puppy socialization: introduce your puppy to handlingMany dogs feel anxious about handling and restraint, especially if they find new experiences scary or if they have had bad past experiences. They may associate being held still with something unpleasant about to happen. However, by introducing handling and restraint positively from the start, you can teach puppies that being held is a sign of good things to come!In this video, Debbie Martin, co-author of Karen Pryor Academy’s (KPA) Puppy Start Right for Instructor’s course (PSRI), demonstrates how to condition a puppy to touch by performing a mock veterinary exam. This is one of the many essential concepts and exercises covered in the PSRI course, which prepares trainers to offer puppy socialization classes or one-on-one sessions.
Debbie begins by touching each part of the puppy’s body, following each touch with a treat. For example, she briefly holds the puppy’s tail, then removes her hand and offers a treat. Next, she gently holds the puppy’s ear before offering another treat. By pairing each touch with a reward, such as treats, the puppy starts to associate handling with positive experiences.
Once the puppy is comfortable with brief touches, Debbie increases the duration gradually, helping the puppy prepare for longer vet exams. This method ensures that the vet has enough time to inspect each area during a real examination without causing distress. If you notice signs of stress —such as freezing, pulling away, or tucking their tail —pause and lower your criteria to ensure the puppy remains comfortable.
Interested in growing your business by offering puppy classes and consultations? Karen Pryor Academy’s (KPA) Puppy Start Right for Instructors (PSRI) course provides trainers with a complete class curriculum packed with training exercises, essential tips on class organization, consultation formats, and management techniques.
If you are a pet guardian with a puppy or thinking of getting a puppy, you can find a Puppy Start Right class near you here or pick up your copy of Puppy Start Right: Foundation Training for the Companion Dog here.
Happy (Puppy) Training!
GET PUPPIES AND GUARDIANS OFF TO THE RIGHT STARTWhether you plan to start socialization classes after the pandemic or want to help puppy caregivers now, who really need your help more than ever, our Puppy Start Right for Instructors course will provide the skills and knowledge to assist caregivers now and in the future!Our Puppy Start Right for Instructors course and companion course Online Preschool will provide the skills and knowledge you need to succeed as a puppy socialization class instructor—in-person and online!
Bundle them and save 10% with coupon code: PSRIBUNDLE10.Hurry, sale ends tonight at 11:59 pm (ET)LEARN MORESave 20% during Train Your Dog Month!Offer ends this Friday, January 31, at 11:59 pm (ET).Our Puppy Start Right for Instructors course and companion course Online Preschool will provide the skills and knowledge you need to succeed as a puppy socialization class instructor—in-person and online! Use coupon code TYD2025 and save!Hurry, sale ends tonight at 11:59 pm (ET)LEARN MORESAVE 20% DURING OUR BACK-TO-SCHOOL SALE!The sale ends on Tuesday, September 30, at 11:59 pm (ET).Our Puppy Start Right for Instructors course and new companion course Online Preschool will provide the skills and knowledge you need to succeed as a puppy socialization class instructor—in-person and online! Use coupon code BTS2025 and save 20%!LEARN MORE
The post Puppy Socialization: Introduce Your Puppy to Handling appeared first on Karen Pryor Academy.
