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These are some of the common questions I am asked about classes, if there's something not covered here please email claire@educatingpaws.co.uk
Vaccination Requirements for Puppy School - Consult your vet first
Your puppy is too old for Puppy School, as this course is strictly for young puppies (puppies must be under the age of 20 weeks on the date of the first class)
For specific issues, one-on-one training is recommended. I can offer "Puppy Home School" which runs through all of the puppy basics and this is ideal for puppies that are a little older.
For group classes, you can join "Pick N Mix" classes at Martham Paw Ground or attend my workshops
Missing a class isn’t a problem—ideally, you’d attend all, but life happens.
If you miss a class you can use the additional resources provided, you are also welcome to book a discounted one-to-one session
Refunds or make-up classes aren’t available, as per the T&Cs.
When booking, you'll fill in details about who is coming to the classes with your dog. Different people can attend each week—just note it on the form.
You'll receive an email reminder on what to bring
No special equipment is needed—just a lead, water bowl, treats, and a blanket. For Puppy School, a brush or towel may be required for handling exercises, as noted in your manual
Slip leads, head collars, flexi-leads, and any other training collars are not allowed, as per the T&Cs
Not at all! Shy puppies are welcome, and I have plenty of experience working with them.
I’ll manage the group to ensure your puppy feels safe, which may include using visual barriers that can often be phased out as they grow more confident.
If your puppy is shy or nervous, extra support while they’re young can be really beneficial. A one-to-one session alongside classes will help me guide you and build your puppy’s confidence
It depends!
Puppy School focuses on appropriate socialisation. I’ll guide you in reading your puppy’s body language, and we’ll have structured “puppy greetings” and “puppy interaction” sessions. If all puppies are comfortable and the play is beneficial, we may include some supervised play.
To set puppies up for success, I discourage on-lead greetings before, after, and during class, as they can create issues. Trust me—these rules are in place for good reason, and every decision is made with your puppy’s future in mind.
Socialisation isn’t just about play! The class environment itself is a great social experience, and simply letting puppies “rough & tumble” each week can lead to problems down the line.
Attending a weekly puppy class is just the beginning—real training happens at home. Be prepared to provide consistent training, socialisation, and guidance for at least two years. The effort you put in now will shape your puppy’s future.
Training is a lifelong process, and even well-raised dogs can develop behaviour issues at any age. Puppies aren’t a blank slate—by 8–10 weeks old, they’ve already been shaped by genetics, early handling, and their breeder’s environment.
Getting a puppy doesn’t guarantee a problem-free experience, but don’t worry—I’m here to help! If challenges arise, my one-to-one training and behaviour support are available.
By law, your puppy must wear a collar with an ID tag.
For safety and comfort, retractable leads, choke chains, slip leads, head collars, and spray or vibration collars are not allowed in class. My training is always gentle and focused on your puppy's comfort
Please use a standard short clip lead (around 2 metres is ideal), attached to either a collar or a well-fitting harness. If your puppy pulls, a harness is the better option to protect their neck.
Check the recommended products page for harness suggestions!
If you've booked Puppy School, you’ll get exclusive access to Puppy Club—an online hub packed with information and extra resources to support your training between classes.
If you're in Puppy College or Pick N Mix, you'll receive a weekly PDF handout with step-by-step instructions and videos.
I’m always happy to answer questions via email, but I can’t fully address training issues without seeing your situation firsthand. Quick questions can be discussed after class, but for more complex concerns, a one-to-one session may be recommended.
The best investment you can make is early training—many issues can be prevented with the right guidance. One-to-one training benefits all puppies, even those in a course.
Yes! Children over 5 years old are welcome, but they must be supervised by an additional adult unless they can follow instructions independently.
Children of any age must not approach other puppies or run around making noise, as this can disrupt the class and frighten young puppies.
Engaged children can learn a lot about dogs, especially body language and safety. With the right boundaries, their presence can also help puppies get positive exposure to children.
If you're unsure, feel free to get in touch before booking, and we can have a chat about your individual situation.
Puppy School classes are 1 hour long
Puppy College classes are 1 hour long
Puppy Sensory and Scout's dog club classes are 45 minutes long
Pick N Mix / calmer dog encounters / Calmer puppy social interactions are 45 minutes
(sometimes your class may overrun by a few minutes, especially if there have been lots of questions during the class)
Please click here to learn more about the perfect fit harness, costs, and book a bespoke fitting
Yes! I can offer "Puppy Pre School" sessions to give advice on setting everyone up for success before your puppy even arrives
If you want to teach your dog or puppy essential skills like toilet training, crate training, recall, obedience, scent work, tricks, parkour, lead handling, or cooperative care, one-to-one training is for you!
If your dog struggles with behavioural issues such as reactivity, anxiety, separation problems, aggression, self-mutilation, repetitive behaviours (e.g., shadow chasing), destruction, inter-dog conflicts, predatory instincts, or resource guarding—anything driven by an emotional response—behaviour support is needed. Please read here for full info on behaviour support
Puppy School Classes:
Before payment, you’ll be asked to read and agree to the T&Cs. Cancellations require at least 7 days' notice for a refund (minus a £2 booking fee). Within 7 days, a refund is only possible if your spot is filled. No refunds are given for missed classes or once the course has started.
Other Classes & One-to-One Training:
The T&Cs, including the cancellation and refund policy, will be provided at the time of booking.
Maybe!
I do have a background in assistance dogs, and I am a trainer for Darwin Dogs, we help to train suitable pet dogs to help those with mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.
I can help you to train your dog to do some tasks without getting an organization involved, if I feel it is appropriate and if I feel I have the skillset and resources to help you. I have 10 years experience working with assistance dogs and will give you honest feedback on whether I feel your dog is suitable for public access. You would not get an official coat or ID as the access would not be ADUK accredited. Public access is not right for all dogs, in fact most pet dogs are unsuitable.