Opinions on puppy training classes sought please.

Jojaykay

Hello,
I would really appreciate peoples opinions on whether puppy training classes are worth it. I have a 11 wk old Border Terrier. We are doing well so far (I think!!) We're making good efforts to socialise her early, obay simple commands etc. Out for 1st walk on Sun so crossing fingers & toes that she'll be ok!
I have looked at some classes in the local area that range from £60 for 5 wks to £80 for an 8wk Kennel club foundation puppy course. I am concerned that I maybe able to achieve the same at home with lots of effort and little financial cost. But equally would be happy to pay for classes if I will increase my chances of having a well socialised and good mannered little girl! What do you think?
What are your experiencies of classes? Any advice will be much appreciated. Thank you.

Kittendreich

It will depend on where you are, but that is far more expensive than the classes I went to (not with a puppy, but the puppy classes cost the same). Look at local dog training clubs, try asking at the vets, on gumtree etc...

I went to a local agility club - We were £7/year to join the club plus £2 per week or £50 annual fee to cover everything - I did agility with them too and was going to 3 classes a week for much of the year - so an absolute bargain! This covered the Kennel club tests (puppy, bronze, silver and gold) as well.

I would think it was worth it - it is one thing to be well behaved with dogs you know, in known places - but it is much more of a stretch to deal with lots of different dogs in different environments.

Border terriers do have a reputation for being stubborn (although they are all different) so a strong foundation could be a good investment. I started training when we got our rescue when he was roughly 2 years old. Our 'novice' class was full of puppies who had graduated from puppy class, rescues who hadn't been trained in their old homes and people who hadn't bothered with puppy class hoping they could do well enough on their own...who had lots of work to do a year down the line as it hadn't worked out how they planned.

I also found it was good to have a set time in the week protected for training and a bit of 'homework' to do through the week - didn't want to show ourselves up by not practising!

Jessw0

I think going to classes are more for the owners benefit. You should be taking a puppy everywhere and anywhere to socialise it, and always be training at home and on walks. I did the first course with mine and left the second course half way through as my dog would get so excited from other dogs mis behaving, it was difficult to get anything done in the hour you pay for. I concentrated on doing it at home and took him everywhere and am pleased to say he's very well behaved and loves people and other dogs. I think classes work for some so it's just a case of seeing what you prefer.

Myrtle0204

Puppies tend to get most of their social skills when they are still very young so a class can be a really good idea as they are mixing with puppies of the same age. We have four dogs, one of whom went to puppy socialisation (the others are all really old) and she is the best socialised with other dogs. The beauty of puppy classes is that you know all the pups have had their vaccinations. By the time your pup is able to go out and about and meet other dogs alot of the best time for socialisation will have passed. :0)

It also helps teach you the basics of training, they tend to be very much focussed around positive reinforcement, the hope being that you end up with a puppy who os happy to learn :0)

CFC

I think it's worth it.

Jojaykay

Thank you for your informative responses.
Think I'll take another look for classes in local area.

k2chick

I take my 7 month old chihuahua to puppy classes I payed £5 to join the kennel club and £3 per week started off on simple commands eg sit he's coming along great and I would recommend it it's not only about training the dog but training yourself to. Plus everybody is friendly as they are all dog lovers to and a good way to meet new friends! :j

blue_monkey_2

I went to classes with my first dog and, with the 2nd dog, are going to differennt classes and have just completed the puppy foundation class and are working towards the Bronze. The assessor said that the pups were already at Bronze level now on some of the exercises so that was nice to hear.

To be frank, the 1st classes were a waste of my time and money as there was no real structure, with the KC one there is and we have homework. Check out the classes first and get recommendations from people who have been.

If it is your first dog I would certainly be going to classes so you can learn to apply the basics. We thought our first dog was OK until a dog trainer came round.... and was here for 3 1/2 hours. Just simple stuff like not barging through doors before you. We let her get away with FAR too much but the first class never taught me things like this - important things that make them well mannered dogs - but if you have not had a dog it is easy to get things wrong.

blue_monkey_2

k2chick wrote: »

I take my 7 month old chihuahua to puppy classes I payed £5 to join the kennel club and £3 per week started off on simple commands eg sit he's coming along great and I would recommend it it's not only about training the dog but training yourself to. Plus everybody is friendly as they are all dog lovers to and a good way to meet new friends! :j

Did they tell you that you was joining the kennel club? Because I don't think they have told you right, do you mean £5 to join the dogs club?