Where to go from here?

[Buzby]

I have just found out that puppy training classes might not be possible for us
I called the guy but they are pretty far away from where we live and it might not work out for us.
Really frustrating as I hoped there would be a suitable option nearby but we do live in the sticks.
I do have a couple of puppy books and she does get out and see lots of people and some dogs too but is this going to be enough? What can I do on my own til I find a solution?

[8 Hairy Feet]

There are some short training
videos on The Dogs Trust
website, you do not have to be
a member to access them
www.dogstrust.org.uk/
steffxxx
eta
go onto the site, where it says
A-Z , put in T (for training)
et viola
hth

[JeffD]

You don't need puppy classes to train your pup, but you do need to socialize your pup as much as possible especially at this age. I  still  take Teal to shopping centers , game fairs, pets at home any where there is lots of people and other dogs.

There is so much info on the internet on dog training, lots of youtube vids and the folks on this forum will answer most of your questions, although we wont always agree 

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

I have just found out that puppy training classes might not be possible for us
I called the guy but they are pretty far away from where we live and it might not work out for us.
Really frustrating as I hoped there would be a suitable option nearby but we do live in the sticks.
I do have a couple of puppy books and she does get out and see lots of people and some dogs too but is this going to be enough? What can I do on my own til I find a solution?

you don't "need" training classes. You just have to know what you want to do and keep practicing but be consistent

[jonnytrabant]

Have to agree with Jeff, you certainly don't need puppy classes, in fact they were negative for my dog, that nots to say they don't work for everyone, I just thought my dog was already doing a lot of stuff they were teaching. Also I don't like the treat based reward that so many puppy schools do

[Buzby]

Thanks, not feeling so bad now but would still like to find a class if at all possible. 
I do have the Ian Dunbar downloads and the Gwen what's her name book and they are both great, just want to get o know other dog owners really.
I live in a village of 42 people so limited socialisation....

[Cassie01]

I think puppy classes are as much about training the trainer as training the pup. For the experienced owner there is probably limited need.

I have a new pup of nearly 7 months now - she has previously had no training. I was a bit dismayed when I found out our local trainer didn't take pups beyond 6 months, and to be honest I felt a bit panicky about doing this alone. However, with the help of a couple of friends, a minuscule amount of previous experience and the availability of info on CoL and T'internet, I'm sort of getting there. (I have however booked at a separate dog club for recall training).

As 8 Hairy feet says, the dogs trust vids are good and will assist you if you're a beginner. They're also available on youtube, et viola ... 

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4F64C87E574309A0

Each command is talked through and there is a video (albeit condensed and perfect) of the act being performed.

These commands are in essence what you would learn whilst in puppy classes. Of course there is always the aspect of meeting other peeps and their pups which occurs when at classes but as you're getting out and about and meeting others and their dogs regularly I think that should offset the social aspect.

FWIW I think it's just a question of confidence. To try and test the theory try selecting just one vid and run through the lesson with your pup a few times - I feel pretty confident that you'll start seeing results fairly soon.

Good luck with it 

[Pearly]

I think JeffD has a good point - other places to take your pup to include garden centres as most allow dogs, your local vet practice may have their own puppy socialisation class and may even be able to help with training.  Pet stores and dog friendly pubs are great places to meet others with dogs, too!

There are also plenty of COL meets across the UK and you may live closer to another COL who may be willing to meet up.......

Jayne
x

[Buzby]

I think JeffD has a good point - other places to take your pup to include garden centres as most allow dogs, your local vet practice may have their own puppy socialisation class and may even be able to help with training.  Pet stores and dog friendly pubs are great places to meet others with dogs, too!

There are also plenty of COL meets across the UK and you may live closer to another COL who may be willing to meet up.......

Jayne
x

Thanks Jayne but we are in Spain 

All sound advice though and there is a garden centre an hour and a half away that we might try. - you think I am joking but we really are away from things here 

[Pearly]

Crikey! didn't realise that - sorry!  Sounds completely fabulous to be that far away from anything

There are a number of rescue centres in Spain that look after the dogs then bring to the UK....mostly Spanish Hunting dogs, I think - they may be able to help with information or trainers details.  Discovered this in Roquetas last year but also a gent at the Parkgate Inn, at our first meet there, had two that he'd brought over from one of them......I can always call the Landlord to ask if he has any information - think they were "regulars".....

[SophieBlueRoanLover]

I'd definitely try the Dog's Trust videos - my dog got the "down" command after I watched these, having tried to teach it otherwise (and using the method the trainer suggested) and failed. The videos can be a bit irritating, but I think they cover the basics. If you watch those and make sure you socialise your dog with as many dogs and people and noises and situations as possible then I think you'll be fine. One of the things I taught my pup was something that the trainer taught when my husband was in the class, but when the dog and I were absent - so it's not absolutely necessary that you're there - just that you make the effort to teach the dog things (and those videos will give you the necessary knowledge). You also need a lot of practise and patience, as the dog will go through times when they're not that interested (the teenage months!).