what age do you start taking a puppy to training classes?
After a year of looking, we are finally getting a great dane puppy. But I want to make sure out little giant right now is trained for when she gets bigger.
Posted by ADogTrainingSite.com
A Dog Training Site
FAST answers with a DOG TRAINING BLOG Site
Posted in 
Tags:
- Dog Agility Training (312)
- Dog Breeds (299)
- Dog Food (304)
- Dog House Training (354)
- Dog Obedience Training (318)
- Dog Training Product Reviews (2)
- Hunting Dog Training (298)
- Puppy Training (987)
- Uncategorized (1)
Contact Us | Exchange Links | Trademarks
| Privacy Policy
September 4th, 2010 at 7:18 pm
You’ll hear anywhere from 2 months to 6 months to start classes. The later date is to ensure that your dog is fully vaccinated before being exposed to other animals. The earlier date is based on socialization and works from the premise that your dog will have some immunizations, though it is not fully vaccinated. Dogs pass through a socialization period that ends before they are fully vaccinated. There is evidence that suggests that the lack of proper socialization puts your dog at at least as great a risk as the early exposure to disease. I haven’t given you a definitive answer, because there really isn’t one. I am a fan of early classes as they allow you to teach your puppy from the beginning what you expect of it. There is risk, however, in starting an early class. It would be irresponsible not to present that risk. It is equally irresponsible not to present the risk of an unsocialized/poorly trained dog. I hope this gives you what you need to make an informed decision. GL
September 4th, 2010 at 7:03 pm
I trained my girl from the day I got her. But please do not start puppy classes with any other possibly unvaccinated puppies until your puppy has been fully vaccinated!!I have a friend who didn’t know this and I know a lot of dog owners don’t so just to make sure
o not take your puppy anywhere where there could have been a stray dog, you never know if there is parvo around. Also if you take your puppy to a pet store or something make sure you hold them or put them in a cart on a blanket.
September 4th, 2010 at 6:13 pm
I agree with some of the others. . . start immediately after you puppy has all shots and fixed.
September 4th, 2010 at 6:13 pm
My family also has a Dane, and as I’m sure you know, its even more important to have a well-trained dog when they get as big as Great Danes do. I suggest starting in puppy kindergarten as soon as the dog is fully vaccinated (16 weeks old or so, it depends on your vet’s preferred vaccination schedule). The puppy classes are wonderful chances for the pup to socialize with other (usually well-behaved) dogs, and are a good primer for later obedience work. Most obedience schools/clubs offer one class after another so that you can keep working on new skills. Basic Puppy Manners, Agility for Puppies, etc. have been offered at different training facilities that I frequent. The more training the pup has, the better off you’ll both be. Plus, once you have a little training under your belt, you can start doing the fun stuff like rally obedience and agility. Both are fun ways to practice those obedience commands and develop a strong working bond between the handler and the dog.
September 4th, 2010 at 5:29 pm
The great thing about puppies is that they catch on quick. I started training my puppy at 9 weeks old. She’s now 7 months and knows how to sit, laydown, shake and roll over. I’ve never personally done the puppy training classes before, but I know they are fantastic and work great. I’d wait until your puppy has ALL it’s shots up to date before taking her to classes. . . this way she won’t catch anything. Good luckand hope that helps
September 4th, 2010 at 4:35 pm
After they have had all their vaccines.
September 4th, 2010 at 4:25 pm
Start as soon as shes had all her shots. But don’t forget shes still a baby, don’t ask too much of her right away. I love Great Danes!
September 4th, 2010 at 4:16 pm
i think my vet said 6 weeks? maybe it was 6 months. sorry. you want to start young, though.
September 4th, 2010 at 4:06 pm
For a class outside the home with other dogs – 16 weeks after all puppy shots are done. But you can begin working by yourself or with a trainer at home now.