Freya’s mummy thinks it’s time for Poppy to start some training and signs her up for puppy training classes. Annie’s dog Milo had been to the same classes and had turned into a very well-behaved dog. Freya and her mummy want Poppy to be a good dog too, because it’s much easier to take a well-behaved dog wherever you want to go.
Freya feels a little nervous before their first puppy class. She packs Poppy’s favourite treats and heads to the community centre, where the classes take place. As they get closer, they can already hear puppies excitedly yapping and barking.
Poppy pulls on the lead, wagging her tail furiously with excitement. Freya spots other puppies and their owners gathered in a circle on the grass. She soon discovers that, because the weather is so good, the first class will take place in the community centre garden.
A friendly trainer, Miss Emma, welcomes them and introduces the group to some basic commands.
“Today, we’ll learn ‘sit’ and ‘stay’,” says Miss Emma. “Remember, puppies learn best when they’re praised straight away. Every time they get it right, tell them they’re clever!
“And remember, puppies don’t speak English. You need to use the exact words for what you want them to do. So ‘sit’ is always ‘sit’. Don’t think ‘sit down’ is the same thing. It isn’t for a puppy.”
Freya watches as Poppy quickly catches on to the commands, sitting obediently and staying in place.
“Good girl, Poppy!” praises Freya, giving Poppy a treat.
Poppy loves getting treats and lots of praise.
Week by week, Poppy grows more confident.
She learns to walk nicely beside Freya.
She comes running whenever Freya calls.
And before long, she can even give a paw and roll over.
Of course, she always expects to be rewarded with a treat, which makes Freya laugh.
“Oh, Poppy, you’ll do anything for a treat!”
Freya is thrilled to see Poppy’s progress and feels very grown-up. She loves showing off Poppy’s new tricks to her friends and giving her lots of praise.
One day, Freya’s mummy jokingly says, “Ever since you’ve been training Poppy to be a good dog, you’ve been such a good girl! I am so proud of both of you. I think you both deserve a treat.”
She hands Freya an ice cream cone and Poppy a tasty chew.
When Miss Emma announces a special graduation ceremony for the puppies, Freya and her mummy go to the pet shop and buy a new, shiny collar for Poppy.
On graduation day, Freya beams with pride as Poppy receives her certificate. The puppies take turns showing off their skills, and Poppy performs flawlessly.
“Well done, Poppy! Good girl!” Freya exclaims, giving her a big hug.
After the graduation ceremony, Freya and her mummy decide to celebrate. They head to their favourite ice cream shop.
Freya chooses strawberry with sprinkles.
Mummy has coffee ice cream.
Poppy gets a bowl of water, and Freya gives her one more special treat.
Poppy sniffs the treat politely, but her eyes keep drifting longingly towards Freya’s enormous ice cream cone. Freya giggles and reminds her, “This one is yours, Poppy!”
“This has been such a lovely day!” Freya says, smiling at Poppy, who sits contentedly by her side, wearing her new shiny collar.
“This has been such a lovely day!” Freya says, smiling at Poppy, who sits contentedly by her side, wearing her new shiny collar.