Why Out & About?
What are Out & About sessions?
Out & About sessions give your puppy the opportunity to learn in the real world rather than only in a traditional training environment.
Each session is shaped around the puppies attending and the environment we're working in.
We might explore a new location, practise settling around distractions, work on independence, experience different sights and sounds or simply give your puppy time to observe and take in what's happening around them.
The aim isn't to tick off a list of experiences.
It's about giving your puppy opportunities to learn how to navigate everyday life at a pace they can cope with.
What are we actually working on?
When I work with a puppy, I'm looking beyond basic obedience and considering the whole puppy.
This can include:
Exploration
How your puppy approaches new people, places and experiences.
Social behaviour
How they interact with people and other dogs, and their ability to make appropriate choices around others.
Emotional regulation
How they respond to excitement, frustration, uncertainty and surprise.
Recovery
How they cope when something is challenging or unexpected, and how they return to a comfortable state afterwards.
Independence
Their ability to explore, settle, spend appropriate time alone and reconnect with you.
Settling
How easily they can move between activity, excitement and rest.
Body and handling
Their responses to touch, grooming, restraint and veterinary-style handling.
Play and learning
What motivates them and how they engage, experiment, persist and seek support.
Every puppy is different, so we don't expect every puppy to develop in exactly the same way or at exactly the same pace.
Why does this matter?
The goal isn't to create a puppy who simply performs a list of behaviours.
It's to help them develop the skills they need to experience, understand and navigate the world around them.
Dogs can learn throughout their lives, but early development provides important opportunities to establish foundations that can support them as they grow.
By paying attention to your individual puppy and supporting the areas they need help with, we can work towards a dog who is better equipped to cope with everyday life.
What if my puppy isn't fully vaccinated?
Your puppy doesn't necessarily have to wait until they are fully vaccinated before experiencing the wider world.
Depending on your puppy and the environment, they can be carried or travel in a suitable dog pram, allowing them to experience sights, sounds and smells without their paws needing to touch the ground.
This can provide valuable opportunities to experience the world while follwing the guidance given by your veterinary practice.
We'll always consider your puppy's individual needs and what they are comfortable with.