Dangerous dogs – are puppy parties to blame?
Jane Hanshaw and Jeanette Watson at the BVNA Congress 2015.
Speaking at the BVNA Congress in Telford this morning, professional dog trainer Jane Hanshaw (pictured right) and veterinary nurse, Jeanette Watson – both canine behaviour experts – painted an interesting perspective on traditional puppy parties and their possible negative consequences in practice.
Introducing the talk, Jane pointed out that, in general, nurses and novice trainers are running puppy parties, rather than the more experienced and knowledgeable people who should be doing it. The way forward is for practices to use a veterinary nurse and a trainer working together at the same time.
There are about 16 weeks at the beginning of their lives during which puppies are receptive to socialisation. It is vital that veterinary nurses and and trainers work together, with mutual respect, each fulfilling their complementary roles.
Don't just focus on socialisation but also consider habituation ... and above all do no harm to the puppy. Problems are arising because of a lack of client education regarding the normal developmental behaviour of puppies, their life stages and body language.
The essentials of successful puppy parties are to provide a safe environment, taking into account all the different puppy personalities, and the education of owners on the continuing processes of socialisation and habituation, health issues and legislation regarding dogs.
Educate owners on how to start training, how puppies learn, their development stages and body language. It is important to question the drivers behind unwanted behaviour and correct them rather than punishing the behaviour. Constant rewarding of desired behaviour is the aim.
Puppy parties should create a positive association with the veterinary practice; but the veterinary nurse has to want to do it and have confidence in themselves and the trainer with whom they work. Call the sessions 'puppy club' rather than puppy parties and do not adopt the traditional 'free-for-all' approach. The optimum size for puppy club groups is 8 to 10 and puppies should be introduced to each other two at a time in a controlled manner.
There should be a practice protocol regarding vaccination status and strict rules that do not allow puppies over 14 weeks of age to join the group too late.
Hygiene is essential and the practice area used must be scrupulously clean. Teach gentle handling and health checks, together with parasite controls, dental care and appropriate toys. Good puppy clubs build up the practice reputation and client loyalty.
Remember that it is stressful for puppies and owners going to the vets, so learning to cope with this stress is important and gentle handling early on helps a great deal.
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