Puppy classes

[Marion]

I was just wondering about puppy classes.
I have read so many books about basic puppy training and so far do the basic commends with Abby.
What are they doing in puppy classes?
Do they teach the owner how to handle the dog??
Just wondering since I havn't gone to a training class yet.
If they only teach me how to make the dog sit,down,stay. etc that would be something she is doing allready.
Any information appreciated.

[bonnie Sullivan]

We also taught Louie the basic commands early on, before we went to a puppy class. The best thing about puppy class is they learn to do the commands with distractions other dogs around. Louie was great with all the commands at home, but NOT so good in class because of all the distractions!. They also teach you how to walk your pup on a leash, go to their rug, and several helpful hints about behaviors. It's definitely worth it to go to a class.

[Susan Williams]

Bentley and I go to a puppy class at PetSmart. The class is held in a special confined area in the middle of the store. There is a socialization period where he is learning how to behave with other dogs, which is a lot different than when he plays with my son's Lab - especially when there's a tiny chihauha in the class! It's nice that he gets to be around other dogs his age (he's almost 4 months old) The class covers basic commands, walking on a leash, clicker training and is a good refresher for me since we haven't had a puppy for a very long time. We do the leash training walking around the store where there a lot of distractions so he's learning to concentrate too. Bentley is very well behaved in public, and I think the class has helped.

[Marion]

Thank you very much for convincing me to go to puppy class. I will now try to find a class near by.
She needs to meet more dogs, too.

[Melanie]

We just started puppy classes yesterday! We had a tough time deciding what training class to go with, 'cause there are so many options, but we finally decided on the classes that Pet Planet offers. Dyson is 3 months old and is in the Puppy Manners class. The first class was getting used to the clicker (conditioning and simple exercises). The great part is that after the class, there is drop in play for the dogs, so you can stay with your puppy afterwards and they get to play with all their classmates! (and older dogs who come just for the play time). I agree with everyone else that all the distractions a class environment offers is really great for the pup to be exposed to. The package we signed up for includes the Dog Manners class once the pup hits 5 months of age.

[Susan, Zeke. Lily & Jasper]

Marion, the socialization alone is well worth it. Zeke was wonderful with people but was totally freaked out by other dogs at first. He too already knew basic commands but took several sessions to show what he knew because he was so skittish around the other dogs. By the end of the course he was doing great and has not had any more problems meeting other dogs.