Why Puppy Classes Matter And Why Mine Are Different

Getting a puppy is exciting, but it can quickly feel overwhelming. I blame the Disneyfication of puppies.  We expect them to be bow wrapped cute cuddle bears who love us picking them up and hugging them, love everyone else and skip along the pavement in time with us.  But the reality Puppies do not arrive knowing how to be calm, walk nicely, or greet politely. They chew, they bark, they jump, they hump, and sometimes they nip those little teeth straight into your ankles. That is why puppy classes are so important. They are not just about teaching sit and stay - let’s face it, that’s what most owners do at home - they are about giving your puppy the skills to live happily in our busy world.

Many people imagine a puppy class as a room full of dogs all learning tricks in perfect unison or playing happily with each other. In reality it can be noisy, chaotic, and sometimes confusing for both owners and puppies. Big classes with lots of dogs mean your puppy does not always get the attention they need. Often there is too much focus on obedience positions and not enough on life skills.

 At The City Dog Club my puppy classes look very different. Classes are outdoors and limited to a maximum of five puppies so everyone gets the attention and space they need. I use games to teach focus, calmness, recall, and impulse control. Your puppy will learn how to cope with everyday life in the city, from ignoring joggers on the common to settling under the table at a café. We also practise recall every class because giving your dog off lead freedom is so important for their mental well being. 

Every week I also share a thought for the week on what it means to be a dog in the city. These are designed to help you see the world from your puppy’s point of view, to help them navigate their way with all the distractions and to remind you that life in London can be overwhelming for them too.

During classes everyone gets access to videos of all the training we cover, showing me doing that same training with my dogs.  This means you can rewatch, practise at home, and catch up if you have to miss a session. No more worrying that you are falling behind if life gets in the way.

Because I live and work with dogs in London every day, I understand what owners here are up against. Busy streets, crowded commons, buses, trains, and small flats all put pressure on our dogs. I want your puppy to grow into a calm, confident city dog who can cope with the hustle and bustle around them.

Owners often tell me that the biggest benefit of my classes is not just the training, it is the confidence they gain. You leave knowing how to handle biting, barking, chewing, and those chaotic moments at home. You get ongoing support once the classes are over through The Club, the community section on the website where you can chat to like minded people. 

Raising a puppy is never perfect or easy, but with the right support it can be fun and rewarding. If you are about to start your puppy journey, I would love to welcome you to one of my classes in Wandsworth. You can also join The City Dog Club online for training videos and tips if you cannot make it in person.

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