Happy gotcha day!

OMG look at that face.

Your new puppy is adorable.

But it’s not all cuteness and cuddles…

Puppies’ brains develop incredibly quickly, and by around four months much of their temperament is already forming.

This period is known as the socialisation window – a critical stage when your puppy learns how to cope with the world around them.

Get it right and you build the foundations for a calm, confident dog.

Get it wrong and you can unintentionally create problems that last a lifetime.

Common Puppy Problems

Many owners contact me for help with things like:

• Jumping up
• Pulling on the lead
• Play biting
• Poor recall
• Over-excitement
• Separation anxiety
• Fear or reactivity
• Resource guarding

The good news is that most of these issues are preventable with the right guidance early on.

1-to-1 Puppy Training Support

At Penarth Dog Training, I offer 1-to-1 puppy training in Penarth to help you raise a confident dog who chooses you over distractions.

By understanding:

• how puppies learn
• how they respond to new experiences
• how habits form quickly in the early months

you can build a calm, cooperative relationship from the start.

If it all feels a little daunting, my puppy support packages guide you through this crucial stage step by step.

Puppy Packages

Single visit – £75

Advice on socialisation and training including demonstration of basic techniques.

Standard – £195

3 x one hour home visits.

Suggested structure:

Visit One

Just before puppy arrives

• Understanding what you want from your dog
• Making sure you’re all set with everything you need when it comes home
• Advice on avoiding common problems
• Toilet training, sleep, crate training, routine.

Visit Two

Shortly after arrival

• Help with issues such as play biting
• Basic training principles including demo
• How to encourage focus on you
• Socialisation advice.

Visit Three

Follow up a few weeks later

• Resolving any problems
• Focus with distractions going on
• Polishing basic commands like sit and down
• Recall training
• Loose lead walking
• Games to strengthen your bond
• Anything else you need.

Premium Package

5 x one hour visits – £295

Everything included in standard plus:

Visit Four (within 5 weeks)

• Next steps with training/fixing any issues
• Recall with distractions
• Trip to the park to work on socialisation, engagement and recall
• More work on lead walking
• Anything else you want to discuss

Visit Five (within 8 weeks)

• It’s your choice – leave it/take it
• More games to play together
• More advanced recall and loose-lead walking
• Drop and retrieve
• Hand touches
• Anything else you need.

“We’ve learned so much about our puppy, and have grown in confidence too. I have no hesitation in recommending Richard, it’s a no-brainer!”

Sarah C

Puppy Training in Penarth and Surrounding Areas

Penarth Dog Training is based in Penarth and provides 1-to-1 puppy training for owners across the local area.

Many of my clients come from nearby communities including Dinas Powys, Sully, Llandough, Wenvoe, Barry and Cardiff, as well as Penarth itself.

Sessions take place in your home and out on local walks, helping your puppy learn the skills they need in the places that matter most — from settling in the house to walking calmly through the neighbourhood.

If you’re looking for puppy training in Penarth or nearby, feel free to get in touch to discuss how I can help you and your puppy get off to the best possible start.