Here's a thought.....?

Question

How many of us regulars have ever considered offering a free puppy-buyers education class?

How many of you new dog owners would have attended one if it had been available? Would a small fee for materials have been a problem for you if one had been available? (Like $5 for printed materials)

It is something I have wanted to offer for a long time, but never actually believed it would be popular.

I would be doing geneal education, and not even let students know if I had pups or not, which I won't be for quite a while yet. My pet idea is to ask members of the local kennel clubs to participate in a "showcase the breeds" night to expose people to the variety of available breeds and what they are like. I was planning on it being a 3-4 week course, one night a week.

One night would be dedicated to how to choose a source for your new dog, including rescues, shelters, and reputable breeders, and explaining the pitfalls of backyard pups and pet shops. Another night would be dedicated to deciding what breed will fit your lifestyle, and doing a computer lab type thing with online breed suggestion pages. Also that would be my preferred night for the "meet the breeds". The third would cover the basics of puppy ownership such as housetraining, vet care, and what to expect from a new puppy in the family, as well as how to handle it.

Goldengal: Thanks. I figured, "heck! I crippled now, so I have the time to set it up." I've had this thought for years, but never the time. I'd have to see if I could get me an assitant on board though. I'm not any good for walking around the classroom handing out goodies anymore. I thought I'd ask the local shelters for a volunteer or two.

Anca-
I plan to post notices in all the pet related stores, vets, humane societies, grocery stores, libraries, schools, (No plan to limit ages, the younger, the better. No bad habits yet) and also in the local paper under the 'events calendar' section. Anywhere I can post it, I will.

Answer 1

I think I would kiss you right on the forehead!

This is a wonderful idea!
5 dollars is more than do able by anyone!

Do it Jennifer than maybe you can use some of the most asked question here to give you an idea of what people really need to know about.

You'll never know until you try it. I really want to know how it goes too.

Answer 2

I think the best thing you can do is to arrange a rescue event and get rescues to bring a large variety of different types of dogs for people to meet and where the rescues could talk about their breed(s) to help people decide what kind of dog would be the best fit in their family. People need to know that every dog won't work out in every family.

I had a family recently who had 4, 6, and 8 year old children that were looking into collie rescue. Fortunately we now also rescue shelties and had a large sheltie being fostered in our home. When I took the sheltie for a home visit, I also took my personal collie. Many people don't know how large a collie can be, especially with younger children. A collie can easily knock over a small child just by moving around. The woman saw that the large sheltie was a much better size for her children and thanked me for bringing the collie along for comparison.

Many people don't know the amount of work that each breed entails and it would be good for them to talk to someone knowledgeable in the breed before they make a decision. I love my collies and shelties, especially because of their beautiful coats, but for some people that hair is a problem. They are wonderful pets, but they aren't for everyone. Like any dog, you need to have enough time available for their proper care and training or they too will end up in a shelter.

Answer 3

At one of the clubs I belong to, we use to host an event called Responsible Pet Ownership Day. It was actually free to anyone who wanted to come. There were some activities that cost a small fee and we also promoted the CGC and offered testing the same day for those who thought their dog was ready and could pass. We had brochures on dog grooming, care and health of your pet and even on training. We also had breeders, vets, groomers and training instructors that were available to answer questions. It was a very informative day for those people with little knowledge about dogs.
Well, last year our club decided not to hold our annual responsible pet ownership activity because no one really attended except regular club members. It seemed no one was really interested in learning about dogs.
It was decided, after two years of not having this event, to try again. Maybe next year will be better, but somehow I doubt it.

It is a good idea and I do not mean to rain on your parade. I wish I could share your enthusiasm but it just seems to me people are really not interested in learning the proper ways to care for their pets or do not care until something has gone wrong. When it comes to pets, people prefer to learn as they go.

Answer 4

Well it seems like a good idea.. I will be surprised if even a couple of people show up tho. People tend to like to learn as they go.. There are people who research ALOT before they buy a dog, but the majority of people feel like they don't need to know anything special cause hey it's a dog, how hard can it be.

My vet said it to me just yesterday 99% of the people don't want to know the truth about dog food, they just want you to give them an answer about what they should buy. They don't really care if it's good, or what the ingredients really are, they just want you to tell them what to buy.. Same thing when it comes to buying a dog.. People want to know if you have a puppy, when it's ready to go and how much. Rarely much more than that.. I have gotten emails from people saying merely ' want puppy, how much ' ??
I don't think people are interested in learning, they'll ask when they get there.. But let me know how it goes, I will be shocked to hear that a bunch of people showed up.

Answer 5

You could probably offer the class, but like you said, how many people would actually attend? Information like this has been in print and on the internet for years and still people buy dogs without doing any research.

But, by no means am I saying this is a bad idea. :) Go for a trial and see how it works out.

Answer 6

Perhaps if they're motivated enough to be paying for it, it might actually sink in.

I just know that I've spent HOURS counselling people on purchasing a puppy, only to have them turn around and buy the first BYB or pet shop puppy they could find. I remember one woman who was so pleased at the "bargain" she'd gotten, she told us "You said I couldn't get a show-qualtiy dog for $300 but I did!". It was the most hideous parti-colored poodle I'd ever laid eyes on. Neurotic, too.

Answer 7

Oh...I think it would be very popular. Especially if people want a well behaved pet. Why would anyone turn that down? A free class from an experienced breeder and trainer....sounds like a great idea to me!

Answer 8

I think it would be a fantabulous idea (that's across between fabulous and fantastic by the way). I would definitely partner up with a local shelter - you really need to target those people - as many are first time dog owners and many shelter dogs come with issues (ahem, my poor Lucky . . .)

If there was one in my area - I would go - and I would pay!

Answer 9

I think it would be an awesome idea. The breeder of my dogs did something similar.

When we put deposits on our pups he gives you several printed sheets on Chihuahua's with things like behaviour things to look out for, health things like hypoglycemia, as well as training tips etc.

When you go to pick up your pup he gives you like a little mini test to do before the pups go. (about 10 questions) You have to get them all right before you go. A few people complain about it, but most like me think it's a great idea.

Even if you already have a Chi when you buy from him you still have to do it. As we well know just owning a dog does not mean you know about the dog. You only have to do this with the first pup you buy from him. I now have 4 so I guess I did well with his test. *LOL*

Answer 10

We will be bringing home two puppies later this summer. Even though we are experienced dog owners, I would love to have had the opportunity to attend such a class. (Instead, I have been researching on my own to "refresh" my knowledge in preparation for their arrival.)

My one question: how would you let people know about these classes? We, for example, weren't looking for such classes. It never occurred to me that such a thing might exist.