Hi All

We'll be picking up our Leonberger pup at the end of Feb. I have two children and my husband is at work during the day and most puppy training classes are at a very difficult time in the evening which would be very difficult to get to with regards to my husband getting home from work in time to take over with the kids so Pup and I can go to classes.

I can't seem to find any weekend classes in Surrey but have found some really interesting behaviorists/trainers who do the classes at your house and the upside is they can start as soon as pup comes home rather than me having to wait for last vaccinations before attending classes with other dogs.

I just wondered what opinions are on this? Is it more important to go to a class so that pup has that exposure to other dogs (although obviously he will be exposed to other dogs on walks etc) does anybody has any experience with this sort of training in the home? all help advice greatly appreciated!

Thanks

It is vital for most puppies to attend off leash socialisation classes as these offer socialisation opportunities just not available anywhere else.

The only time I recommend one on one sessions for puppies is if puppy can't go to class for health reasons or immunity reasons or where puppy is not ready for class and it may be a traumatising experience for him.

Have a look at APDT puppy classes - there may be something to suit you: Local Dog Trainers - Association of Pet Dog Trainers UK

__________________
Anne, owned by Rufus & Tripod

Pet Central site & blog
Join us on FaceBook & Follow us on twitter

"I've seen a look in dogs' eyes, a quickly vanishing look of amazed contempt, and I am convinced that basically dogs think humans are nuts." - John Steinbeck

"If you don't want your dog to bite you, don't be an a**hole to him." ~ Dr. Ian Dunbar

Puppy socialisation is essential - check to see if there are any puppy parties in your area or puppy socialisation classes.

One to one puppy training is usually for puppies who are struggling with classes. Or for older puppies who missed getting into classes.

__________________
Dog Trainer And Walker in Bolton and Bury

How old are the kids?
Can they go to puppy classes with you? then you don't have to wait for your hubby.
My kids came along they enjoyed getting involved and could help with the training between classes.

__________________


A dog Possesses Beauty without Vanity,Strength without Insolence, Courage without Ferocity, And all the Virtues of Man without his Vices.

I dont thing there is a substitute for training classes really, pups learn valuable socialisation with dogs and humans in a controlled atmosphere and also learn to concentrate on you and the lessons with distractions,which is when it really counts. Pups can be perfect indoors alone but different again with things going on, You would still need to do training at home too, to practice what you learned at classes.

__________________

Unfortunaely my son is 16 mths and a training class around that time wouldn't be fun or productive!

Thanks very much everyone for help I've managed to find a class at Saturday lunchtimes so very pleased! Their based in Guildford and have an emphasis on kind reward based training which I feel fits best with my personality and our family ethos as a whole

Glad you found one that you can fit in. They really do help.

__________________

Pleased you found a class - good luck, keep us updarted with your progress

__________________


A dog Possesses Beauty without Vanity,Strength without Insolence, Courage without Ferocity, And all the Virtues of Man without his Vices.

I'm still in two minds as whether to take our pup to training classes or not. I've read on another forum that these classes could scar a puppy for life if it were to have a bad experience with another over excited bigger pup jumping all over it or snapping. The same with puppy parties organised by the vet, I've read people's dogs have turned aggressive and nervous of other dogs after a bad experience. When we got our Westie pup 15 years ago (sadly she's no longer with us) these classes were unheard of yet she turned out very well socialised and happy with other dogs just by us training her ourselves. Although a lot of dogs probably do benefit, I think it also seems to be the trendy thing to do these days and pressure from the vet doesn't help either.

__________________

It does depend on the classes, if you go to one run by a qualified trainer/behaviourist who uses reward based training techniques, and the classes are small and well structured then its fine. If you find its one that uses corrections like lead jerking, and any harsh handling, are very large and is a free for all then run a mile. Its not the puppy classes thats the problem, its how they are run.Pups benefit from good classes. Did you check the trainers qualifications and ask what size classes etc? If you post with details then we can advise you if its likely to be good or not. Another consideration is to go down and just observe what the class and trainer is like, before you actually take the pup. If the trainer is good and above board they would be quite happy for you to do this.

__________________