My 4 month Sheltie x Maltese has never been to any classes and I want to start taking him to any training classes. He's not socialised, can I take him onto a level 1 class. They would take him but I wasn't sure if I should take him to a special puppy class for dogs under 6 months first. Which one should I start with? Shelties are quick learners.
2007-02-28 09:39:09 · 11 answers · asked by VietRebel 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Puppy classes start at 8 weeks, so he's a bit late. Would 2 months of training be enough?
2007-02-28 09:40:45 · update #1
I have a 4 month old English Mastiff and we have him enrolled in the puppy class. You see the reason you should put him in puppy class is so he can get socialized first. If you put him into a class with adult dogs he may become disrespectful to an adult dog and cause problems. Puppies generally do not know how to greet another dog. So in puppy class he will learn how to do that along with respect to others.
2007-03-06 23:50:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
At 4 months old, your puppy would probably be better off in a puppy class, especially if he's not socialized. In the puppy chance he'll get a chance to interact with other puppies and get socialized, which is very important at that age. Plus most puppy classes generally also teach basic obedience - sit, down, come, etc. The adult class might be too much for him. He'd be around a lot of adult dogs, many of whom are going to be a lot bigger than him. Plus in the adult class the focus would be more on training instead of having fun and socializing.
While it's true that Shelties are quick learners, they also can be very skittish and shy, as can Maltese. Your puppy will learn a lot in the puppy class in a fun setting and will get the socialization he needs, which will put him ahead of the curve when he gets to the adult class.
2007-03-02 22:50:07 · answer #2 · answered by Fire Horse 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely the puppy class.
Puppy classes are about teaching basic manners, stopping bad habits (hopefully before they start) teaching doggy and owner how to communicate effectively, and socializing the dog... this lays the ground work for the later classes. Dogs that go through puppy class first do SO much better in the adult classes... they're not freaking about about all the strange dogs, people, sites, sounds, smells, etc and can focus on their owner and the training. Also - unsocialized dogs are a distraction to other dogs in adult classes making hard on the instructor as well as the other people there. You'll both have a much better experience if you go slow. Shelties are brilliant and she will probably learn all the commands with ease, but just remember there's more to training classes than commands. :) Good luck with your little one.
2007-03-08 05:03:38 · answer #3 · answered by Celena 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At 4 months, he is still young enough to benefit from a puppy class. But get started quickly because up to 20 weeks they are most open to socialization. After 20 weeks the ability to socialize begins to depend on repetition. You can always start a level 1 class later but the opportunity to take advantage of those few short weeks is quickly passing.
I do recommend that you do both classes because puppy k is less concerned with the perfection of obedience than they are with introducing the puppy to new things. You can be perfect in the adult class. Spend the two months in puppy class and have fun.
2007-03-07 10:48:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take your puppy to any class that you can... Socializing him is VERY important at this age. Don't delay any longer. The animals and people he is around from 12-16 weeks of age sets the tone for the rest of his life.... Any training or just hanging out and being petted by strangers and seeing new things in life is going to be great for him.. The more stuff you can introduce to him--- the better--- and more teachable he will be. He may be shy so introduce him to a dog that comes over to meet him.. Keep them both on leashes and under control untill your relatively sure they are acceptable to each other. Good luck.. Take your new puppy Every Where that you can. It will make him a better companion for you.. Good Luck
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2007-03-08 06:24:44 · answer #5 · answered by wolfmountainstudio 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say take him to the puppy class first, since he hasnt been socialized yet. Level 1+ classes build upon the foundation he should already have gotten out of puppy class.
2007-03-08 02:59:20 · answer #6 · answered by jwix04 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I highly recommend the puppy class especially if he hasn't been socialized. The level 1 class is building on skills that he would learn in the puppy class.
2007-03-06 16:37:44 · answer #7 · answered by Jen R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are comfortable with teaching your dog and have plenty patience then I believe you should do this yourself. You will eventually have to be taught this anyway. And you'll have a blast while spending quality time with your pup. Too, he may be more relaxed with you at the classes since Shelties can be timid. Have fun!
2007-03-07 16:05:06 · answer #8 · answered by Im Listening 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
any amount of time you spend training your dog is quality time. shelties are very smart. don't worry about being behind. he may learn from the other dogs. shelties don't usually have a social problem anyway.
2007-03-07 04:58:56 · answer #9 · answered by Shelly t 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
best class would be the puppy class they would teach you how to socialized the pup so you could go to level one puppy class should be done before level one or the dog tests in it
2007-03-06 06:37:55 · answer #10 · answered by JENNIFER H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋