Why traditional play isn't always enough

Unstructured puppy play sessions can sometimes do more harm than good, especially in a busy clinic environment. Shy puppies may become overwhelmed, confident pups may learn to push boundaries, and high-energy play on slippery floors can even risk injury. This course explores why a refined approach is needed - one that still nurtures vital social skills whilst avoiding the stress and fallout that behaviourists and rescues have long observed from free-play sessions.
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Calm interaction in puppy class between a Retriever and Collie puppy

About This Course

    1. Puppy play in clinics - overview

    2. Words matter

    1. Why, and when, play is good

    2. Why are puppy play sessions in clinics and classes potentially harmful? Pt.1

    3. Why are puppy play sessions in clinics and classes potentially harmful? Pt.2

    1. Why puppy greetings are the way forward pt.1

    2. Why puppy greetings are the way forward pt.2

    1. First steps: teaching a 'turn away'

    2. How to run a puppy greetings exercise

    3. Puppy Greetings: tips for success

    4. Understanding canine body language Pt.1

    5. Understanding canine body language Pt.2

    6. Puppy Greetings: Take home messages

    7. Puppy Greetings Progressions

    8. Problem solving Pt. 1

    9. Problem solving pt.2

    1. What did you learn?

    2. Want to learn more?

Course details

  • £35.00
  • 18 lessons

  • Online study

    Flexible, at-home study to fit your schedule so you can learn at your own pace

  • Lifetime access

    Once enrolled you will have lifetime access to all course content and additional downloads

  • Science-led

    Developed using scientific and experience-based knowledge from highly accredited professionals within the animal behaviour sector

Authors

Gwen Bailey

Puppy School Founder and Director

Internationally renowned behaviourist, Gwen Bailey BSc(Hons), is Founder and Director of Puppy School. She is a Clinical Animal Behaviourist and Animal Training Instructor with the Animal Behaviour Training Council (ABTC), member and past Chair of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC), author of 14 books on dog training and behaviour, including The Perfect Puppy, and is considered one of the leading practitioners in her field.

Nicole Harris

Puppy School Behaviour Team

Nicole has been running Puppy School classes since 2009. She is an Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) registered Clinical Animal behaviourist and Animal Training Instructor and sits on the committee for the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC). She is also a certified member of the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians (FABC), a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and the Professional Association of Canine Trainers (PACT). Nicole creates and presents Puppy School’s twice-yearly puppy behaviour courses for tutors and associates.

Claire Luscombe

Puppy School Behaviour Team

Claire has played an important and innovative role in Puppy School since its inception, running classes for over 20 years and now helping to teach and educate our existing tutors and trainees. She is a Regional Manager for Devon, and Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) registered Animal Training Instructor and member no. 01336 of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT).

The 'Puppy Greetings' method: proven in practice

Since 2023, Puppy School has successfully shifted from open play to structured ‘puppy greetings’ in our classes. This gentler method provides all the benefits of social contact without the risks. In this course, you’ll learn exactly how to introduce and run puppy greetings in your own clinic - with comprehensive guidance, practical tips, and clear examples of what to do (and what to avoid). By the end, you’ll have a reliable blueprint for calm, positive socialisation sessions that support puppy welfare and give puppy parents skills they can use outside the clinic too.
Retriever puppy in puppy class with toys scattered on floor

Bring best practice to your puppy clinics

This course gives you the tools and confidence to move beyond outdated play models and embrace a structured approach to puppy socialisation. With clear step-by-step guidance and practical takeaways, you’ll be ready to run calmer, safer, and more effective sessions in your practice.
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