Hi all.

I have a Border Collie, he is 3 1/2 months, not too badly behaved, apart from the normal chewing stage. I was wondering when the right age is for him to go to puppy classes? I have read other posts on here saying that some dogs don't like to go classes too young as they can't take it in.

Thanks!

Hi cuteygirl,
Nice name....Sorry back to your question,If your puppy has had all his innoculations there is nothing stopping you taking him now as long as they are puppy classes, they haven't got the attention span to last in a normal/adult class.
Most of my dogs training was done at home,nothing heavy,a couple of retrevies,getting her to come when called, sitting ,you will tell when he has had enough but most of all make them enjoyable.
I think mine was about 20 weeks old when I started taking her to training classes .
Puppy classes also allow your Puppy to gain socialising skills.
Basically keep the trainnig short and fun.

HI

I would go as soon as poss, as a good class willl make the training like play and the pup will learn through fun. Pups also need early socialisation and this is pretty important.

I took my pup as soon as she had had her injections and am very glad i did.

Years ago pups weren't trained until 6 months but that was because training tended to be harsher than it is now, with lots of choke chain use and shouting!!!

Good luck
Lindsay

Take mine in my arms as soon as they have their first jab, don't put them down just let them sit on my lap and watch for half an hour. Also walk up and down the road and into shops or pubs that allow also onto the side of busy roads and for drives in the car. This way as soon as they are able they can get on with the fun of being with other pups without being too worried. The youngest I've done this was 7 weeks old she used to come with me on my walks with the other dogs sitting in a camara case with her collar attached to the case so she could not fall out, you should have seen her the first time I let her onto the ground. Jackie H

My puppy goes to puppy training class now and I have been taking her from 12 weeks. This week will be her third time there and all the puppies there love it and are learning all the time. I think it is invaluable to socialise them so young.

hi there,
our boxer pup has been going since she was 9 weeks, she's 16 weeks now and adores it. the social aspect is fantastic and the training is crucial, because she's an insane little lady.
good luck w/ your tiny one.
best,
megbel

Hi as others have said so long as your pup is vaccinated start taking him everywhere you can.If you go to training classes you should be able to just sit with him and watch to start of with.That why you can guage his reaction,if he is comfortable then try a short period of lead work or just let him meet some of the other dogs a good trainer will help you and realise what your pup can take and when the class may be to much for him.Good Luck.Gillian

It was Ziggy first class today!!! Boy does he get bored easy, but he LOVED playing with the other dogs!!! :) God aren't puppies so cute, especially when there are 20 or so in one church hall lol :)

I have never seen so many retrievers in my life!!!!!!!

Thats a Border Collie for you sitting and watching won't be enough for long :D Glad he enjoyed his first class.Best Wishes Gillian

He is getting on a lot better now. He is even the one the instructor picks to show the other puppy owners. But as soon as he is out of the class he is back to his old ways, not heeling and sitting and chasing traffic!!! Such is life with Ziggy, I suppose!!! :D

...too young as they can't take it in...

I would definately agree with this. Max went to training classes at 14 weeks and didn't learn a thing except how to pull faces at other dogs. In fact it only really recenlty (last month or so) that Max has really begun to take things in and he's 1½. Loads of people have told me that Shepherds dont really mature till 2-3 years old so this isn't really a surprise.

I would say if you are not an experienced dog owner then classes are best started as soon as the inoculations are complete. You should bear in mind the age of the pupil, and perhaps sit out most of the heel work, and only take part in some of the static and socialisation excersises at first.

sitting on the sidelines, learning to lay or sit quietly is training also!

Every situation is a training opportunity at that age cuteygirl. When out slow things down to your pace. If she lunges out in front STOP! Wait for her to get back to you then start again. All the things she does in class, insist she does out of class. I never insist on "Obedience heelwork" all the time but don’t allow her to pull, but somewhere on the walk I insist on a little really good heel work.

John