Puppy class~what can I expect?
The second one is ongoing, dogs and puppies of all ages and levels, and the instructor works individually with each dog/owner. This seems a little chaotic to me, but I've never had a formal class, so can't make an educated decision. Is it okay to mix puppies in with adult dogs? I don't want any issues. What can I expect from a puppy class? How do I choose? Thanks for your input...so many questions now  |
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| I wouldn't be taking a puppy to any classes until at least 16 weeks of age, after they have had all of their shots. An attention class is the best thing to start a young dog off in. Most of the time they are mainly puppies. After that there is nothing wrong with mixing young dogs with adult dogs. I feel it is best to be in a class of about 6-10 dogs. Makes your dog learn to pay attention to you with distractions. |
| My daughter Lisa with her Vivi (papillon/TFT) and her fiance Alex with his Lucy (lab) brought both their puppies to a specific puppy class - sounds like the 1st one you describe, but are 5 weeks long - as they are just for the younger puppies. Both were very pleased with it. Of course it was not Lisa's 1st dog - she went through her 1st obedience class at age 9  and with a female basset no less!It was Alex's 1st time and his 1st dog. Both really enjoyed it and felt they got a lot out of it. Lisa especially was liking helping the real rookie owners! They were at the same place I teach, so I get the "graduates" into my classes. I can really tell who did the puppy class, and those who did not. |
| Thanks for the advice, this is a new world for us. Need to start us out on the right path. I'm just looking ahead right now, trying to find a school where we can grow and advance if desired. I won't enroll till older. |
| Where I live, it is very common to bring puppies to a puppy-only class from about 10 through 16 weeks. All of them are generally considered too young to bring to a dog park or to play with adult dogs. In the puppy kindergarten, they learn great socialization behaviors, getting along, how to communicate, and just love rollling around chasing and playing with each other. Many people here believe that if you wait til 16 weeks, the pups will be behind in socialization. It is important to have the second set of shots and I live in an area where there is not much risk of disease among puppies (according to my Vet.) Henry loved his puppy class and has remained great friends with the pups he met. After 16 weeks, he went to a basic obedience class with pups under 1 year old. After that, he was eligible for the level 2 class with dogs of all ages. I would encourage you to ask your vet about the relative merits of puppy kindergarten versus the risks in your area. From Henry's class:     |
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| ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ditto!!!! I did love the puppy class I took when Heart was a baby. It was very interesting to see her interact with the other kids. Have a great time!!!! Charm is ...well...'charming'!!!!!!  |
| Puppy class was fun for both of mine and me too! Great way to start the socialization process. But when we moved up to obedience, mine were waiting for their free time to play -- did not happen. |
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