What age to start puppy class?

[Todd & Sheila]

We took our 11 week old to the vet the other day for well puppy checkup. She also got another parvo shot.......We asked him about puppy class, he said not ill she is 4-5 months old.....

At what age did everyone start puppy class for thier "pride & joy?"

Thanks
Todd

[diddybopper04]

I like to start as early as possible. 11 weeks with my last puppy.

[Urika]

Diesel started at 10 weeks, he graduated about a week and half ago. His next class begins next week (basic).

[Todd & Sheila]

The class is at our local Petsmart......They say all the dogs have to have all thier shots before starting class......It would appear your dogs survived starting class much sooner that 4-5 months.

Thanks
Todd & Sheila

[diddybopper04]

click on this link http://akc.org/dic/events/obedience/trainingclubs1.cfm
and select your state. Hopefully you will find one that is near your area. If not, the people listed as contacts of these clubs can probably help you find a trainer in your area that offers good classes.

And if Petsmart is your only option, go there.

[lblax]

i think 4 to 5 months is a good time still even at this young of age i dont believe in teaching obediance only manners and socialiozation look for a good puppy kindergarten class at this age that deals with manners and strickly fun stuff then around 7-8 months start the formal (but not stressfull ob) over obidiancing your young dog can break there spirit

[diddybopper04]

My puppies have always LOVED training, from the time they could walk. Never had a single dog that did not dance every time I pick up a leash or the training bag.

I know of certain training methods that IMO should not be applied to any dog of any age, but certainly not a puppy.

I've had many puppies of 5-6 months that would just dance through all the individual exercises for a CD with a big grin on their face.

Training for very young puppies and dogs should always be fun. There is a time and place for polishing formal things with a bit more correction, but that's almost never necessary time with the youngsters.

[Todd & Sheila]

Thank you all for your responses.....I guess just to clarify, this is a puppy kindergarten class, that starts tomorrow. She is going to be 12 weeks old this coming week.

Yes I agree training should be fun.......So far it seems the only time we can get her to do anything is when we have treats or her meal time. I guess this is pretty normal for a pup this age........The only time we scold her is when she mouths us and that is after acouple of strong verbal warnings.

Thanks
Todd & Sheila

[diddybopper04]

Originally Posted by Todd & Sheila

The only time we scold her is when she mouths us and that is after acouple of strong verbal warnings.

Thanks
Todd & Sheila

Okay, scolding is a verbal warning.

Isn't it?

[Todd & Sheila]

Originally Posted by diddybopper04

Okay, scolding is a verbal warning.

Isn't it?

Yes it is, however when the verbal warnings and re directions are ignored something needs to be done to get thier attention, yes? scruffing the back of her neck and a firm no, or no bite seems to get her attention........We try real hard to make it as a last resort because she is only 11 weeks old, we have been told to try to keep everything fun until 12 -14 weeks We are new and are willing to learn, hopefully we dont make to many mistakes with our new pup.

Todd & Sheila

[diddybopper04]

Todd and Sheila, the really good thing is most puppies are very resilient. All of us have stood in your shoes before with our first puppies.

You are at a great place for learning, so you have a HUGE advantage.

[Todd & Sheila]

Originally Posted by diddybopper04

Todd and Sheila, the really good thing is most puppies are very resilient.
We sure hope she is.........wouldnt want her holding a grudge against us when she becomes 90+lbs.

All of us have stood in your shoes before with our first puppies.

You are at a great place for learning, so you have a HUGE advantage.

Yes Diddy we are.....We are very greatful we have this site to refer to and ask questions.......We are glad everyong here seems to be VERY helpful.

Thanks!

Todd

[Urika]

Originally Posted by Todd & Sheila

The class is at our local Petsmart......They say all the dogs have to have all thier shots before starting class......It would appear your dogs survived starting class much sooner that 4-5 months.

Thanks
Todd & Sheila

Diesel's puppy K class was at Petsmart. We had no other choice but to take classes there. The beginning age for puppy k at my local petsmart is 10 weeks as long as shots are up to date and they've had the Bordatello (spelling?). All pups in his class began class under the age of 4-5 months.

[CARISSA]

we are getting our first rottweiler puppy and are interested in a ob training class, but we were curious what happens at the classes? How much should we expect to cost and how many weeks should they last?Thanks for any helpful info you can give us.

[RottiMomCT]

Carissa - get in touch with the Colonial Rottweiler Club (you can do a 'google' search and find them. They can point you towards some great trainers in your area....as can many of the PA members here!!