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Foundational Puppy Training in Surrey: What Your Puppy Actually Learns (Week by Week)
The phrase, ‘A dog is for life, not just for Christmas’ is obviously strongly associated with this time of year. One of the best ways to ensure your dog fits into your family is to ensure they get the best training.
Starting puppy training early is one of the best decisions you can make for your dog’s future. It’s particularly vital in places like Surrey, where your dog will face a real mixture of environments, from countryside walks to busy streets in towns like Guildford.
Here at Canine Kids, many owners ask the same question before booking a course: what does my puppy actually learn each week?
Here’s a clear, realistic breakdown of what a well-designed foundation puppy training course in Surrey should cover, and why each stage matters.
Week 1: Settling In and Feeling Safe
The first week is not about strict obedience. It’s about helping your puppy feel safe, relaxed and ready to learn.
Puppies are introduced to the training environment at their own pace. This includes calm exposure to other puppies, new sounds, different surfaces and gentle handling. Trainers focus heavily on reading puppy body language so that nervous puppies are supported and confident puppies learn to stay calm.
Owners begin learning how puppies communicate, how to use rewards effectively and how to build focus without pressure. Simple skills like responding to their name and offering eye contact are introduced, laying the groundwork for everything that follows.
Week 2: Focus, Handling and Calm Manners
By week two, puppies are starting to settle and engage more easily. Training builds on attention and introduces practical, everyday skills.
This is where puppies learn calm sits and downs, gentle handling for vet visits and grooming, and early impulse control. Owners are shown how to discourage jumping up and puppy biting in a way that is clear, kind and consistent.
Socialisation continues, but always in a controlled way. Puppies learn polite greetings and how to cope around others without becoming overexcited or overwhelmed. These skills are particularly important for puppies growing up in busy parts of Surrey.
Week 3: Learning Valuable Life Skills
Week three focuses on skills that make daily life easier. Puppies start learning loose-lead walking foundations, reliable recall games and how to respond around distractions.
Training remains reward-based and age-appropriate. Puppies are not expected to be perfect, but they are learning how to make good choices. Owners also receive support with common challenges such as house training, sleep routines and short periods of being left alone.
Confidence-building exercises continue, helping puppies develop resilience and curiosity rather than fear.
Week 4: Gaining Confidence, and the Next Steps
The final week brings everything together. Puppies practise their skills in slightly more challenging scenarios, but always at a level they can cope with.
Recall is strengthened, “leave it” is introduced or improved, and calm behaviour around food, toys and people is reinforced. Puppies also learn healthy play skills, including how to give items back using a solid “drop”.
Owners leave this week with a clearer understanding of how to continue training at home and when additional support, such as one-to-one training or extra social sessions, might be helpful.
Why a Structured Foundation Course Matters
A good foundation puppy training course in Surrey does more than teach cues. It helps prevent behaviour problems before they start, builds confidence during a critical development window and supports owners just as much as puppies.
Small class sizes, experienced trainers and careful socialisation make a lasting difference. By the end of the course, puppies are calmer, more confident and better prepared for life, while owners feel informed, supported and ready to enjoy their dog.
Starting right really does shape everything that comes next.
Find out more about our puppy training in Surrey. Or simply drop us a line today.