Puppy Bench Work

Hello - I have decided to write a bit more on "Puppy Development" and over the next few months digging deeper into what was discussed in my first article. This article is dedicated to the bench, you don't need a "Training Bench" but you will need something elevated that is comfortable for you and the puppy. You will need an area 5 to 6 feet long for the puppy to move back and forth. It will also be nice if you can provide an overhead attachment cable to secure a short chain or lead to prevent the little booger from escaping his bench work, this also helps in establishing the point of contact on the neck, the lead should be short enough to hold the pups head up in the standing position. If you choose to use a chain or lead DO NOT LEAVE THE PUPPY UNATTENDED doing so could lead to a catastrophic event. As the pup gains confidence in standing still you can lengthen the lead.

I start when the pup is about 10 to 12 weeks old and just try to get the pup to stand still for a second. Over time the pup will stand longer and you can start touching them in different areas, such as lifting and inspecting a paw or looking in a ear, this gets them tolerant of being physically handled. This will make your life easier when grooming/bathing or looking at possible injuries in the future and your Vet will love you as well. After they will stand still, you can start playing with them on the bench to teach them it's a fun place. Keep the session short so the pup does not get bored and keep it fun as possible for them.

I've attached a short video showing some of the things I do on the bench. The puppy in the video is about 4 months old and has had many bench sessions.

And remember 1 Cor. 10:31 .......... "what ever you do, do all for the Glory of God.