puppy school!!

[benb]

I live in the Dallas/Ft. Worth metro area and was wondering if anyone on here knew of any good puppy classes I should attend (the closer to Dallas the better).  I want to get him started no later than 10 weeks and when i pick him up this Friday he'll be a day shy of 8 weeks!  I was told to try Petsmart classes, if you disagree with this and have a better recomendation please let me know.

[k9crazyrr]

Hi, not familiar with your area, but at the clinic I work at we obviously see a lot of puppies.  Many of our clients just want a basic puppy class and go to places like Petsmart.  I have never heard of any complaints and people seem happy.  Of course if you wanted to go further with training, then you might want to find an actual training center in your area.
Angie

[benb]

okay, thank you! 

[caro]

I have heard that Pets Mart training varies very much.  You need to be careful and if you don't like what you see being done in class, don't hesitate to trust your instincts and stop going. 
Caroline

[melissap]

Personally, I found the pet smart class I had taken years ago to be a complete waste. That may in part have been due to the heavy accent the teacher had; it was really hard to get past and hard to understand. 

It is not a BAD option by any stretch. your breeder may have someone that they take thier dogs to and that would probably be a great place to start.

Otherwise - go on line to find a few local academy's and chat with them maybe drop in on a class. I think it is better to find a trainer who offers several levels - so that when you find a trainer you like and your dog likes, they can continue to work with you as your dog matures and  your training needs change!!!

Food for thought ~

Melissa

[Rosebud]

Make sure you ask what type of method the trainer uses   my first one used koehler sp?  i was appaled when he strung up my girl  got my money back but it took me months for her to trust again

[benb]

Thanks for the advice everyone!!  I'll definately keep that in mind!

[melissap]

Rosebud is right about that - I am sure you have read, but  RR's prefer positive reinforcement ~ but find someone you can relate to as well as be  sure to ask lots of questions about their methods and experience! Most of them will let you sit in with your puppy and then you will see how they interact with him too!

You are on the right track, and it sounds like you are intelligent - so just have fun checking places out with your pup & wife!

MP

[Rosebud]

Melissa is corret rrs respond best to positive reinforcement    the next 4 weeks are especially important as this is the 2nd half of dogs socialization period   the experiences your pup has during this period will shape his behavior for his life   the more positive learning experiences your pup has at this age the better canine citizen he will be   if you have anyone that has a dog that plays well with puppies it will help teach your pup canine edicate

[benb]

i do actually...my brother owns a chocolate lab and he's a blast and is very well trained so we plan on the hanging out alot together!!

[Rosebud]

Thats great  the critical social development period for dogs is 4-12 weeks of age  then comes their juvenileperiod up to 6 months although I personally inclined to believe that period really lasts till 9 months

[melissap]

 

Yes, at 9 months - they start to look at you with the face that says "I know better", but I'm just gonna think about this myself for a while 

Hahaha MP

[oscarsmom]

Thats great  the critical social development period for dogs is 4-12 weeks of age  then comes their juvenileperiod up to 6 months although I personally inclined to believe that period really lasts till 9 months

I've never had a female, but with the boys, you can THEN expect the "BIG JERK" phase, which can last up to 20 months! At least I did with mine. His "protectiveness" really developed at this time, without a real handle on discretion just yet... quite a challenge . Pretty typical of a young man, if you think about it . Age has indeed brought him wisdom and a more calculated approach to things though... thank goodness!

~Natalya

[Rosebud]

 

Hey Natalia, even the altered boys can have their 'Big Jerk' period. Rocket's lasted till he was just over 3 years old and he had to be neutered at a very early age for mono-orchism, 4 months. Sometimes I wonder if the vet really got all of that one that didn't drop. 

[Kapani]

Hey Natalia, even the altered boys can have their 'Big Jerk' period. Rocket's lasted till he was just over 3 years old and he had to be neutered at a very early age for mono-orchism, 4 months. Sometimes I wonder if the vet really got all of that one that didn't drop. 

Do you mean Cryptorchid??