Puppy training classes

Fireflyaway

I have a cavapoo, he is 20 weeks old. Several family members are telling me I 'must' take him to puppy classes. I'm reluctant because the timings of most local classes clash with work and to be honest, the cost. I don't have much spare income. Part of me feels I'm being a bad owner if I don't go but I think we are managing ok without going. I think they say this because he is very excitable and energetic compared to the dogs they have had. They interpret this as bad behaviour where as I see it as him just being a puppy! Anyone not been to classes but managed ok? I don't remember it being such a thing when I was younger and had dogs with my parents.

Savvy_Sue

I don't know at what age 'just being a puppy' turns into 'just excitable and energetic', but I do know that excitable and energetic in a puppy is not so attractive in an older dog - and if he doesn't learn how to behave around other dogs and people as a puppy, it's going to be even more hard work once he's no longer a puppy. 

I'm sure formal training classes weren't so much of a thing when I was younger either, but that had consequences: my parents' dogs were excitable and energetic to the point where my sons really didn't like visiting, and I was on tenterhooks even when the dog was shut away from us, because I knew if it could slip into the same room as us if the door was opened, it would!
Whereas a sibling had a rescue dog who they trained beautifully, including classes, and once my sons knew that that dog
a) wouldn't bark constantly at them;
b) wouldn't bound straight up to them and jump around right in front of them;
c) would go and lie quietly once he knew who had arrived
they were quite happy to be around it. 

SensibleSarah

I'd say that it depends on your experience as an owner. Is this your first pup? 
Personally, I found training classes of huge benefit with my first dog (going back a lot of years here) and helped me to 'fix' all of the major issues I had with her. All of the learning was for me by the way, not the dog! 
Not felt like I've needed to go with any of my dogs since. That said - none of them have been puppies. I think that getting the right puppy class could be a great help to you - but a badly run one that is just a free-for-all could actually do more harm than good - but most of the dog trainers or vets doing classes like this would be happy for you to attend or watch one first for free (leaving your pup at home) so you should be able to gauge if you think it will be useful for your situation then. 

Fireflyaway

This is my first dog since being married. I had a yorkie when I was living at home and grew up around Labradors and German Shepherds ( dad was a police dog handler). Our cavapoo walks nicely on the lead, no longer bites feet and will sit when asked. His recall is hit and miss. He is easily distracted! He sees and meets other dogs daily on walks and is fine with them. The only issue is he tries to jump up at anyone passing by because looking so cute he usually gets a lot of fuss. I'm working on this and he is improving. 

ladyholly

I used to work with a small local rescue and took many dogs to training classes as well as our own. I found them really useful especially with regard to getting the dogs used to being around other people and dogs. The training really isnt for the dogs it is to help you know how to train your dog. Be persistent and dont give up, your dog is still very young and will make mistakes but you will get there.I took one dog (about 7years old) who persistently either tried to hide or attack the other dogs (both in class or out) but with persistence and good training he became the most amazing dog to the point my husband could walk hime through our local high street just before Christmas with no lead. (This was an experiment not something we did regularly) and he behaved perfectly.

Good luck with you puppy and if you can find classes that you like definitely  take him (its also a good way to meet other owners and exchange ideas and possibly meet for walks outside classes. Just be aware that dogs, like children, sometimes pick up the habits you dont want.