When to start formal training

[NeoVector]

Morning all,

We've been doing the basics at home but want to move onto training classes.

We have chosen the one we are going to go to but not sure when we should start? He is currently 14 and a bit weeks old.

Thanks in advance for anyone's help.

[zeta1454]

You should start training classes as soon as you possibly can. We found a very good APDT training class near where we live that allowed pups to go as soon as they had their first jabs and it really brought on the pups that attended. Not all will let pups start so soon but as soon as they can take them do enrol.

Do make sure as well that the class is one that uses positive training methods and no harsh treatment, choke chains etc as the latter can actually damage pups rather than helping them to develop well. Sadly there are still training classes that have not taken on board the fact that clicker training and reward based training is far more effective - even the army and the police use these methods now for working dogs. Check out the class before you take your puppy by attending a class on your own and observe how the class is run. The trainer should welcome this and if they don't then don't go back. A number of good training classes actually have the initial 'lesson' with the owners anyway before they take their pups to explain about their methods and what they expect of you as well as what they are going to do in the classes. Small and young pups need to be trained safely and not allowed to be bullied or intimidated by bigger breed pups - or by a trainer

The class you have looked at may be absolutely fine but if you do have worries check the APDT website for more information and to find a trainer in your area:
http://www.apdt.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Good luck

[Cat M]

I started with Lola as soon as she was allowed out. We were in the puppy class first. My main aim was socialisation, the training came second. Over a year on and we still go to Obedience class and now also do Agility aswell. We both enjoy it.
I think I have learnt even more than Lola through our dog club. She is my first dog and I think I'm being rather well trained
When they are small pups it is a big step from doing things at home to the same thing at class where there are distractions from dogs, smells, new sounds, etc.I'm sure Neo will enjoy it. Let us know how you get on.
Are you far from Ferry Meadows in Peterborough? There should be another group walk towards the end of sept....keep your eyes peeled ;)

[NeoVector]

We checked out 6 different classes before we got Neo before deciding on the one we wanted to go to (and guess what, the furthest away! About 30 mins each way in the car).

We've been going to puppy social classes for the last 3 weeks (the same place where we will be doing the training) and the trainer actually teaches you how to protect your puppy and recognise when a puppy isn't enjoying it so you can step in.

We've done an introduction lesson (without puppy) to learn the method of teaching (absolutely no harsh methods used) and she also does dog body language theory lessons as well. She isn't on the APDT website but there is one person who is that we went to see and we really didn't rate her.

Didn't want to introduce him to formal training too early in case it was too much and he couldn't concentrate on us and we would only be setting him up to fail. Guess I can go to one lesson and see how he gets on I suppose?

I'm also thinking about going to a different one as well as they do agility (only fun) for about 15% of the lesson in a indoor horse training ring so is nice and soft on the floor and they drop all the bars for puppies so they only step over them. Do you think two different trainers is okay or will it be counter productive or harmful to him?

Definitely interested in coming up to Peterborough for the walks but by then Neo can only be doing about 30 minutes walking a day. Not sure how long the walk is.

Thanks for all your help

[Dawnspell]

I agree with Cat great place for socialisation and training with distraction. We started at 16 week wish it had been sooner but no courses

[Maty]

Creggan did the whole Peterborough walk at 19 weeks.......... but was in my arms for an awful lot of it

Rodders started formal training as soon as he had his jabs, Creggan did two or three lessons with his breeder straight after his first jab as I couldn't pick him up until he was 11 weeks. Then had a gap of about 4 weeks while we waited for the next set of lessons with our favourite trainer.