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How Young is Too Young for Puppy Training Classes?
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Your adorable eight-week old pup, Buddy, is scampering around the living room, innocent and sweet. As you watch him, you realize suddenly that he will be a part of the family for many years. Buddy's going to need an education. When should he be enrolled in class? Before you check with the veterinarian, you call three local dog trainers. Surprisingly, you get a differ(1).jpg)
ent response from each one about the ideal age for a pup to begin obedience training.
The old-school traditionalist will advise you to wait until Buddy's at least five months old to start any obedience work. Generally speaking, choke (slip) and pinch (prong) collars are the equipment of choice. Even if Buddy wears his everyday buckle collar to this class, the training technique involves tugging on the leash. Many trainers today consider this method obsolete and oppressive, because the dog learns by avoiding uncomfortable (or possibly painful) jerks on the lead. Due to the physical nature of this method, Buddy will have to wait a few months to enroll, if this type of class were your preference.
Next, you may encounter a trainer who advises you to get Buddy in a class immediately. Proponents of early admission contend that a dog's first four months of life lay the foundation for all learning. They use positive reinforcement (such as food rewards, praise, etc.) and no harsh leash corrections to teach good manners. Buddy will develop only good habits, this trainer explains. But, you wonder, will Buddy be exposed to diseases in a group class at eight weeks of age? After all, he's just started his vaccinations. Early admissions fans say that if the training facility is clean and the other doggie students are healthy, Buddy will be fine. In fact, each new puppy owner is encouraged to join a class within a few days of acquiring the dog.
Perhaps the wisest solution for you and Buddy is a compromise between the last two scenarios. (This is the advice I would give to the owner of an eight-week old puppy.) Why not have one or two private, in-home lessons, then enroll Buddy in a group class when he is twelve weeks old? This way, he would receive a solid foundation of beginning obedience with positive reinforcement, a housebreaking program would be set up, and any pesky puppy behaviors (mouthing, jumping on people) could be addressed. And, until he can play with his classmates, you can invite your friends and their dogs to socialize Buddy in a safe environment. By the time he starts school, Buddy's immunity to disease will be stronger, and you and Buddy will be the stars of puppy kindergarten.
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