At what age should I put my Golden Retriever puppy in Obedient School?

Answer 1

Many people suggest waiting until six months but I have found that many dogs have had plenty of time to learn several bad habits by six months. Starting around 12 weeks is a great idea (many trainers will not allow them younger than that). At this age you aren't really expecting a whole lot but it does provide very important socialization in a controlled environment. You can guarantee her experiences are good ones whereas being in a store or on the sidewalk you may run into aggressive animals or idiots who have no clue about dogs. You also lay the foundation not only for future training but for who is in charge. This is very important if your puppy has a dominant personality. I have answered questions like this before so the next part is cut and past. It takes too long to type.

I do not recommend the Petsmart/Petco classes. I've gone and they weren't great. When selecting an obedience class, call before enrolling and ask if you can sit in on a class (your dog may not be welcome at this time) to see if you like the training methods. If you like the instructor and the training, ask if you may bring your dog to meet the instructor. If your dog doesn't like him/her then things will not progress as quickly. Don't be afraid to ask questions. The most important ones in my opinion are these.

Do you allow or require treats for training? (I don't like to use treats and prefer praise but some people do prefer treats. Make sure your preference is allowed.)

What type of leash and collar are required? (I prefer a training collar and a leather leash but some places may require a flat buckle collar, halti, or even a harness. Again, let your comfort level and preference decide for you. If your instructor uses a training collar, make sure s/he knows how to use it. The SHOULD NOT choke the dog with it ever!)

What type of corrections are used? (Pretty self explanatory.)

What will we learn? (Self explanatory.)

Are shots, worming, heart worm tests, or altering required? (Self explantory.)

How long is the course and how much does it cost? (a course should be at least 8-10 weeks and your dog may not go to the first one depending on the instructor. Some prefer the first lesson just to be a get together to find out if you have questions or specific problems you need help with. The cheapest is not always the best but you do need to find one that you can afford. Expect around $100.)

Answer 2

Call obedience trainers and ask them. I just started my 5 month old mini aussie in Puppy Kindergarden last Saturday. It is good for socialization and he has a longer attention span than he did at 4 months.

Answer 3

I recomend puppy kindergarden. Most classes start at 8 weeks of age. I also highly recomend the next 2 levels after puppy kindergarden is over. You'll have a ton of fun and so will your pup. The both of you will learn together how to become partners together.

Answer 4

Put him in obedience classes when his first injections have taken effect. But until then you can train him yourself..with a bit of patience and some titbits he will do well being an intelligent breed :)

Answer 5

I've heard that it's recommended to keep puppies out of obedience school until they're three months of age so that they don't catch things like distemper and other diseases.

Answer 6

As soon as he is old enough to attend whichever class you've chosen (if there is an age limit set). Usually as long as they have all their shots they're ready to go. Start as young as possible to instill good manners before he learns bad ones.

Answer 7

10 weeks is a great age

Answer 8

10 weeks is when I like to start. Make sure that the puppy has had her second set of vaccinations though. If not, she could get cooties!

Answer 9

6 weeks - 1 year

Answer 10

As soon as it gets used to the world. If you start too soon it will be scared and won't get used to it. If you start it to late though, it won't learn anything because "You can't teach an old dog new tricks."