ALL ABOUT PUP-SITIVITY

Pups Dog Training School emphasises teaching your dogs right behaviours and rewarding them. By using a positive approach, Pups Dog Training School focuses on what your dog is doing right by getting your dog’s cooperation and teaching him to please you, his owner. This method builds trust, strong learning retention and a deeper bond than correction-based techniques. The school offers a comprehensive and innovative Life Skills Levels Program designed to meet individual owners’ needs and give each dog the time it needs to learn. The teaching methods also cultivate a dog’s thinking abilities through the belief that dogs can learn by trial-and-error. Dogs are taught not to fear failure and instead, are instructed to exercise options in the quest for correct, desired behaviour.

Chief Instructor Debra Sim has been involved in dog obedience and agility since 2001 and is considered one of the pioneers in the dog sport arena. Through innovation, she is always looking to improve training methods and raise the standard of training without sacrificing fun and safety for her furry clients.

Established in 2003, Pups Dog Training School set out to offer owners and pups a positive, pedagogical paradigm. The school regularly consults with local veterinarians and international trainers to ensure that their methods, and nutritional and medical advice are up to date. Pup Dogs Training School holds mostly outdoor group training sessions as they encourage the socialisation of dogs but for owners who prefer individual attention, private classes are available too.

Years in operation: 16 Qualifications, experience and awards:

Instructors at Pups Dog Training School have WMA-Certified Dog Agility Instructor certifications and certificates from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA). Instructors also have experiences as Singapore Kennel Club (SKC) and United States Dog Agility Association obedience judges, and training experience ranging from one to 16 years.

Training methodology: Reward-based training. Price range: Upwards of $500.

Loyal customer:

Goh Sing Yee, 36, Real Estate Agent

Owner of a Border Collie named Chase.

A customer since 2019.

“It was my first time dealing with a medium-sized dog and Border Collies are hyperactive breeds. I didn’t want to scare my dog into submission as any training using intimidation and fear can’t be good. Plus, I have young children and other docile pets at home and didn’t want Chase to turn against them unexpectedly.

I was recommended by a friend to try out Pups Dog Training School as they use positive training methods and the trainer I worked with, Dexter, is well-versed in training Border Collies. I have experienced a good outcome with Chase as he has retained what he learnt and acts upon it when commanded. Dexter is extremely observant and nurturing even with Chase, who exhibited obsessive behaviour traits. He never rushed the process or showed signs of impatience, choosing instead to slowly encourage Chase and helping him grow into a mature dog.

While positive training requires plenty of treats and patience, I have also become a better person through the process.”

Pups Dog Training School

www.pups.com.sg

Tel: 8774 0168

Email: pupsdex@gmail.com