LoremIpsum Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 The title says it all. My girl Martha is nine weeks old today. I know of a few classes near me — the North Fitzroy vet has a class, and my local pet shop, which is Petarazzi in Westgarth, does too. But I'd love to hear some personal recommendations. Or places to avoid, of course! Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raeviel Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 (edited) Brunswick Central Vet Clinic's classes are about to commence, I think. http://www.brunswickcentralvet.com.au/ That vet is fantastic, but I can't personally comment on the quality of their classes. I'm currently doing mine at the Carlton vet as the timing there suited us more. So far so good. Really, it's just a great opportunity to ask someone with some experience any questions you might have about the dog, learn some basic training techniques and give Martha a chance to hang out with some new mates! She's georgeous, by the way!!! Edited July 24, 2008 by raeviel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BC Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 The only person I take my puppies to is Robyn Jackson who runs classes out of Laverton Vet Clinic. This is prob too far for you, so ring around a few places and ask lots of questions. Make cure the class is not an all in, puppies running around together, jumping on each other etc. This only ends in tears, and can lead to some puppies becoming quite fearful of other dogs. There should be monitored off lead play or interaction, with only a couple of puppies, preferably of similar size off at a time. You should go through very basic obedience, and training techniques, and even taught more home skills such as getting puppy to relax etc. Your instructor should also give you information on a weekly basis on how to properly socialise your puppy and go through different stages such as fear periods your puppy will have. There are many puppy classes that are not run properly, however, ring around and do your research, ask questions and you will find one you feel comforable with Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tintin Jac Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 It's not my thread but I just want to say thanks to BC for the advice on what to look for. Invaluable - thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosmolo Posted July 25, 2008 Share Posted July 25, 2008 Agree with BC- this is how we run our classes. A good puppy class should also cover dog body language, common puppy problems etc. We cover training equipment options, health and nutrition and a few other topics depending on time. Is south Melbourne too far? Otherwise contact Four Paws and ask where their puppy classes in the area are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bundle Posted July 25, 2008 Share Posted July 25, 2008 When I get my little border collie in a week -we are going to go to Kintala Puppy School in Heidelberg. They are supposed to be fantastic and you get one on one teaching. My Breeder recommended them. Usually a bit of a waiting list but give it a try and see if you can get in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoremIpsum Posted July 25, 2008 Author Share Posted July 25, 2008 Thanks for all these suggestions. I will check them all out. It's great to now what I should be looking for — I really had no idea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
^^PIP^^ Posted July 25, 2008 Share Posted July 25, 2008 (edited) I would highly recommend Underdog's puppy classes www.underdogtraining.com.au - We took Nigel our rescue pup to the classes in Ormond, I think they do them in South Melbourne too though. We were thrilled, Nigel had a great time and he (and I)actually learnt something rather than just a free for all with pups going mental off lead!!! Nigel was sitting and dropping on his own at the end of the 4th session, and most of all he and I really enjoyed it. Edited July 25, 2008 by ^^PIP^^ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo_Baggins_Junior Posted July 26, 2008 Share Posted July 26, 2008 I recommend Northern Obedience Dog Club, http://www.northernobedience.com/ You can start from 8 weeks old, it is not a puppy school per se as the name reads it is an obedience club. We have been going there with Zarah our Shepherd from 8 weeks old. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosmolo Posted July 26, 2008 Share Posted July 26, 2008 Is it true that Kintala only accepts certain breeds? Not staffies and rotties? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoremIpsum Posted July 27, 2008 Author Share Posted July 27, 2008 After all these fantastic recommendations I decided to go with North Fitzroy Vet Clinic classes. We start tomorrow so I'll let you know what it's like. Thanks to everyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
su888 Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 Just out of curisity, how much do basic obedience classes start from? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charli73 Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 When I get my little border collie in a week -we are going to go to Kintala Puppy School in Heidelberg. They are supposed to be fantastic and you get one on one teaching. My Breeder recommended them. Usually a bit of a waiting list but give it a try and see if you can get in. Let us know hoe Kintala goes, would love to do tracking perhaps once our GSD finishes lvl 7 at ADT.... Are they picky with breeds as Cosmolo asked? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bundle Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 When I get my little border collie in a week -we are going to go to Kintala Puppy School in Heidelberg. They are supposed to be fantastic and you get one on one teaching. My Breeder recommended them. Usually a bit of a waiting list but give it a try and see if you can get in. Let us know hoe Kintala goes, would love to do tracking perhaps once our GSD finishes lvl 7 at ADT.... Are they picky with breeds as Cosmolo asked? I am not sure if Kintala are picky with breeds. This will be my first pup. I just rang and advised I was getting a little border collie and they were fine with that. We don't start for a few weeks, but will let you know how we go!. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelpie-i Posted July 28, 2008 Share Posted July 28, 2008 I cannot confirm if Kintala are picky with breeds, but I can confirm that they are picky with problematic type dogs. They do not accept dogs that are aggressive and not well socialised. I've had a number of people come to us who were given the 'sorry cannot help you' with their problem dogs by Kintala. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoremIpsum Posted August 8, 2008 Author Share Posted August 8, 2008 Hi all, Just thought I'd follow up on this, seeing as I said I would. We've been going to the North Fitzroy Vet Clinic classes which are run by Jean Murray. The classes are comprehensive, lots of info, basic obedience but also advice on enriching your puppy's experience at home. There is puppy play time but it's supervised and staggered, so not all puppies are playing all at once, or at least not for long. Jean is clearly very experiences and gives out handouts that cover what she's gone through at the end of class. As an example, the last class covered "drop", "give", toilet training, bite inhibition, jumping up, toys (Kong, other kibble-slow-releasing toys, the Home Alone). The fee was $98 for four lessons of theoretically 1.5 hours but in reality 2 hours. Because I've read and researched and hung out here so much I've been finding I know most of what she says, but it was great for my OH. Highly recommended as a good basic puppy school. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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