Obedience School...

[Joann Valerio]

Recently met a Wheaten Mom who told me she sent her Wheaten to OS for two (2) weeks (24/7).
Wondering how old you would suggest a Doodle should be before doing this. Haven't called the
facility she used, but thinking they would allow parent visits...not sure though. Thanks!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I would do this ONLY if you were physically unable to train the dog yourself with classes. Training the dog yourself helps you bond and gives you a sense of accomplishment and control.  When you send your dog out to be trained, you still have to be trained in the commands etc. and you have to continue practice and follow up or you will have spent a lot of money for nothing.

[Adina P]

Yup! Training is not like programming a computer. You might save two weeks of initial effort, but will still have to put in plenty more to maintain the training. Realistically, not *that* much can be accomplished in a mere two weeks.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I completely agree with Nancy. Training is not for the sole purpose of teaching them commands but also to teach them that you are their pack leader and they are to follow your lead and rely on you for all things.  It is  a very bonding time and sets the tone for your future relationship. Plus, personally, I couldn't imagine handing my new baby over to a stranger for two weeks once she was home with me. I was totally in LOVE! LOL 

[Wendy and Myla]

LOL - stands for "lots of love"!!!  I totally believe in training yourself or yourself with a trainer!!!!  Then you both know what to expect and what is expected!

[Wynnie & Jim]

As older doodle owners, my DW and I spent one day a week (one hour) for six weeks in each of the following classes: puppy socialization, Obedience Level 1, Polite Greeting, Impulse control, Loose leash walking and Reliable recall. Between the classes, I would practice the lessons each day with Wynnie. The homework sessions were brief and we had lots of fun playing at "obedience." The bonding between us was wonderful and we now continue with our lessons each day on our walks and in our play time. The training sessions trained all three of us: Wynnie, DW and me. We now are in Agility classes for fun and I love listening to the trainer and working with Wynnie on the Agility course. The sense of accomplishment is just great. Do the training yourself and enjoy it. Training is easier than you think.

[Joann Valerio]

Thanks for all the feedback!

[Leslie J]

I have a friend who did this for her lab. For a month after his return from "training camp" it seemed the solution to all their problems. Then, slowly he started to forget all his training. My friend tried the reinforcement techniques recommended by her trainer, but they gradually became ineffective. At that point the trainer offered more training at half price. My friend decided against it.

Her lab has outgrown many of his issues, but the training didn't seem to be good value.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I agree with everyone else about the bond that training builds, and training isn't just for the dog, it's for us too.  I have seen it work in one situation where the dog went to "training camp" at 10 weeks old for I believe two weeks and then the owner went through a couple days of training at the end to learn all the techniques to continue on with the training.  It was my brother and his lab puppy, and he wanted a "jump start" since he hadn't owned a dog in many years.  He was really diligent about the follow-up work, and so the training was successful.  It would have been just as effective if he did it with classes or individual lessons, but he just wanted to hurry the initial process.

[Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin]

Training is just as much for you as it is for your pup.  I am still going to training once a week with both my doodles.  I go for the fun, I have created many friendships and to keep from becoming lazy with my reinforcements.  It is money and time well spent.  Your doodle will love you for it!!!