What do you suggest in regards to early training?

[Alli and Barkley]

I tried searching for relative posts, but didn't find any current topics on this. 

 

We are trying to decide on where to enroll Barkley for some basic puppy obedience classes, mostly for socialization.  We have three options and aren't sure how to proceed.  SO-

 

Barkley will be 7 weeks when we bring him home.  The two training classes start when he would be 10 weeks- do you suggest

 

1) Petsmart puppy socializtion/training using clicker $105 for 6 weeks (requires one round of vaccines and clean fecal)

 

2) Puppy Kindergarten at a center that also does higher level training/ CGC and Therapy testing $145

   Don't train with clicker, but we are more than welcome to use it (requires 2 rounds of vaccines prior and proof of clean fecal)

 

3) Save the money, since we are already spending a small fortune, and socialize/train him on our own- I will be home with him all day and have a read up a ton on training, etc.  Save the money for professional training when he is a bit older and his immune system is built up more

 

 

 

 

[Adina P]

If you haven't already, peek in to the Training Experiences group...well join too if you want.  While it isn't intended for basic puppy stuff, if you peruse past discussions and past 'monthly assignments' you will see what some of us have been working on, our very different methods and philosophies and maybe it might help you determine when and where the right place is for you and Barkley is.  If your husband has higher obedience standards then it might be good for him to do the advanced training himself or at least attend class with you so you are all on the same page.  There are lots of training philosophies and methods out there...whatever you choose should make sense to you and inspire you to be committed and consistent in how you train :)

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

2 or 3

 

we did 3 - when we got Cooper we didnt have a car so couldnt go to classes. I like the fact that we could put in lots of effort at home. Cooper would have been too distracted by the other dogs to do well at classes (even at 2 I think she would rather play with the dogs than learn)

 

Because you will be at home I think you can do a great job yourself! 2 also sounds good. Id stay clear of PetSmart

 

I tried clicker training with Cooper, she caught on to it instantly, but I didnt like it. I much prefer using my voice to train her with

[Alli and Barkley]

Thanks for your advice!  There is just so many options when it comes to dogs isnt there?

 

[Coco Chanel and Cheryl]

I started Coco at Petsmart and she didi great with it. We started at 10 weeks and it was the right amount of puppies for her. I would take Barkley there and watch a couple of training classes and see which trainer he gets along with best. I did that and she had a great experience because she is in love with the trainer!! We took intermediate class too with the same trainer and she rushes to get out of the car and into the store even though we are done with class!!

[Coco Chanel and Cheryl]

I didn't do clicker training, I did the regular class because I wanted her to respond to my voice. The class helped me more because I learned what was normal for a puppy!! I love my PetSmart but the one in the other direction, I would never go to. You need to check yours out and see.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Train early, often and constantly - at home until he is completely immunized.  But then I am a clean freak.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

I would go with option 2 Myla went to puppy training at 10 weeks at Petsmart she was an angel-part of the class is involved in walking the store for distractions but I wish we would have done option2 since we can socialize them by driving to Petsmart whenever, it wasn't as structured as I hoped it would be. If you shop at Petsmart you can always peek in on a puppy class and see how well the trainer is doing, etc. We also socialized by sitting outside other stores and other pet stores also. Good luck, but to me #3 is not an option-it's worth the money for a well behaved/socialized dog. Besides they love to get in the car and go!!

[Alli and Barkley]

UPDATE:  Thank you all so much!  I stopped in our local independent pet shop and the owner recommend an awesome training place for Barkley.  After I talked to the trainer I felt so comfortable with signing Barkley up for socialization/puppy training classes- the cost was completely reasonable, and the time/distance fits our schedule perfectly.  They offer tons of training classes for when Barkley is ready down the line, including CGC.

 

I was further convinced that it was the place to send Barkley when I went to their website and, Guess who Dog of the Month was....... a Goldendoodle of course :)