Easy Peasy Handling - Want to support your puppy to grow into a confident canine? IMDT puppy trainers are trained to use midern methods based in science,
WHAT do we teach in handling?
Help your puppy to be comfortable with being handled
WHY?
It is very important to build trust and confidence for your puppy when they are being handled. It’s important for lots of situations they might be in
• Putting on collars, harnesses, leads etc
• Vet trips, groomers, day care, dog walkers …
• General husbandry – nail clipping, brushing, health checks, greetings …
NB: We recommend you use your ‘Magic Blanket’ as a foundation
• Choose a time of day to do this that your puppy is usually relaxed
• Have your treats ready and a mat that your puppy can chill on
• It is best to follow the same protocol each time so physical examination becomes predictable
• Choose a body part that your puppy normally likes to be touched, initially avoid areas that are more invasive such as mouth, sensitive paws, tails
• To build predictability for your puppy, say the name of the body part you will touch EG ’neck’, touch the puppy’s neck, THEN go into your treat pouch and give them the treat.
NB: to build positive associations, we want the touch to predict the food. Touch followed by food.
Not touch & food delivered at the same time.
Keep sessions short and pop the mat away afterwards
Your puppy is learning – the name of the body part is followed by that area being touched which is FOLLOWED by a treat
• When your puppy is comfortable being touched in one area move onto another area – again avoid sensitive areas
• Allowed your puppy to move away at any time so your puppylearns if it’s too much they can stop the session until they are ready to start again – giving your puppy choice builds confidence and trust in your relationship.
• Remember to pop the mat away once the session has finished
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