Do I have to take classes with my puppy?
Question by brat: Do I have to take classes with my puppy?
Besides puppy socialization classes, I would rather be able to train her myself in obedience and tricks. I trained my mothers dog to sit, stay, shake, lay down.. and I was only 11 at the time. I am fairly confident that I can do it with her and turn her into a well behaved dog, but because she is a pit-bull of 4 months everyone insists that I MUST take her to obedience classes. If I’m reading different books by experts and watching videos, will that suffice?
Well clearly some of you disregarded the first sentence, where I said “besides” puppy socialization… meaning I will obviously have the dog socialized to people and other animals.
Best answer:
Answer by akitagrl07
Puppy classes aren’t just about training, they are also about teaching a dog to listen with distractions, and getting a start on socialization. Training your dog is not enough: she needs to be exposed to other dogs and people at a young age in order to be a confident, well behaved dog.
What do you think? Answer below!
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I own a pit bull and we never took her to a professional trainer/ training classes. I am just like you and much rather train them myself. If you feel confident then I say go for it. Pit bulls do need a firm owner and if she is going to be well socialized then I don’t see a problem at all.
Usually yes, especially because its a bonding experience between you and your dog. ultimately you want him to listen to you and be familiar with following instructions from you so if you dont have experience in this already it can be more beneficial to have assistance in being able to master your dog (especially bc pitbulls are very dominant and strong so they have to be taught WELL before they get too big and you cant physically overpower them anymore) and your dog also gets to socialize with other dogs in a safe environment and learn by example. And its actually pretty fun, but if you have experience with dog training then go for it, if not puppy classes wouldnt hurt.
I would work on basics if you are confident you can train her. But if you start having problems, then take her to classes. Some dogs are easier to teach then others.
NO! Training at home will not make up for the lack of socialization! It does not matter the breed of dog, all puppies should go to a puppy class so they can socialize with other puppies. From there she should be exposed to as many dogs as possible so she does not develop problems with other dogs, such as leash aggression or outright dog aggression. This part is the important part for Pit’s since there are so many out there that come from irresponsible breeders who don’t have a care in the world for anything besides making money off the puppies.
Taking her to class doesn’t mean you can’t train her at home. You can do both.
If you know what you are doing as far as training then you don’t need the tutelage of an instructor in class. But, as the first post stated, classes also provide socialization and a chance to learn to behave around distractions. If you will make the effort to provide for those things outside of the structure of a class then that is fine. You will be a rare specimen, though. In my experience, pups rarely get as much exposure as they need without attending classes.
Do what you are comfortable with, I always keep an open mind and if you go to the class and hate it you don’t have to go back. I think training is a good thing for owners and pets because it helps with bonding but more for socialization for the dog. I had my first pit bull for 10yrs and raised him from a pup, the best thing I ever did for him was to socialize him, he got along with everyone and he was loved by all. The earlier you do that the better. Good luck and please make your new fur baby an ambassador for the breed.
being in a class is so much more than just training-it’s socialization & enforcing obedience with distractions.
many dogs trained specifically in the home will be reliable on commands within the home-but once outside in public, it all goes out the window!
remember-there are a great many books & videos on the market, some are good, some are harmless, some are downright dangerous. buyer beware absolutely applies.
find what works for you-and there is no reason to not begin training at home. a parent should have their child potty-trained, able to count to 10, and basic reading by the first day of school… so should your puppy! (well, at least housebroken, know sit & leave it & come)
also, any training class is only as good as what you reinforce at home.
I have been training dogs for years, and with any new dog I acquire, I still attend formal obedience classes. I am always learning new techniques and ideas, and making new friends. So it’s as productive for me as for my dogs!
remember-no matter what-training works best when you are patient, clearly show what you want, and make it a game. Keep all sessions short-I have had more success with 3-4 short sessions all day than one hour a day. take every opportunity to train your dog-if it becomes second nature for you, it will become first nature for your dog!
Good luck! Have fun! Give love!
ringtailroxy
I took my dog to a puppy class called Narnia. I was a waste of our money to be honest. My dog could not focus with 15 other dogs around. And you cnt blame her. We took her and ending up doing all the training by ourselves. It was great becaue they helped you find stragities but a book would do the same thing (for a lot less). And i know your not looking for puppy socialization but we take my dog to the dog park. She loves it!
I think you can do it, it just takes time & lots patiences!!!
I think you can do it using those materials that you mentioned. In addition, here’s more on basic obedience commands, http://dogtime.com/basic-commands-obedience.html
Good luck to you!