
It has to be madness taking a 5 -6 week old pup to a puppy class. Surely other puppies there must be older and out walking ? How can you possibly make sure they have not been in contact with any dogs with illness ?
Manners can be taught the same way as with any new puppy, the age makes no difference. Pups at this age play with their mouths, be it with you or other dogs. They learn by reward, if the younger bitch she interacts with has had enough she will let pup know. You too must begin to stop all play if it gets to rough. If pup plays nicely play can continue.
I cannot believe a well run puppy class would allow a pup of this age to join. The risk of infection is too great until jabs are completed.
The singleton I had learnt from her Mum and Granny not to play to hard. He learnt from us that we would only play with toys. His new owners were informed how to interact with him and that he was "a special case" they worked hard to make sure he learnt his manners after he left us.
He was a lovely dog with great manners and a brilliant ambassador for the breed. It was possible with a combination of our work prior to his leaving and the right owners continuing the training once he left.
Aileen