puppy class necessary?

[Kentopp]

So, I'm looking for opinions on whether puppy training class is necessary or not. I see that Petsmart has the intro puppy class for like $110 I feel like I could teach my puppy on my own the same things the class would teach, add in plenty of socialization and save $110....The only thing I can think of is if I wanted to do some further training, agility, show, etc, they'd prob have to go through the intro class first.

 

[Smokeycat]

I took both of mine to the Petsmart puppy classes. I chose to because I was new to dog ownership and was paranoid that I would mess up and have an obnoxious dog that people want to avoid. The second reason was for socialization but was greatly disappointed on that point. The last 2 levels that I went to had 2 dogs in each one, one of mine and a second dog who only showed up for about 1/2 the classes.

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

No really but socialization in general is good for dogs. I didn't do the the Petsmart classes with either of my dogs. Let me take that back I did it when I got Thor at 8 months, but not by choice. The trainer was using Thor as an example for classes thus for my help I didn't have to pay anything for the "basic" or "advance" class. It was fun I'll admit but personally I wouldn't pay for it.

 

[MsAcer]

I would happily pay that money to a private trainer who does group class'es, then to a big box store. It all really depends on who trained that *trainer*. I have seen some pretty crappy trainers in Pet smart's and petCo's, just like their groomers. Anyone can say they are a trainer. Ask around at your local vet, privately owned pet stores and dog groomers and see who they recommend.

 

[Kentopp]

thanks for the advice people. I found a police k9 presa kennel kinda in the area so i am going to get ahold of them and see who they recommend near me.

 

[DennasMom]

I'd save my money before going to a big box training class. But, I do go to classes, and plan on doing more in the near future. I've been mixing up the trainers, to get new insights into dog psychology and training styles. Denna and I found a puppy play group, which was much better than the puppy class. Even OB part I was a review for what I've taught Denna at home - but it was a new method for us (clicker). Even if you want to go into more advanced classes, you can talk to the trainer and "test out" of previous classes, depending on what they require.
We've only done one-on-one training when we had an issue to resolve. But, I might do that in the future, too... Denna could use some help on recall training.

 

[Cody]

I would also contact local IPO/working clubs in your area and see who they recommend for a trainer.
That is usually a good starting point.

 

[Robtouw]

My rotti went to school for a year and had extensive training. My shepherd was a doggy school drop out, he did the exercises once, maybe twice and then laid down. I am pretty sure he was saying I got it, lets move on. He seemed impatient and bored with the repetition. My last OEM had puppy classes, but did not do well because of all of the distractions and due to some over energetic pups in the large class, all of my others I've trained myself. I guess it depends on how much time you have to commit to training. I always recommend getting your pup socialized by interacting with other dogs on a regular basis, I did that through doggy daycare and did see a difference. Honestly, most of my dogs have learned quicker and retained more with one on one training rather than training in a large group.

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

My rotti went to school for a year and had extensive training. My shepherd was a doggy school drop out, he did the exercises once, maybe twice and then laid down. I am pretty sure he was saying I got it, lets move on. He seemed impatient and bored with the repetition. My last OEM had puppy classes, but did not do well because of all of the distractions and due to some over energetic pups in the large class, all of my others I've trained myself. I guess it depends on how much time you have to commit to training. I always recommend getting your pup socialized by interacting with other dogs on a regular basis, I did that through doggy daycare and did see a difference. Honestly, most of my dogs have learned quicker and retained more with one on one training rather than training in a large group.

I agree its a bonding experience for both handler and dog. I learned so much from training Thor myself, now I need to get started with Stone....lol.

 

[Kentopp]

Thanks everyone. I contacted a few local clubs and people to try and figure out a good trainer for some small group or one on one training. The socialization thing shouldn't be an issue. That has been a main priority of mine, since my girlfriends dog was under socialized as a pup and its taken a lot of work to get her normalized. Don't want to have a 150lb skiddish beast on my hands with Nico.

 

[joshuagough]

You'd be better advised to hire a quality trainer, that comes to your home & works with you and the pup.

It's more training you, than the pup. Its money that will last you a life time if you have more pups..

 

[Kujo]

I took the Petsmart class with the family dog (a Yorkie) when I was 10. now, 15 years later, Petsmart was all over me trying to get me sign up for the puppy training class, I opted out (I felt like they were trying to hustle me). I knew it had been a while since I'd done any training, but I remembered most of it. Now Kujo has all the basics plus some fun ones and we get complimented wherever we go by how well mannered he is and that he actually responds when a stranger will ask him to sit or shake. I think doing the class just once, 15 years ago, did help with my training today, but it's not anything you couldn't do yourself with a little studying or friends with some experience. And we keep him well socialized with our dog park friends and family dogs. I also watched a lot of the dog whispering shows, that's where I learned how to behave in a dominant manner and to remain calm and confident during every training session or walk, they didn't tell me this at Petsmart.