Puppy classes/Vaccinations

[DebraDownSouth]

First, socialization can be done without puppy classes. Puppies present the LARGEST risk to him for disease. Introducing him to dogs and people you know, particularly dogs that have completed their vaccinations and are older, it almost totally safe after the initial shots.

Second, Petsmart isn't somewhere I would take ANY puppy. They bring in rescues and shelter dogs, they do not require proof of vaccinations, and they let people come in. We had an outbreak of parvo some are sure they got there as it was the ONLY common place.

Third, Petsmart notoriously has sketchy trainers. Some areas are good, most not so much. I just filed a complaint at our local one after observing TWO of their trainers pop and jerk puppies.

That said, anywhere BUT petsmart, that requires proof of vaccinations started, should be safe and fun. This link has a lot of info, including the assoc pet trainers link at bottom. See what is available.

MOST people, really, are able to train their pups on their own. (NOTE… pets. If you plan to show or obedience or compete, you need pros! ) Socialization doesn't have to be in a class. But socialization is utterly totally important. Having gotten a dog (Arwen) who basically had NONE til almost 14 wks old, it is a hard learning curve to overcome. That said, I have also done rehab on feral dogs. You can over come it. But why make life harder. Just don't buy into the only way to socialize is puppy training classes. You are already doing a good job. In fact, I suggest that socializing with HUMANS of all sorts, shapes, sizes, colors and ages is even more important than with other dogs.

http://www.ehow.com/info_7889981_tips-puppy-behavior-training.html

[tanza]

I agree that once you have 2 set of shots, they are pretty much covered…. I have never waited pass that to take my kids out. Of course common sense is needed in where they go and "what" they sniff.... While I have never gone to Petsmart I do know people that have... depends on the instructor... but I would say that 99% of the time you can find a better puppy class with a local dog club then using Petsmart

[YodelDogs]

Tanza brought up a good point in that all trainers are not created equal. I recommend that you meet instructors and watch at least one of their classes before you commit to signing up. Look for an instructor who uses positive techniques (treats and clicker training are good) and has a good interaction with the students. Don't be shy. Ask the students after the class how they like the class and instructor. If you feel good about everything then go ahead and sign up. You and Dexter will enjoy it.

[DexterDex]

Well, I don't even know how I would find another puppy training class/group around here. I have read on another thread that some people discourage going to Petsmart for training, while others say that their experience went well. I suppose it does depend on the area and instructor. My worry is that if I do bring him to Petsmart, I won't know where the other puppies came from or what their health is like. I have been doing my best at introducing Dex to a wide variety of people and other dogs..and cats. He certainly has met and played with plenty people of different "sorts, shapes, sizes, colors" and loves them all!

[deschroedter]

Yes, wait till all shots are completed, it would only take one sick dog to affect your baby

[lisastewart]

check your local kennel club for training referrals, many clubs do their own classes.
http://www.akc.org/clubs/search/index.cfm
you can check on the AKC web site for the nearest kennel club and send them an email. This website will let you search for trainers who belong to the APDT association. I like training with them.

http://www.apdt.com/petowners/ts/default.aspx

[DebraDownSouth]

Megan, the link i gave on the other site tells you how to find trainers. Also, call the local breed clubs as many have puppy classes etc.

[DexterDex]

Thanks for the links. Sorry, I must have missed that the first time! :o

[DexterDex]

I checked the link and I think the closest class is a little over an hour away from here. I also talked to someone at Petsmart and they told me that I DID have to bring proof that Dexter had begun his vaccinations… I'd still like to go and watch a class there.

[Kipawa]

@DexterDex:

I checked the link and I think the closest class is a little over an hour away from here. I also talked to someone at Petsmart and they told me that I DID have to bring proof that Dexter had begun his vaccinations… I'd still like to go and watch a class there.

By all means, go and see a class there. I think everyone should do this BEFORE they sign up for any dog class. You will get a feel for the trainer, whether or not they have assistants with them, how many dogs they allow in the class, and how much time is used for social interaction before the actual training begins. These things are really important. Looking back at where Kipawa did his first class (he graduated) I would not go back there, even though they are really well thought of. The head trainer there is just not my cup of tea. One of her assistants that did two classes out of the 6 was much better. Also, way too much time was spent on dog socialization prior to the beginning the actual training. Most of the dogs should have first been put into a puppy socialization class, not a training class. Lastly, the trainers website said that there would be a max of 8 dogs there. For our last two classes there were 12 and 14 dogs there. Really chaotic - not enough order in the class - and you could tell the dogs were being impacted by that.