Puppies can usually begin puppy training classes from around 8 weeks old after their first vaccinations, depending on your vet’s advice. Early puppy training helps build confidence, improve socialisation, and prevent common behaviour problems before they become habits.

Our force-free puppy classes in Northumberland cover:

Puppy socialisation

Recall training

Loose lead walking

Sit, down, stay and leave

Puppy biting and mouthing

Toilet training guidance

Calmness and focus exercises

Greeting people and dogs politely

Confidence building and problem solving

The classes are designed to help puppies grow into calm, confident adult dogs

Yes. All puppy training classes at College 4 Canines use ethical, science-based force-free training methods based on positive reinforcement. We focus on building trust, confidence, and engagement without punishment or intimidation

Our puppy classes take place at Acklington Village Hall near Morpeth in Northumberland, making them accessible from:

Morpeth

Alnwick

Amble

Ashington

Blyth

Warkworth

surrounding Northumberland areas.

We keep our puppy training classes small to allow every puppy and owner to receive individual support and guidance. Small class sizes also help puppies feel calmer and less overwhelmed during training

Yes. Our puppy classes include practical training for common puppy problems such as:

Puppy biting

Mouthing

Jumping up

Overexcitement

Poor focus

Pulling on the lead

We help owners understand why these behaviours happen and how to improve them using positive reinforcement methods.

Proper puppy socialisation is about teaching puppies to feel calm, confident, and neutral around people, dogs, sounds, and environments — not simply letting puppies play together. Our classes focus on appropriate socialisation skills that help prevent future behavioural issues.

Yes. Our supportive force-free approach is ideal for nervous, shy, or sensitive puppies. We help puppies build confidence at their own pace in a calm and controlled environment.

Working with a qualified dog behaviourist helps ensure your puppy receives evidence-based training designed to support long-term emotional wellbeing and behaviour development. College 4 Canines is led by Denise Devereux, a qualified and accredited canine behaviourist with degrees in canine behaviour and training

Early training and socialisation can significantly reduce the risk of future behaviour problems such as:

Fearfulness

Reactivity

Poor recall

Lead pulling

Jumping up

Lack of focus

Puppy classes help owners build strong foundations during critical developmental stages.

We recommend bringing:

High value treats

A comfortable harness and lead

A mat or blanket

A favourite toy

Water for your puppy

We also provide guidance on suitable training equipment and rewards.