Hello All,

We are in the process of adopting our first ever dog, who when she gets to us will be a 16-18 week puppy. We have heard that there was is specialist trainer for adoptive dogs that does on site (at your house) training in Canton Zurich, but the person that told me about this didn't have the details and google has been no help.

Does any one know of this magical trainer? Or can recommend a school / trainer that would be good?

We've been assured that the puppy comes with no trauma as it was given to the shelter by the family after a "surprise" pregnancy from their dog, and by all accounts its a reputable mediator, but you never know, I suppose, and I want to make sure we do right by her.

Thank you,

Before going further:

Does the puppy's breed/mix fall into List 1? (Adult height of 45cm, weight 15 kg.)

If so, and assuming Silver Coast refers to the ZH lakeside, you are required to do the cantonal age-appropriate courses. These can only be offered by cantonally certified trainers.

In the meantime...

As you are evaluating training options (and keeping in mind the need to know if the puppy falls into List 1 category, or not), perhaps one of the best things you could do now inorder to do right by her is to take the NHB theory course.

https://www.nhb-bpc.dog

The NHB Theory course is a voluntary course developed to replace the SKN. Part one is a Theory course for the owner alone, designed to acquaint you with the myriad of things you need to know to 'do right' by your dog, from health, nutrition, socialization, legal issues, etc. These are things all owners should know before your four footed friend arrives, some of which you might not easily come across elsewhere.

The theory course would be good background for you, including helping you to assess a good trainer/owner/dog relationship.

EF member CherryTree is a trainer who offers the NHB. You might contact her for more information.

Thanks Meloncollie! I had considered name checking you since I've read some of the advice you've given before.

The puppy is List 1 Cat, and we have found a place to do the training, but we had heard about this magical trainer that does house calls that is supposed to be certified too. Worth a shot if we can find him before we start!

We are also doing the theory course, and have lovely neighbours with experience of adopted puppies who are helping us too. I will also reach out to CherryTree to cover all bases.

(and BTW, the snip will definitely come when age appropriate!)

Thanks,

Lots of trainers have expertise with dogs who come with 'baggage' from their previous lives - in fact, I would consider this knowledge, experience, and empathy key to being a good trainer.

What is really needed is the ability to understand your individual dog - regardless of his or her background.

Lots of trainers do in-home consultations, too.

I don't know of anyone who focuses on the 'adopted dog' aspect of training, though.

---

Honestly, unless you know of specific trauma that has impacted your pup's behavior, given your pup's age I would concentrate on getting your pup into a ZH certified Welpenförderung class ASAP. Your pup will be in a key social developement stage so the perfect time to start.

---

One thing to keep in mind in all dog training: You are the one being trained. Dog training classes are all about teaching you, because you will then be the person teaching your dog 24/7.

With that in mind, to help you prepare yourself.

Patricia McConnell's The Puppy Primer' is a good place to start. This is written for the first time owner, covering the basics:
https://www.amazon.com/Puppy-Primer-...=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Another resource is Emily Larlham, who has a series of free puppy training videos on her website, time well spent for the soon-to-be-puppy owner:
http://dogmantics.com

Also 'The Perfect Puppy In Seven Days: How to start your puppy off right' and 'How To Behave So Your Dog Behaves' by Dr Sophia Yin are fantastic introductions to being owned by a dog. These books are out of print but still available as an e-book.
https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Puppy...4ZWEB9HRN3JZ6C
https://www.amazon.com/Behave-Behave...R1PZDXD387XM1G


These trainers are/were among the leading voices in ethical dog training today. It's important that you read/listen/watch/work with trainers who are committed to ethical, positive training. There are still trainers out there who are not, including a couple of the big names. Any trainer who works with adversives or uses language from the dominance school is to be avoided.

---

All the best to you and your puppy - it sounds like you, and soon the little one, are off to a great start in this new adventure.