Happy Handling Classes

Happy Handling

Happy Handling is a consent-based course for dogs of any age (over 20 weeks). It is designed to offer a structured, yet fun and educational course, to improve your dog's confidence and trust in all aspects of handling whilst giving them choice and control. The course lasts 6 weeks and consists of one video lesson (Week 1), followed by 5 in-person lessons (Weeks 2 - 6).

Outstretched hand holding paw of Golden Retriever

Revolutionary Handling Techniques = Communication, Choice and Confidence.

Puppy School's Happy Handling is a revolutionary new course which aims to improve communication between dog and owner. We teach dogs to offer consent for all aspects of handling, from grooming to injections, making life happier and vet visits less stressful for all. The course starts with in-depth teaching of dog body language, then five weeks of in-person training with your qualified Puppy School tutor, learning behaviours which allow for consensual handling. This course is beneficial to every single dog and owner and will give you a greater understanding of your dog.
  • Collie Dog with Vet and Stethoscope
  • Teaching a chin rest on a stool
  • Happy Handling combines various learning techniques - video, exclusive support group and in person class training sessions.
  • Specifically designed course to help you learn the subtleties of body language and give your dog choice and control whilst building positive associations.
  • Each training exercise gradually progresses and offers a range of choice that your dog may prefer to use.
  • Techniques that can be used in everyday situations and make for happier dog-owner relationships.
Happy Handling course... Game changer to help understand your dogs body language and do things with consent rather than stress. Thank you so much for all your support!
I’m keen on ensuring my dog feels at ease with me and I would like her to know that she has options and I am here to be her safe space. I came across the Happy Handling course and it was fantastic... I truly recommend this course!
  • Relaxed, sleeping Vizsla puppy after puppy training classes

Teaching dogs to make positive associations with all aspects of handling, especially older dogs who may have had previous experiences, requires a teacher with more skill and ability to make it run smoothly. At Puppy School, our Happy Handling classes are only run by our tutors and associates who have undertaken specific training and assessment, and who have an established experience of running Puppy School classes. This ensures anyone teaching Happy handling classes has the confidence and experience to run them well.

To avoid the risk of dogs that may not learn well in a class environment being booked into the class, tutors would like to speak to each potential client before booking. For this reason, if you would like to attend a Happy Handling class, please start by finding your local tutor to find out if they run these classes or where your nearest one might be.

Get in touch and find out more about our Happy Handling classes

Book a Happy Handling course by clicking on the button below to find your local tutor page. If they have a class ready to book, there will be a Happy Handling booking button. If not, get in touch with them direct to find out when their next class will be.

The recommended age for dogs attending Happy Handling classes is five months old or older. Please contact your tutor to discuss any previous experience that your dog has with handling.

If there are no tutors local to you running the courses, there is an online course run by Puppy School tutor and originator of our Happy Handling courses, Louise Otter  - please see here

Find your nearest Puppy School

Find your nearest Puppy School here and begin your journey with us!

Cocker spaniel puppy training a settle

Testimonials

What Clients say
about Puppy School

  • “I really enjoyed these classes. Frankie was knowledgeable and explained the reasoning for why you need to do things the way you go in such an interesting and straightforward manner. It has definitely helped with Cooper.”
    —   Joe
  • “We are very grateful to Pen for helping us through a testing period with Zef, our boisterous 5-month-old labradoodle puppy, who was mouthy and jumpy and had difficulty settling.”
    —   Wendy
  • “It was a good experience for both us and Reuben. I think puppy training is valuable for all dogs and owners!”
    —   David
  • “We enjoyed the class immensely it was very helpful and both Barney and the family gained a lot of knowledge and confidence at an important time in our bonding and setting a foundation for our future together so we will all be happy.”
    —   Thomas
  • “Attending puppy school had allowed Ozzy to learn new skills. During the classes Sarah and Adam were very friendly and always on hand to offer good advice and tips. They were also very understanding of Ozzy's needs as he can be a nervous at times.”
    —   Susan