-2-1 training sessions with me whenever you need them.
You’ll never have to run the gauntlet of Google advice ever again when it comes to your puppy!
So, if you’re ready to unlock an enjoyable, stress-free life, full of adventure and promise, click on the image below to sign up today!
This blog post, has explained the DANGERS of delaying your puppy’s training. The cost literally and emotionally for you and your puppy. And how to avoid them.
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Happy training!
Lindsay xx
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