Puppy Classes or train at home ???

[Sanke]

Hi all

I have been researching local clubs etc regarding puppy classes & just wanted to know from the members whether they thought formal classes or training at home was best & why ? We already have a Shih tsu who is very well behaved but we taught him all his commands etc ourselves

The club I am currently considering has classes of all levels including agility

[Triksta]

Puppy class, its as much for socialisation with both dogs and humans as it is about the basics you will learn

[GypsyGSD]

I agree so would say both x

[lauraburns]

Classes are brilliant for socialising with both people and other dogs. I started taking Ozzie, as it was necessary, now I take him because we both have so much fun doing it!!! But you can train at home too!

[gsdlover4ever]

I would strongly recommend doing both... training classes are great for training during distractions.... and its a great way to socilise with other breeds of dogs....

[Sassysmum]

Originally Posted by GypsyGSD

I agree so would say both x

Definately

Just be careful when choosing a DTC though as some are very OUT DATED with their methods

[Mazz]

Both, at home much as possible, and training school is great to meet ALL sorts
of dogs and people. I enjoy it as much as Jazmin, some times she's a minx next she's a angel, as they all are. I think it stops you getting frustrated, when you/dog dont get it right, and allows you to laugh at yourself,every
one has good and bad days,We'er all the same, learning.
Mazz

[kita]

Originally Posted by Sassysmum

Just be careful when choosing a DTC though as some are very OUT DATED with their methods

I would agree, also be careful if you do go to a 'puppy' class, make sure that there are only a small amount of puppies there and that the pups are not allowed to run riot in an uncontrolled way. I have heard some horror stories about puppy classes (pups being forced to 'join in' and being bullied by other more confident/unruly pups).

To be honest I would rather just join a normal well run dog training class, after all your dog is going to meet all ages and all sizes of dog in its day to day life - not just other pups!

Sue

[Stuart]

I would also suggest a normal training class as opposed to just a puppy class, most of these type of places have different levels of training each time they meet, so your pup will meet all sorts of different types and ages,..and when you are able to, you just move up to the next age group without having to go looking for another training club

The one we have been to was in a large hall, where we had puppy classes in one corner older dogs in another, and show classes in another,...and then alltogether for a bit of agility for those who wanted a go,..so it does pay to get just the right place.

As for training at home,...well training never stops,..so you are bound to continue what you learnt in class once you return home anyway

[Sanke]

Hi all
Thanks for replies. The club we are thinking of going to has several classes going on at the same time Puppies then 4 different stages, then agility etc so as we progress we can stay at the same club
Have already started home training & will do a bit every day