APDT Puppy & Foundation Awards

Puppy Award for puppies up to 6 months
Foundation Award for puppies & dogs 6 months +

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Two versions of the same course, enabling the material to be tailored to your puppy’s stage of development. Crucial training exercises. Whistle cues. Continuing socialisation for puppies on the Puppy Award. Guidance for the challenges of adolescence for those on the Foundation Award.

Essential training

Give your puppy the best start with crucial training exercises.

Exercises include:

  • Recall (whistle & verbal)

  • Settle

  • Response to name

  • Drop

  • Sit

  • Sit-Stay

  • Down

  • Stand

  • Heelwork

  • Control Around Food

  • Building interest in tug play

  • Collaborative Care Beginnings

APDT Good Companions Awards

Achieve a nationally recognised award with your puppy - the Puppy or Foundation Award.

The Puppy and Foundation Awards are the first step in the APDT’s well-known Good Companion Awards Scheme.

Both Awards are assessed via continuous assessment by your instructor.

Puppies are awarded a certificate and rosette to celebrate their achievement at the end of the course.

The APDT Good Companion Awards follow the same syllabus regardless of which option you choose. The difference is simply the level of support you need.

Both options include:

  • A preparation stage to help you get ready before training begins.

  • An induction presentation covering the principles of clicker training, positive reinforcement, and how to get the most from the course.

  • Individual one-to-one coaching tailored to you and your dog.

  • Assessment for the APDT Good Companion Award.

6-Session Programme (Recommended)

Our standard programme. Ideal for first-time puppy guardians, anyone returning to training after a break, or those who would like time to build confidence, develop their practical skills, and progress at a comfortable pace.

4-Session Programme (Accelerated)

Designed for those who already have a good understanding of clicker training and positive reinforcement, and who are confident putting those skills into practice. If you've previously trained with reward-based training, this option allows you to work through the same syllabus over fewer sessions.

One course, two options

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“There is a huge amount of support provided alongside the actual sessions - with handouts, videos, tips and advice. We’d highly recommend DogWorks!”

— Paul with Cooper