How old was your doodle when you took them to classes?

[Lukai]

I've been wanting to take Lukai ever since she was 2 months old to training classes but found out she can't be around places where other dogs been after she shots.

She receives her last shots this week and I was wondering how early you took your pup in? I've been training her on my own and she knows the basic: sit, lay, come, shake, and slowly learning "leave it". 

Any advice? Or where I can take her besides the regular PetSmart's, Petco?

I reside in the Phoenix, Arizona area. :)

[Erin]

Otto is starting tomorrow. He is 13 weeks old.

[Gwyndolyn Morasko]

I think Kona was 16 weeks old and I started classes (Puppy Kindergarten type beginning commands) right after his shots.  He was by far the star of the class because I had already taught him all of the basic commands at home, but it was still a good experience for him to learn to socialize weekly with many other puppies of all breeds, shapes, and sizes and ages (a few over 1 years old were in there)

[Emery & Watson]

I took Watson to training classes when he was between 4-5 months old.  In the puppy kindergarten class we took, I think the oldest pup was about 6 months old, so its definitely not too early if she finished all her shots.

[Marybeth & Yankee]

The Dog Obedience Club where Yankee went required puppies to be 6 mos. + for the basic obiedience class, he was 5.5 mos old and did great. He did not attend puppy classes because I worked with him at home. Hopefully we will begin novice classes soon.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

There should be plenty of trainers in the Phoenix area.  Often cities offer dog training through parks and rec classes.

Your vet may be able to recommend one or more qualified dog trainers.  Try googling dog trainers and look for experience, in training, where they learned to train dogs.  Group training classes are excellent for "proofing" the commands that your puppy does easily at home.  Different surroundings and distractions will really help the commands become firm and distraction proof.

[Lukai]

Thank you! You bring up a good point about distractions. Kai would typically obey commands alone with no distractions yet when around a bunch of people in a semi loud area she wouldn't. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Ned was 6 months.

[Janet & Jaxson]

Jaxson started puppy classes when he was about 10 weeks old. We went to a class that was just for puppies that had not yet completed their shots. It was held in an enclosed area that was sanitized. We (the humans) had to step into a bleach solution before entering the area. It was good not only for training but also for socialization. He went on to regular obedience classes and then to get his CGC. Good luck and enjoy the puppy time. They grow so fast!

[Lukai]

Oh! If I would have known this before I would have taken it up! :)

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I started with a Puppy Class mostly for socialization as soon as my guys were finished with their shots and safe to be around other dogs.  We started with more serious training later (around six months).  I think the Petco/Pet Smart classes are fine for puppies....it's really about getting them used to new situations and being around other dogs.  Later if you pursue more serious obedience work I think it's important to find a trainer who has a proven track record and uses training methods that you are comfortable with.

[Lukai]

Thank you everyone!

[Cynthia Shoe]

We started going at about 10 weeks. The puppy classes allowed us to go immediately, as they sanitized the rooms and all the puppies were at the same parts with their shots. We have been continuing classes every since.