Author Topic: Ideal age to take to training classes  (Read 733 times)

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Offline Natalielouise56

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Ideal age to take to training classes
« on: August 25, 2017, 03:10:53 PM »
Hi all- first time puppy owner and forum poster here. Already learnt so much from this forum!

I just wanted to ask when people think a good age is to take a puppy to training classes. I have found one local to me and by the time it is due to commence our puppy will be 12 weeks of age and the class says it focuses on basic obedience lessons. I suppose really, I'm also asking when a good age is to start focussing on these basic obedience lessons at home as well. Any advice is much appreciated.
Thanks!

Offline bizzylizzy

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Re: Ideal age to take to training classes
« Reply #1 on: August 25, 2017, 03:55:24 PM »
Hi and welcome! I personally don't think its ever too early to start training basic obedience, at that age they're still so eager to learn and by doing things the right way to start with, you'll avoid the pitfalls of them learning "bad" habits which are harder to correct later. Training classes are as much for the owner as for the dog and particularly if you're a first time dog owner, its a good idea to start early.
Its worth checking out that the classes are focused on young puppies though, putting very little ones into a group with boisterous "teenagers" can be contra-productive and do more harm than good. It should be a positive experience for your pup but if you feel he's not coping for any reason, take him out and try again another day.
At home you can start with basic sit and also getting him to come to you when you call him. (Get someone to hold him while he watches you put his food down and then call him).
We'd love to know more about your pup - whats his/her name? And of course pictures - we just love those!!  :luv:
Good luck and keep us posted!

Offline Micahs Mum

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Re: Ideal age to take to training classes
« Reply #2 on: August 25, 2017, 04:34:55 PM »
As soon as possible! Micah is 9 weeks old and we started training straight away. My experience with Cockers,  English & American, are they're like a sponges, can be very focused & eager to learn so starting straight away is a must so that the soak in good habits not bad!
Micah has amazed me with his focus and how fast he's learning after just 1 week!

With classes again the sooner the better. Most training schools will want your pup to have had his last vaccination at least the week before his first class.

In the meantime it's really important to get your pup out and about for socialisation. The first fear stage is around 16 weeks so you want to cram in just about everything your pup will encounter I'm his life.
You will probably want to carry your pup around until a week after his last vaccination though there was a study published around 3 years ago by a Professor at Bristol University that said the antibodies the pups get from their mum can cover them until they are 16 weeks old. It recommended that vaccinations be done at 9 & 16 weeks as its possible the mothers antibodies could kill off the vaccination. However I only know 1 vet who has adopted this protocol.

Whilst I do carry Micah around when out socialising I am taking him to a puppy workshop tomorrow at a training school I've been involved with for years. I feel the earlier I can introduce him to things the better.

Sometime around 6 months old the teenager phase can begin & can last up until they are 2 so the more training you can get in before then the better!

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Sam, ECS Micah & Golden Retrievers Logan and Alby

Offline Natalielouise56

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Re: Ideal age to take to training classes
« Reply #3 on: August 25, 2017, 07:53:59 PM »
Thank you for your responses. All going well, we are picking him up tomorrow! I will of course update with progress and photos and I'm sure I'll have many more questions!