Puppy Training

Question: Did you take your dog to puppy training classes?? opinions?

(Posted by: The Superstarr :) on 2010-01-11 11:27:21)

I'm getting a puppy soon, I already have a dog (a rescue) do you think I should take my puppy to training/ socialising classes??? Is it worth going to those classes?? What age did you take your puppy?? I'll obviously train my puppy at home as well. Thanks for any other info :)

Posted by: Natalie on 2010-01-11, 11:32:33

I took my puppies when they were about 20 weeks old and I think it was well worth the money. They mostly taught things that i had already taught my puppies but they learned to do these with distractions around and they got the opportunity to socialise with the other puppies.

Posted by: Lauren on 2010-01-11, 11:32:41

Yeaaa, i took my dog to training classes and they were great, it really will give your dog a big boost. also, its good for dogs to be around eachother when they are young

Posted by: Megfer on 2010-01-11, 11:35:56

Well,if you don't they'll gonna be out of CONTROL!

Posted by: I love American Bulldogs! on 2010-01-11, 11:36:12

I took my younger dog a Terrier mix to classes and I sure wish I would have taken my older dog too. The Terrier is much more well behaved and much more obedient

Posted by: Gina on 2010-01-11, 11:40:39

I did take 2 of my 3 to puppy classes. It was more of a social thing rather than any actual learning. With 6-9 pups in one hall there was going to be a lot of distraction! Having said that they did learn bit and pieces that I reinforced at home. The best thing I spent (and still spending) money on is one on one sesions with a really good gun dog trainer for all my labs

Posted by: jonathan on 2010-01-11, 11:48:41

If your adopting a dog, the organization makes sure its socialized .you can train basic command by yourself. if that doesnt work then seek a trainers help that will save you money

Posted by: schwinehundt22 on 2010-01-11, 11:49:40

I think that there good, they taught my dog the "leave it " command for when she grabs my shoes and also they tauht her not to pull on the leash as well as socialization. But really it depends on the breed. if you are getting a breed that tends to socialization or training issues you should definently go bc it can save the dog from become a difficulty later on. hope i helped!

Posted by: T J on 2010-01-11, 11:54:06

Yes, only we call them handling classes. Remember that some of us start competing with our dogs at 24 weeks of age. So we had better start getting them use to the environment a lot earlier than that. 8 week old puppy learning that there really is a right way to stand. i396.photobucket.com/ albums/ pp43/ blunderpic/ dogs/ nick-side.jpg

Posted by: Cat on 2010-01-11, 11:55:03

No I never have, but I think it's a great idea to do so. It could only be good for the puppy. Be sure before you sign up and begin that he's had all his shots.

Posted by: (H) on 2010-01-11, 11:58:15

I have a puppy who is now 5 months that I take to puppy class. She started going pretty much as soon as she could. (Vaccinations.) I would really recommend it. you learn the basic commands as well as a few tricks and is great for controlled socialisation.

Posted by: B J on 2010-01-11, 12:23:42

No I didnt but dont regret it, it took a lot of hard work mostly with the second pup, but I had a bit of help, a colleague recommended clicker training and gave it a go, it really fun and effective. It relies on the clicker emphasising the behviour you want or want to develop in the dog or pup. Worth a go, ever so glad someone receommended it to me, Good luck and happy training its worth it in the end easydogclickertraining.com

Posted by: Monkey Socks on 2010-01-11, 12:27:47

I took my Newfoundland. She was 4 months when I managed to get her on the course. It was only £30 for six 1 hour training lessons with 9 other pups. It was really good for her as we didnt know anyone else with a dog so it got her socialised. My other puppy never went because we moved and never got around to it. She is a Samoyed and a nightmare! I'm looking at getting her classes now we have settled in to our new home. Hopefully it will sort her and me out! I think you should definately go to classes. Remember you are not just training the pup, you are being trained too! Good luck!

Posted by: Gabrielle on 2010-01-11, 12:31:25

Yes, and I am so glad we did! We started when Dio was 4 1/ 2 months old. We had been training him at home as well, so he already knew his sit, down and stay commands (among others). The valuable part was the social interaction with the other puppies. He had to learn the command "settle " and he learned patience. I strongly recommend a trainer who believes in positive reinforcement. No violence or scare tactics. It does more harm than good. Dio is 7 1/ 2 months now and is wonderful!

Posted by: Heather[TBTMK] on 2010-01-11, 12:37:47

Yeah it was definitely worth it. I started Emmy with doing classes when she was around four months, and now she's in advanced dog classes..she's now eight months. We currently got a pit bull/ chocolate lab mix, which we put her into classes just because it will not only train her, but also show that's she's a good dog, because some people think they're just awful animals. But anyways, yes it is worth it!!

Posted by: fitty freya on 2010-01-11, 12:46:38

Yes i di they are worth it you will soon bond with your puppy as there will probably a lot of work to be done at home as well as at the training centre. when i took my puppy she was great there but is a pain at home dad says but me and my dog milly really have a special connection and when ever she is scared she will always come to me for the comfort. she is well behaved as long as there isn't a ball around she goes mental with a ball, try not getting your puppy too into balls or else that will be all she/ he ever thinks about. don't forget to have her/ him sprayed as well. well good luck! you won't need it i bet you will be great

Posted by: Voelven on 2010-01-11, 15:12:42

My dog started puppy classes when she was 10 weeks old, but then I live in an area with next to no parvo risk. Most of my puppy socialization I did myself every afternoon 4-7 days a week until she was 12 weeks old. I train my dog myself, but a good puppy class can be invaluable for controlled socialization with other dogs. If you take your puppy to the dog park etc. for socialization, the environment will be much less controlled, because you cannot know every single dog and dog owner that comes to the park. Socialization is of course much more than just other dogs and humans, so usually you need to make an effort to socialize your puppy outside of class as well.