When should I start puppy school?

[Justin]

Hiya.  

Belle will be 11 weeks next week.  I know its prob a little soon, but when should I look into puppy classes?  And at what age should she be potty trained?

thanks

[Minga & Malu & Costa]

For the record I stated my dog didn't have any accidents since he was 11 weeks...not that he was "potty trained". There's a difference.

[Stephanie and Ragley]

Oh no- I hope you didn't think Ro and I were referring to your post! Hang around a while and you will see that there are many people who claim this feat (I'm sure you'll have friends or strangers that will too). In no way were we talking about what you said in your post. I apologize if it came off that way :)

[Minga & Malu & Costa]

Haha! well I read the other comments and didn't see anyone making this claim in this thread...so I was kind of thinking that. Lol, which is why I reiterated my statement.

Like she mentioned, I was just really good about taking him out on a schedule. I don't actually remember when I considered him "trained". I know he started standing at the back door about 10 weeks, and all three of his accidents were by the door prior to 11 weeks. After that he just never had an accident.

Costa has hopped at the door and barked once or twice (13 weeks now) but for the most part I rely on the rigid potty schedule. He definitely knows what to do when outside, always pees straight away, then poops if he needs to about a minute later. Then he will take time to explore the yard once the pottying is finished.

I think he has had about 6 accidents total since 8 weeks.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Oh no! My remark was not directed at you at all! Sorry ! Us " oldies" have seen puppy owners come and go from the Puupy Group...and so many claim that their pups were trained at ridiculous young ages. I don't think any of those people ever stuck around.

[Minga & Malu & Costa]

No worries! sometimes it's hard to tell on social media- I was just being a tad sensitive! All is well!!

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

:)

[David and Franklin]

Franklin has learned how to give me a look that indicates he has to go. It is my job to pay attention. He is 5 months. So I see the "look" today, and run out of the office to find his leash since there are workers in the back yard, leaving the door to the rest of the house open. Then the poodle starts yapping at the workers, and Franklin runs out of the office to join in the excitement. Then the phone rings with a potential new client on the line. So I put the poodle in one room and close the door; and close the office door so that I can hear neither dog barking, leaving Franklin alone in the living room. Poor little Franklin had an accident in the midst of the chaos. The little fella is not completely house trained, but I really cannot blame him for that one. I took my eyes off the little guy, so it is on me.

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

This happened to us too at five months, David! I was so discouraged at the time because I thought we had the training set, but learned that it is pretty common at that age. And happily enough, it hasn't happened since! :-)