[JaniceH]

Hi,

I have now had my puppy, Teazle, for 2 weeks nearly. She is 9 1/2 weeks old.

The only puppy class I can take her to, doesn't start until next
January, when Teazle will be 4 1/2 months old. Will she be too old ?

I have already taught her to sit, lie down, come, leave, and give me a paw which she is doing really well and happily. I am also teaching her to walk on the lead round the house and garden. I hope I am not attempting to move too fast, but I only train her for short periods at a time.

As far as socialisation is concerned, as she can't yet go outside, I have someone coming in every day to get her used to visitors, and I sit with her on my knee in a pub to get used to people coming to say hello to her. I also sit on a bench in the village with her on my knee, so that she can watch all the traffic come and go and meet a variety of people both children and adults. I do this regularly. Also my friend who has a well behaved, vaccinated dog, brings the dog to meet Teazle so she can get used to dogs. So much for my little girl to take in and learn, but I think she is growing in confidence each day.

I was therefore, dissappointed with the puppy class being so far
off. Is she still going to benefit from going? She will have met other dogs by then as well. I will of course have started stays and heelwork by then but only as a fun thing, nothing too serious. Will the trainer expect more from her as she will be an older puppy, whereas the other pups will only be 3 months old ?

Also, at what age do you think I should start training her not to chase sheep. Very important this as Teazle is going to be my walking companion when she gets older.

Your comments would be very much appreciated.

Thank you.