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 Power

Puppy Power Class, is the second level of Puppy Classes at Happier Hounds Dog Training. Puppy Power Classes are not named such because the Puppy has the power, but instead the owner! This does not mean you will be encouraged to control your dogs in an aggressive manner or used so called domination techniques, this is not necessary, as the true power in dog-owner relationships and training is getting the dog to want to behave in a certain way for the natural and life rewards you can offer it from yourself. This is easily achieved through positive reinforcement and reward giving and plenty of communication as feedback, as well as time, patience and consistency on the part of the owner.

What to expect from Puppy Power Classes…

In these classes puppy socialisation remains an integral part but in addition owners will be instructed on how to teach their puppy commonly used commands such as sit, down and stand. During the classes these commands will also be advanced with the aim to making them reliable in a variety of distracting situations. Loose lead walking is also addressed as well teaching a ‘leave it’ and wait commands, thus creating a puppy developing good habits as it approaches and enters the difficult stage of adolescence. These classes, as do all at Happier Hounds Dog Training remain small in size helping owners to build confidence in their training and learning and feeling free to ask questions as they arise.

What to do before attending Puppy Power Classes…

All puppies should be fully vaccinated to attend any classes. In addition, investigate what things your young dog is motivated towards- the things it really likes. If these things are food or toys spend time giving the food to it from your own hand, and if toys, make the puppy associate you with the toys by spending time playing with it. As with very young puppies get them used to being handled as well as giving them the opportunity to see and meet (as appropriate) as many people, dogs and other animals as possible. Socialisation should have started with the breeder so there is a lot of catching up to do should your puppy not have attended socialisation classes or Puppy Parties previously. New Owners are strongly advised to read the book After getting your Puppy

How to book in my Puppy for Puppy Power Classes?…

Just contact Alison if your Puppy is between 18 weeks to 8 months old and you want to attend Puppy Power Classes. Puppy Power Classes 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 Wednesday evening. Puppy Power Classes are held at Happier Hounds Dog Training, located approximately 3 miles from Abbeyleix, Co. Laois on the Carlow Road.

My dog is over 8 months of age…

If your dog is older than 8 months you can still start your training in the Make It Manners Class , if you have attended classes else where you may want to consider the More Fun Matters classes or Clicker Training. 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