Schedule of Classes

This table outlines the classes held at Happier Hounds Dog Training. This schedule is subject to change and dependant of demand.

Day	Classes	Time
Monday	Monday	-
Tuesday	Puppy Parties Make It Manners Classes	6.45-7.45pm 7.45-8.45pm
Wednesday	Puppy Power Classes More Fun Matters Classes	6.45-7.45pm 7.45-8.45pm
Thursday	-	-
Friday	Introductory Agility (summer) Clicker Training	6.45-7.45pm 7.45-8.45pm
Saturday	Puppy Parties Introductory Agility (winter) (weekend workshops)	9.45-10.45am 11am-12noon
Sunday	(weekend workshops)

Puppy Parties

Puppy Parties, as their name suggests are basically young canine get togethers! The main aim of such classes is socialisation, this being so critical for the development of calm and confident dogs. Early and continual socialisation with the appropriate feedback and training from owners helps to create a dog far more reliable with children, other dogs and the people that they encounter in their lives. The Puppy Parties are based on the SERIUS puppy training classes developed by Dr. Ian Dunbar where puppies play off lead and owners use play as a natural reward for attentiveness and responding to basic commands. In play and by owner training, puppies will learn and develop boundaries including gentle use of the mouth as well as becoming more mannerly and handle-able.

What to expect from Puppy Parties…

Play is a large part of the Puppy Parties, but remember play for your puppies is learning time! It’s a time for learning all of those skills needed for later life; seeing what other dogs (and humans) look like, smell like, understanding communication and learning boundaries. In addition they will learn that responding and being attentive to their owners is a good thing, whilst owners will learn how to encourage these behaviours and teach their puppies to also respond to basic commands such as sit and come. Advice will also be given about toilet training and bite inhabition.

What to do before attending Puppy Parties…

Firstly, ensure your Puppy is fully vaccinated, this will mean that they have had two visits to your veterinarian, the first visit should have been with the breeder. Make sure your puppy will take a variety of treats from your hand. Do this before it’s meal times in particular. The treats used can include all commercial dog treats, pieces of their own complete meal (dry food) as well as very small pieces of cheese, ham, chicken etc. Also get your puppy used to being handled all over, by you and by other people also. Don’t wait for classes to start to get your puppy socialised, socialisation should have started from just a couple of weeks of age with the breeder and continue in your home from when you received them. New Owners are strongly advised to read the book After getting your puppy

How to book in my Puppy for Puppy Parties?…

Just contact Alison if your Puppy is between 12 and 18 weeks and you want to attend Puppy Parties. Puppy Parties run for 6 weeks and cost a total of €75 for the six weeks. Owners need to commit to attending all sessions which are usually either on a Tuesday evening OR Saturday morning. Puppy Parties are held at Happier Hounds Dog Training, located approximately 3 miles from Abbeyleix, Co. Laois on the Carlow Road.

What else can I do with my Puppy?…

If your puppy is older than 18 weeks or you have attended and completed Puppy Parties you can continue your young dogs training and socialisation by attending Puppy Power Classes, a discount is available for owners that progress through the classes.

If you have not yet purchased a puppy but are thinking of doing so please have a look at the links below:

Before you get your puppy
What to look for in a Breeder