PUPPY CLASSES

About CHRIS

Veterinary knowledge, practical training and a focus on welfare

I’m Chris Hewison BVetMed MRCVS, a veterinary surgeon and dog trainer. I qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 1995 and have spent my working life helping animals and the people who care for them. Alongside clinical veterinary work, I have a particular interest in canine behaviour, welfare and helping owners build good habits from the start.

Don’t Stop Retrievin’ grew from a simple idea: puppy training should be kind, practical and relevant to the life you want to share with your dog. Classes are reward-based and force-free. We focus on teaching puppies what we would like them to do, making learning worthwhile and helping owners understand the reasons behind the exercises.

I know that puppies are individuals. Some are bold, some are cautious, and all are learning how to live in a human world. The aim is not to compare puppies or expect them to master everything immediately. It is to give each puppy and owner useful foundations, confidence and a plan for continuing at home.

I share life with flatcoated retrievers, so I also appreciate the enthusiasm, sensitivity and exuberance that dogs can bring to everyday life. Whatever your puppy’s breed or mix, the principles remain the same: meet their needs, communicate clearly, reinforce helpful behaviour and make learning a positive experience.

Puppy classes that prepare you for real life

Our classes are designed to help you understand your puppy, build a positive relationship and practise useful skills in a friendly, structured setting. We keep numbers limited so that puppies and owners have room to learn, and so there is time to answer individual questions.

Who are the classes for?

The course is intended for puppies around 12–16 weeks old at the start. If your puppy is a little younger or older, get in touch and we can discuss whether the timing is suitable. Tell us about your puppy’s age, vaccination/welfare advice from your veterinary practice, and any particular concerns before booking.

What will we cover?

Reward markers and how to reinforce behaviours you want to see again.
Responding to their name and building attention around distractions.
Recall foundations and coming happily when called.
Loose-lead walking foundations and settling around everyday activity.
Handling, grooming and cooperative care foundations.
Calm greetings, settling and appropriate interactions.
Confidence, safe social experiences and understanding puppy body language.
How to practise at home and adapt exercises to your individual puppy.

The exact balance of activities will respond to the puppies in the group. We aim for useful foundations, not perfection in six weeks.

Course details

Format	Six weekly sessions
Suitable age	Approximately 12–16 weeks at the start; ask if unsure
Day and time	Monday, 7pm (with occasional variations with group agreement)
Venue	Clows Top Victory Hall, Kidderminster, Worcestershire
Fee	£125 for the six-week course
Class size	Limited places to support individual learning
Assessment	Opportunity to work towards the Royal Kennel Club Puppy Foundation Assessment
Before the course	Optional online housekeeping/meet-and-greet

What to bring

A well-fitting harness or flat collar and a standard lead (not a retractable/flexi lead).
Small, tasty treats your puppy enjoys, plus some of their usual food if suitable.
A favourite toy and anything specifically requested in the joining information.
A ‘settle mat’ – a rubber backed furry bathmat is ideal.
A willingness to observe your puppy and take breaks when they need them.

Please contact me before attending if your puppy is unwell, has had a possible infectious exposure, or you are unsure whether it is appropriate to come to class. Follow your own veterinary practice’s advice about vaccination and safe socialisation.

Fees and booking

The six-week course costs £125. Places are limited and are confirmed directly with the trainer. Send an enquiry with your puppy’s name, age, breed/type and any particular goals or concerns. I’ll reply with the next available dates and joining information.