THE sixth week is the last of this set of puppy classes and like each other week, the puppies are left in the cars for a few mintues while the owners come into the hall for a brief talk on what the plan is for the session. Then the puppies come in one-by-one. If they are coping well, then all barriers are taken away and the puppies settle in each corner of the hall with their kongs on their blankets.
The instructor demonstrates with one of the puppies the next step for loose-lead walking.
This stage is similar to week five, as the instructor anticipates the puppy about to put any pressure on the end of the lead, the sound is made and the direction changed. As the puppy catches up, he is praised and given a treat. The handlers are instructed to practice this in different environments so the puppy learns to generalise. Also if the puppy ignores the sound after it is made, he does not get the treat even if he repents and tries to catch up for his treat a few seconds later.
The sound is never to be worn out. If the puppy ignores the handler altogether do not continue to make the sound but wait until the puppy catches up and just carry on without giving his treat. He only gets the treats for behaviour wanted or asked for.
Each handler and puppy practice this one at a time, while the other puppies settle on their blankets with kongs or massage.
Then the intructor demonstrates with a different puppy the next stage of recall. The instructor has a handler with his or her puppy on a long lead wander around the hall slowly, changing direction frequently. As the handler changes direction, he gives the cue Rover, come and as the puppy catches up to his owner's side he gets a treat. This can also be done randomly with a puppy that is quickly learning.
Each handler and puppy partnership takes a turn at practising this exercise, one at a time, while the other puppies are settled with kongs or massage on their blankets.
After this, the owners are given a certificate of achievement, a large biscuit bone is given to take take home for the puppies and information on the next set of classes and courses is available to everyone.
The puppies and owners go out to their cars with an instructor, one-by-one, and are again given help to get puppies into the cars and then all head home.
