Introducing a new pup to the hustle and bustle of busy Dublin is no small commitment. To prepare you for the early weeks, we have created the ultimate guide on why puppy obedience classes in Dublin are the most important first step any new owner should take.
What is the main purpose of early obedience? 
The emphasis is not simply on teaching “sit” or “stay.” The actual goal is to create engagement. We want to teach the puppy that regardless of city noise, other dogs, or people in the park, their owner is going to feel like the most rewarding experience in their world. We want our dogs to listen because they want to, not out of fear of consequences.
What is socialisation like in a workplace? 
Something that is often confused with socialisation of puppies, is allowing them to go and "play". In a professional class, the aim is in fact “neutrality.” Puppy owners teach shy puppy energetic puppy to be calm and chill when other dogs are around. This is essential if you’re going to live in Dublin, where your dog will eventually need to be able to sit quietly at a dog-friendly café or stroll through St. Stephen’s Green without lunging forward to greet every passer-by.
Too soon to start training at 12 weeks?
In fact, this is the “golden window” of development. Before the age of 16 weeks, puppies are most sensitive to new information. You don’t have to wait until they are older only to end up tending to “bad” habits instead of just cultivating good ones from the very beginning. Provided your vet has cleared them since their first vaccinations, it’s the ideal time to begin.
What kind of a puppy trainer should I get?
Always prioritise force-free, science-based methods. Steer clear of any trainer who talks about physical corrections or “dominance” theories. A dog training Dublin service with a good reputation like Dognitive bases its training on positive reinforcement, rewarding any behaviour worth reinforcement using food, play and praise. It creates a trust bond for a lifetime.
What do you help at home to the “Puppy Zoomies”?
This kind of behaviour, when your pup starts running around like a madman in the evening, worries many owners. This is typically a sign of stimulation or exhaustion just like a toddler throwing a tantrum. In class, we teach you how to identify such signs and use “calmness protocols” to help your puppy settle.
On walks, my puppy ignores me why?
You are the most beautiful thing in your garden. There are pigeons, bus sounds and new smells on a Dublin street. We use “competing motivator” techniques to make us more interesting than the environment so that when we go into the big wide world, your puppy keeps their eyes on you!
What do I gain from a group class versus working with you one on one?
Although private sessions are phenomenal for tailor-made behaviour issues in your own four walls, puppy obedience classes Dublin will have a level of distraction you cannot recreate at home. Navigating a command while another puppy sits three feet away is an essential skill and it gets your dog ready for real-world experiences.