When you mention puppy classes many people instantly think back to marching around the village hall with puppies learning how to be ‘obedient’. However we are pleased to say that puppy training has evolved to be a much more wholesome activity, where puppies can relax and explore whilst owners learn how to understand their puppy's needs.
Yes a village hall is warm and secure, but is it really the most realistic environment for training? Outdoor classes are of course outside, usually in all weathers which can easily put some people off but there are SO many positives and hidden benefits you may not have thought of to training outside.
Having taken my puppies to both indoor and outdoor classes, I can speak from experience when I say I prefer outdoor classes. Here are a few of my reasons why:
There's no need to worry about if they need to go!
When inside you are constantly worrying about and looking out for signs they need a wee or poo, you may potentially miss part of the class by popping outside just to check. And if they do go inside – how embarrassing! Being outside reduces this extra stress for owners as it doesn’t matter where or when they go!
More space means more relaxed puppies
Village halls can often be quite small and cramped with little room to spread out. Being so close can be intimidating or very tempting for puppies making it harder to focus on the task in hand. In outside classes we have more space to spread out and express natural calming behaviours such as sniffing the grass.
Less noise!
If one puppy barks it often encourages a couple more to join in. If you’re inside the sound easily magnifies and echoes making it hard to concentrate on your trainer and puppies become distracted. Training outside doesn’t give you a headache
Real-life training
Training concerns often include areas such as lead walking and recall which are usually required OUTSIDE, not in a village hall, so attending outdoor classes ensures you are practising in a more real-life environments
Socialisation
It’s worthwhile remembering that socialisation is not just about saying hi to people/dogs, it also includes experiencing a variety of different things. When training outside, puppies get to see and experience the world and small distractions, like birds flying, blowing leaves, cars driving past and new smells.
Potter Paws is a dog training school in Buckinghamshire. Don’t take out word for it, why not come and experience our outdoor puppy class and see for yourself. We hope to see you soon.