The Puppy Associates

13/05/2026

Enrichment in puppy class, why do we encourage this?

To enhance overal wellbeing for our puppies and dogs.

Credit to ABZ Dogz NZ
https://www.facebook.com/share/1BcBtqBjKq/?mibextid=wwXIfr

What’s your dog’s “thing”?
Because it might not be the $70 enrichment toy sitting untouched in the corner.

Enrichment has become a massive buzz word lately.
Every second product promises mental stimulation, calmness and fulfilment.

But real enrichment?
It’s much simpler .

Some dogs would choose shredding cardboard over a puzzle toy every single time.
Some want to sniff every blade of grass.
Some thrive on running, jumping and movement.
Some love chewing and licking.
Some enjoy solving problems.
Some just want to quietly watch the world go by.

That’s the bit we can miss.

We start choosing enrichment based on trends, marketing or what other dogs enjoy instead of observing our own dogs and what brings them joy.

A dog walking away from a puzzle toy is not “failing enrichment”.
They may simply be telling you
“This isn’t my thing.”

So what is?💭

11/05/2026

Little Learners Love Learning

11/05/2026

We welcomed young Akira to puppy class, she takes things in her stride learning in her time, she absorbs each step 🐾

Another pup star this week was Molly, who spent an afternoon learning in her home environment.

Management is going to be the first protocol to put into place for these large breed puppies.

When you put management in place you are preventing the undesired behaviours before they start and then become rehearsed.

You don’t need hours a day to raise a well-behaved puppy , you just need the right (paw) steps, in the right order.

09/05/2026

Sarah is another great international trainer.
The learners experiences now will help to set to puppy up for success. Put in your foundations so you and your puppy can learn together

Biting, pulling, not listening… it’s not “just a phase” it’s what they’re learning right now 👀

My Online Puppy Programme shows you exactly how to build calm, confident behaviour from day one, with 14 easy-to-follow lessons, guides and progress tracking

Start today for just £27 : https://sarahwhitehead.thinkific.com/courses/Sarahs-online-puppy-training-programme

09/05/2026

Why not join… got a puppy get started, guided by one of the best dog trainers in the industry international

08/05/2026

A look at this weeks pups stars

08/05/2026

Be your puppies advocate, learn to read dog body language
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1bBW9wA1mX/

Become Your Community Dog Bite Prevention Expert!
For more information about dog bite prevention education resources, please visit:
https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/programs/doggone-safe/join-doggone-safe/
Many dog bites can be prevented if people learn how to read a dog's body language.

01/05/2026

Why Early Socialisation and Learning Matters!

- The Critical Window: Puppies are most receptive to new experiences between 3 and 14 weeks old; after 14 weeks, they become more cautious and fearful of the unfamiliar.
- Preventing Behavioural Issues: Proper socialisation can help lower the risk of anxiety, fearfulness, and aggression later in life.
- Confidence Building: It can help shape a resilient, well-adjusted adult dog capable of adapting to new situations.

PUPPY CLASS SPACES FILL UP FAST, contact us to reserve your spot, as soon as you know your puppy is on its way.

30/04/2026