6 Mos min age for Obed 1?

[Jbartu]

Hi everyone!

Luca finished puppy classes last month and it was a wonderful experience for both of us. Unfortunately, the trainer we went through does not allow dogs under the aqe of 6 mos into his first obedience class. Is this a common practice for group trainers? Luca will be 5 months on Jan 8th, and I really would like to continue his training on a higher level then what we do at home. He has been retrieving since 8 weeks, and I feel like I am cheating him of his true potential. I am thinking of calling the instructor and asking for an exception, but before I do I was wondering if there was any benefit in waiting until he is 6 mos to begin the next level of training?

[LJSmith]

The trainer probably has a good reason for the requirement. The training is probably more difficult for a dog to effectively learn and retain until they develop more mentally. At the age of five months I am sure that the trainer will make an exception if you and he feel that the dog is ready. Good luck and enjoy the class whether it is sooner or later. You and your dog will succeed regardless

[Patty1231]

There were no "puppy" classes in my area when I first got Rocco so I started him in obedience at 4 months when his vaccinations were completed. I thought that was a little young but the trainer felt he would be fine - and he was. He had a great time and learned quickly. I think the work you put in at home is the major contributing factor to how well they do.

[tugger5000]

Originally posted by Patty1231
I think the work you put in at home is the major contributing factor to how well they do.

Agreed...

[Jbartu]

Originally posted by Patty1231
I think the work you put in at home is the major contributing factor to how well they do.

I do work with Luca everyday. As I am not a professional trainer, the classes were an excellent source for new exercises for Luca and I to work on. Not to mention, I really like the controlled socializing the classes offer. I have put a call into the trainer, so hopefully he will allow us to enter early.

[Rott-Wiley]

I can't see any reason why you shouldn't continue with obedience classes at 5 months of age. If you can't continue with that trainer, I would suggest you find a different trainer in your area that you can continue with.