Puppies can learn from the age of eight weeks but have a short attention span. The best age to socialise a puppy is between 3 and 12 weeks. Anything learned at this age is learned permanently.

Early learning and socialisation can help prevent behavioural problems in later life, provided that the learning is positive, reward based and controlled.

Owners can rest assured that at my puppy training and socialisation classes, interaction between puppies is controlled. Boisterous free play is not encouraged but puppies are taught how to approach other dogs in an acceptable canine manner.

The origins of puppy socialisation classes began in the States. Those very early classes were simply"puppy free-for-alls" and as owners and trainers stood by, puppies careered around the room in the name of "socialisation", with shy and sensitve pups being bullied and set upon by more confident puppies. This type of uncontrolled interaction could often continue for up to an hour or so, and produced puppies that grew into unmanageable dogs.

Whilst some puppies are naturally boisterous, others are naturally sensitive. Care should be taken to ensure that puppy interaction is controlled to ensure that puppies learn canine manners and don't learn to become boisterous unmanageable adolescents and adults.

Puppies who indulge in boisterous unlimited play with other puppies at a "puppy-free-for-all-class" can become uncontrollable to the point of being aggressive towards other dogs, as they grow up. In my puppy socialisation and training classes, puppy interaction is fair, controlled, and suitable for both shy and bold puppies.

.On lead socialisation it vitally important, as it can prevent "lead aggressive dogs" in later life. Owners should also remember that puppies (and older dogs) can be socialised correctly in the outside world, which is of course where behaviour is so important. It is not acceptable to allow your puppy - or dog, to run up to strange dogs and people. Not everyone appreciates the advances of a boisterous puppy and not all older dogs enjoy being set upon by puppies that they do not know. Polite behaviour please!

Puppy socialisation on lead	Some puppy training graduates

WHICH PUPPY?

What is the right breed for you? Most people choose a dog on appearance, size and colour, but temperament and character should be the first consideration. It's a good idea to get to know the grown up version of the puppy that you might be thinking about. Talk to as many people as possible about your particular favourite breed.

Pay particular attention to any possible inherited health problems and ask if your puppy's parents have been screened. Your breeder and vet will be able to help with this.

Smaller dogs aren't always easier dogs. The terriers can be feisty and lively but trainable in the right hands. The elderly who require a small companion may not find the terriers to their liking, whereas a retired racing greyhound might be exactly the right dog, but may not have been considered, because of the size and the ability to "chase". Retired greyhounds can make lovely, trainable companions and with common sense and supervision won't be a problem around cats or other small furry animals.

There are differences in character within the same breed and even within litter mates. Some are shy, some are bold and there can be nervous or anxious types - features inherited from their parents, grandparents and other ancestors.

Choose a breed that appeals, but also think about a breed's origins. All breeds were originally designed to work and will need an outlet for his natural, inherited working ability.

For details of the next available puppy class contact Rebecca Robinson on

bextressrvn@hotmail.co.uk