Puppy Classes??

[Sep1702]

Hello
Mali is 12 weeks old on Monday and has been with us 4 weeks I just wondered if you think puppy classes are a must and if so when would be the best time to start now that she's had all her injections??  We live in Cardiff so if anyone has any recommendations that would be fab thanks x

[Welsh cocker]

We started puppy classes with Wilma at 12 weeks. We go to Caerphilly. They have a website a Rockwood Training. They are very good and have a range from puppy, to adult classes, as well as agility and tv training, so it could provide an energy outlet for her for years. The only negative is that the classes can have quite a few dogs, but on the other hand tha has allowed us to do lots of socialisation (which Wilma needed). They also do 1:1 consultations for specific behaviour problems.

A number of years ago we took our collie to the goid dog citizen scheme training which is still held in Pontcanna riding stables. Again, they train quite a few at once but were also good. They don't have such good agility links though.

As for whether I think they are a must, we have always done lots of puppy training at home so if you do this it isn't essential. But the social side is important. As is the ability for the dog to follow commands when surrounded by other dogs/people. This is what I have found helpful. Also the opportunity to pick the trainers brains about certain issues.

If you have any questions about either, I'll be happy to help. We have 4 weeks left of puppy school in Caerphilly 

[Sep1702]

Fab thank you!!

We are spending a lot of time training at home and she has already met lots of people and a couple of other dogs, I hadn't considered the listening to commands whilst surrounded by lots of dogs so thank you x

[HBP]

I took mine to a training class as I've never had my own dog before and was anxious to make sure I was doing it right! As it is, I did a lot of training with him at home as well  using books and things so we found the classes easy enough. But they are good for socialisation and for working under distracting circumstances! Hudson is nearly 8 months now, "graduated" from his puppy class just before christmas. We've carried on going to the intermediate class now though because he loves it! The class is held in a church hall and he practically rips my arm out of its socket walking through the churchyard to get there!  Plus I get to see all the lovely puppies in the class before us 

Wouldn't say its a must,  plenty of people train their own dogs and do a great job of it. But if you can get to one i'd definitely say give it a try. Make sure its one that uses positive reinforment methods. 

[Mudmagnets]

Wouldn't say its a must,  plenty of people train their own dogs and do a great job of it. But if you can get to one i'd definitely say give it a try. Make sure its one that uses positive reinforment methods. 

I agree - not a must, but I do believe they help most pups & owners, although there are some pups that don't do so well and do better on their own 

I would also say that if for any reason you are not happy with your first training club, don't be afraid to look around for another.

 If you look on the Kennel Club website & under their training tab, you should find a list of clubs in your area - most clubs (but not all) will be involved in the Good Citizen Awards - starting with Puppy Foundation course.