Mole diaries: so the training begins

Since Mole joined our little clan, we've been having regular 121 training sessions with Sophie Langston, to learn basic skills. Last night we attended our first puppy training class, also with Sophie. In these blogs I will keep you up-to-date with Mole's progress and share what I've learned as a new (and slightly anxious!) puppy owner.

Mole in action!

Like a lot of new dog owners, my biggest challenge is being brave enough to let Mole off the lead when out on walks. This, and my worries over toilet training (yup, the perfectionist had to be well and truly quashed for that one) were two of the main reasons I asked for Sophie's help. I also enjoy learning something new, and training a dog is unexplored territory for me. So, over the past month, Mole and I have been meeting up with Sophie. It has been great fun and Mole seems to enjoy the exercises we do - as he gets lots of praise and treats, who can blame him?

Our class friends practising their skills

The training class was a brilliant opportunity to practise what we've learned at home in the company
of other puppies, and with all the distractions that provides. Last night, Sophie introduced the basics of clicker training and we used it to reward our puppies when they reacted to their name being called. Other exercises included meeting another dog on the lead so that it doesn't become such a big deal and luring with treats as the foundation to walking on the lead.

And guess who found his voice at the class? Mr Mole! Not the same shy and retiring puppy who went to socialisation classes a few weeks ago!

Kathryn White is owner and director of Cathean Ltd Medical and Copy Writing Services. She is a published medical, copy and equestrian writer with a passion for creating compelling text in collaboration with her clients. Her customers include pharmaceutical, healthcare and equestrian businesses across the world.