Puppy class or not?

[Cathy]

Charlie is 3 1/2 months old, and while socialized well with people, he seems to be a little frightened of some dogs.  I have been keeping him away from most dog situations, since he won't be finished with his shots for another 3 weeks.  I am concerned now though, and my question is should I get him into some type of puppy socialization class, or just get him around more dogs that I know.  If it's the latter, is it okay to have them come to his yard or should we meet on neutral territory?  My concern about the class is that they are held in areas where so many dogs frequent.  thanks!

[Helen]

I think it would be good to try the puppy class, if there is an issue the instructor may have some good tips for you. You could also try meeting other dogs on mutual ground, so his yard is a safe haven. As you develop friendships have them over for playdates. We just finished a class at Petsmart, we only have three other dogs in the class.

That being said you should wait until you have had all your shots and not socialize with dogs and or people who have animals that a not current on shots.

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

We took Sedona to two phases of puppy classes and we're really glad we did. Of course, we all learned the basic commands, but one of the best parts of the class was the opportunity for her to socialize with other puppies her age (in a well-supervised setting).

Our class was offered by an independent dog training business - as compared to being part of Petsmart or Petco. Classes were held in a location where only dog training took place, so the cleanliness of the room and the health of the dogs who'd been there previously were controlled. The class came highly recommended by our breeder and our instructor was excellent!

[Melissa]

We took Buddy to Petsmart for Puppy class and actually just started the Intermeidiate class last week. Puppy class was great! They had play time before class and also at the end of class. All dogs int he class were up on their immunizations as well as the dogs that are allowed in the same area when classes are not being held. (Petsmart uses the room for their doggy day care, but they clean it regularly). I think having him the class will benefit him all around. You learn things that you might not know to teach him and also the trainers are able to answer any other questions you might have, we had a lot! And it is a more controlled environment instead of just meeting dogs on a walk and such.

[shelly]

Cathy~ have you checked with your vet? I know our vet just started FREE puppy playgroups for puppies not yet old enough for class, but who they know are "safe" .... I know I was afraid to send tori around other dogs (we actually were at a different vet when she was young), but I think that did more harm than good in hind sight.

[Camilla and Darwin]

YES. Puppy class helped Darwin immensely. Initially, he would shrink behind my legs if a person or dog came up, and it would take him a few minutes to come out and say hi. I know part of it is a new setting, insecurity, etc. But when we signed him up for puppy kindergarten, it really helped him come out of his shell. Also, it helped us a lot with his training. I would definitely recommend it!

[Kay Bolin]

Misty is 4.5 months old and just finished her first puppy class which was 6 weeks long. It was for puppies that were 8-18 weeks old at the start of class. It was a private business trainer, with a very clean facility. She had a separate area for our puppies to be outside which other dogs are not allowed in. A very important part of the class was for our puppies to play together off leash with the teacher supervising. We visited another private trainer before we chose this one, and among other reasons that we chose the one we did was that the class was not just out in a park where anyone could have their dog, and there were special arrangements for our puppies because they were too young to have completed their shots.

We have also invited other persons with dogs we knew to play in our yard with Misty. It's been great for her.

Anyway, Misty has benefited greatly especially from the puppy class - and we're signed up for the next one just because of the huge benefits from a well trained dog. We'll be living with the results of this first year or two for many years to come! I can't recommend these classes enough.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

With Spud ( when he was old enough--all shots) we went to the little dogs area of the dog park. It separated out all the rowdy older dogs. Yeah, he was much bigger but since he was a shy puppy at the time, we would ask others in this area if it was okay. They loved him. It was gentle in there and it gave him a chance to play and socialize.

Puppy class--go.

[Kyoko]

I say puppy class as well. At puppy class, I believe most of situations are much controlled where you can run into a "Bully Dog" at the dog park, further frightening the puppy with another dog. There may be 2 types of puppy class, one is just for the socialization and the others are puppy obedience. I think either one of them would be great for the socialization purposes.

[Christine & Shelby]

I agree with everyone. I did puppy socialization with Shelby beginning at 10 weeks. The facility was clean, they required all puppies be current on shots given their age. Shelby got to play with other puppies or various age, be handled by many different people and it was a great experience. Shelby is very social and it is great! I highly recommend it. I enrolled her in Puppy Kindergarten shortly after, but since I brought her home just after Christmas, most of the training facilities were waiting until early February to start. A responsible facility/trainer, will require shots and that puppies be up to date. It is my opinion that the risk of not socializing a pup early is far more dangerous than risking possible illness from exposure in controlled settings. I say go for it.... you will love and Charlie will LOVE it!

[Susan, Zeke. Lily & Jasper]

All 3 of our doods have attended puppy classes (Jasper has just started) and I highly recommend it. It's a wonderful opportunity to form a close bond and create trust with you as well as learn how to get along with other dogs and people. This is especially beneficial for a shy dog. In Jasper's class there is the tiniest chihuahua who was terrified of everything and everyone at the first session, but at the end of the second he would let other dogs approach him and other owners hold him or lead him. It's amazing how quickly their confidence can be built in this controlled environment. There is so much they need to learn to be confident in the BIG world and puppy class is a great start!