Puppy School Question

[mrs tornsocks]

We recently enrolled our now 10 wkold to a puppy school on a friend's (not DOL) reccommendation.

The instructor seems very good, a bit better than previous pup school we attended with our last dog, she's very knowledgable and great with the pups.

Only problem - she doesn't have very many customers ! Both weeks we have gone there is only one other pup and they have both been balls of fluff which are sweet but with a lab, we're not really getting the range of larger breed socialisation - or the numbers of dogs. Right now he doesn't really have any doggie play dates elsewhere because the other dogs we know might just be a bit big and jumpy for him.

It's probably preferable to have an out of control class of 10 or so pups but I'm wondering --- do you think we're getting what we paid for ? And if not, what would be the best approach ?

[kiwikitten]

We recently enrolled our now 10 wkold to a puppy school on a friend's (not DOL) reccommendation.

The instructor seems very good, a bit better than previous pup school we attended with our last dog, she's very knowledgable and great with the pups.

Only problem - she doesn't have very many customers ! Both weeks we have gone there is only one other pup and they have both been balls of fluff which are sweet but with a lab, we're not really getting the range of larger breed socialisation - or the numbers of dogs. Right now he doesn't really have any doggie play dates elsewhere because the other dogs we know might just be a bit big and jumpy for him.

It's probably preferable to have an out of control class of 10 or so pups but I'm wondering --- do you think we're getting what we paid for ? And if not, what would be the best approach ?

]

Save your money. Organise a playdate through dogtree.com.au. Or call your breeder and ask where the other puppies went to, and contact them to see if they would like a playdate. I have a chihuahua, and size doesnt really matter when it comes to playdates (my chihuahua had to make do with fully grown greyhounds, and he coped just fine). The bigger dogs are usually aware enough to not be too rough and tumble, and any protest from the puppy if it is, will usually see the bigger dog back off. Thats my experience anyway (assuming the other dogs are well mannered and socialised themselves). Or put him on lead and take him to an offleash dog park where he can get used to being sniffed by strange dogs.

[Miranda]

The bigger dogs are usually aware enough to not be too rough and tumble, and any protest from the puppy if it is, will usually see the bigger dog back off. Thats my experience anyway (assuming the other dogs are well mannered and socialised themselves). Or put him on lead and take him to an offleash dog park where he can get used to being sniffed by strange dogs.

I wouldn't take a puppy anywhere where he might be involved in any 'rough and tumble' with a much larger dog or even a small one for that matter, small puppies are easily hurt and allowing any sort of rough play at this age is simply asking for trouble. There is absolutely no guarantee that the other dog will back off if the puppy protests, in fact a squealing puppy may even awaken prey drive in some dogs. A bad experience at this age could affect your puppy for life.

As for taking a 10 week old puppy to an off leash dog park and allowing strange dogs to sniff him, well that suggestion is absolutely ridiculous. Not only are you risking disease you're also putting your puppy in a situation where he could be bullied and intimidated or even attacked. Puppies and off leash dog parks definitely don't mix

Mrs Tornsocks I would finish your course and then perhaps enrol in an obedience club or some other venue where there is controlled socialisation with a larger number of puppies. Meanwhile take your puppy out wherever you can and expose him to as many sights and sounds as possible, you don't have to put him on the ground you can carry him. There is a lot more to socialisation than just meeting other dogs.

[mrs tornsocks]

Pup is not ready for the big wide world yet, he has not had his final vacc so dog park is not really an option at the minute but will be in 4 weeks or so.

Sorry, I should have been a little clearer, it's not so much that he's only had little pups (the japanese spitz gave as good as she got !) - it's about variety of temperaments in the one environment.

We take him for little walks down the street where he is kept well clear of any other dog 'markings' - so he's getting cars, trucks, sights and sounds, plus he's met a few different skin kids and other adults, so hopefully his socialiation is coming along okay.

Local obedience starts at 14 weeks as well so I guess the best option is to continue where we are and perhaps look for another puppy school or kindy for up until 14-15 weeks where he'll have more 'friends'.

[Kelpie-i]

The bigger dogs are usually aware enough to not be too rough and tumble, and any protest from the puppy if it is, will usually see the bigger dog back off. Thats my experience anyway (assuming the other dogs are well mannered and socialised themselves). Or put him on lead and take him to an offleash dog park where he can get used to being sniffed by strange dogs.

I wouldn't take a puppy anywhere where he might be involved in any 'rough and tumble' with a much larger dog or even a small one for that matter, small puppies are easily hurt and allowing any sort of rough play at this age is simply asking for trouble. There is absolutely no guarantee that the other dog will back off if the puppy protests, in fact a squealing puppy may even awaken prey drive in some dogs. A bad experience at this age could affect your puppy for life.

Thank goodness for your reply Miranda....I almost choked on my pasta dinner when I read KK's recommendation.

[lovemesideways]

The bigger dogs are usually aware enough to not be too rough and tumble, and any protest from the puppy if it is, will usually see the bigger dog back off. Thats my experience anyway (assuming the other dogs are well mannered and socialised themselves). Or put him on lead and take him to an offleash dog park where he can get used to being sniffed by strange dogs.

I wouldn't take a puppy anywhere where he might be involved in any 'rough and tumble' with a much larger dog or even a small one for that matter, small puppies are easily hurt and allowing any sort of rough play at this age is simply asking for trouble. There is absolutely no guarantee that the other dog will back off if the puppy protests, in fact a squealing puppy may even awaken prey drive in some dogs. A bad experience at this age could affect your puppy for life.

Thank goodness for your reply Miranda....I almost choked on my pasta dinner when I read KK's recommendation.

AGREED!

[Jaxx'sBuddy]

The bigger dogs are usually aware enough to not be too rough and tumble, and any protest from the puppy if it is, will usually see the bigger dog back off. Thats my experience anyway (assuming the other dogs are well mannered and socialised themselves). Or put him on lead and take him to an offleash dog park where he can get used to being sniffed by strange dogs.

I wouldn't take a puppy anywhere where he might be involved in any 'rough and tumble' with a much larger dog or even a small one for that matter, small puppies are easily hurt and allowing any sort of rough play at this age is simply asking for trouble. There is absolutely no guarantee that the other dog will back off if the puppy protests, in fact a squealing puppy may even awaken prey drive in some dogs. A bad experience at this age could affect your puppy for life.

Thank goodness for your reply Miranda....I almost choked on my pasta dinner when I read KK's recommendation.

AGREED!

definately agree. i have an adult dog and i would never take her to a dog park because i can't control the dog interactions, let alone a 10 week old puppy!!!!!!!!!!!

Edited June 19, 2009 by Jaxx'sBuddy

[all the fun stuff]

I also have an 11 week old puppy. The Puppy preschool I chose only had very few puppies as well, which was a little disappointing. However I am going to try to just focus on the positives that we are getting out of the class and not the few little things that aren't so positive.

Personally I would never take my pup to a dog park - for all the reasons also stated.

I have really had to 'think about' how I was going to do what is best for my pup, at this stage of her life, only having her 1st vaccination. Some of the information very conflicting.. Personally, I have chosen not to take our gal anywhere where we don't know that the dogs are fully vaccinated and wormed etc.. I have invited friends to come around and bring their dogs here (where I have allot more control of the environment) and then once I have established the doggies behave well together, we have gone to their homes also. I have also taken our pup to the beach and carried her from the car to the sand as I didnt want her walking along the path that is used daily by dozens of dogs..

Also, although I was disappointed that there was also 2 or 3 puppies in our class, I probably would have FREAKED out / left if there was 10, lol

Good luck with your puppy, and I hope that you find the info you are looking for.

[trishalouise]

2 puppies and a good instructor is far better than 10 puppies and an average instructor - there should never be 10 puppies in one class at puppy school anyway! What would concern me a little is the size difference but, again, if this is managed by the instructor it won't be a problem.

Puppy school is about your puppy learning about many things - not just a big playdate. There should be a nice mix of learning about places, people, noises etc, as well as some basic commands.

Puppy school is also about you learning so if you are happy that the instructor is good then you will get as much, if not more, out of the class as your puppy.

Good luck with him!

[Erny]

2 puppies and a good instructor is far better than 10 puppies and an average instructor - there should never be 10 puppies in one class at puppy school anyway!

Ten puppies in a class is ok. In fact, I tend to find it gives a really good range so that you can pair them up well. For example a gentle but confident pup with a shy pup. Or size to size pup. And so on. Also, with an extra instructor to help individually, it's an advantage.

Some of my classes are quieter than others (ie lower in numbers). It tends to be a bit 'seasonal'. In the pup's very first class, I don't have the pups intermingling anyway. I tend to do that (in a controlled fashion) a bit further in to their block sessions. I like the pups to learn that just seeing other pups/dogs doesn't mean a guaranteed play-for-all lesson. In this way, the pups get to work/play with their owners in the direct proximity of other pups and are learning that being in their presence is nothing to worry about. This is especially great for shy/nervous pups and just generally, where the first day at puppy school can be a bit overwhelming in itself.

The other added advantage is that it gives the owners time to learn and practice what they've learnt in their handling skills, so that when they do permit their pup to pair up with another, they have an idea about how to control and manage behaviours such as over excitement/over the top.

[Dogsfevr]

do you think we're getting what we paid for

What are you expecting for your money.

It seems many people think puppy pre school is an hr for all hell to break lose & then go home.

My view at this age is time to learn that every dog doesnt equate to play especially when you own large breeds who grow quickly & become very powerful in no time.

I like Miranda have large boisterous dogs but my dogs arent socialised with every dog that walks past.There is no need to.socialising is about the control you have & whetehr you can switch your dog on/off.

Yesterday i went to weigh my young gordie boy,a lady with a beagle came rushing over to play.

I politely told her he isnt allowed to play because hes learning that play is on my terms & also the area was not safe nor suitable.buy did she crack the sh*ts.

I have a young lad who is 36kgs & loves other dogs ,he would play till the cows come home but there is atime & place for play & this wasnt it.

My boy is allowed to play interacts with our mini babies who at 12 weeks weigh 3kg but its fully supervised & his learning process is little dogs means the "gentle" rules applies & you lie down.All my setters are taught this,he is also taught that agrp of dogs playing means you can sit calmly & watch, all massive educational training aspects.

My boy also has a odd play technique where he launches in the air & wips his butt in a full 360 if i allowed him to play with the wrong dog he could do damage just on sheer power & weight alone,Its my responsibility to ensure he grows into a dog of pleasure.

So your training class is small but you have so many things you can practise & learn instead of believing the more dogs the merrier.

When your lab is 7 months he will be a substanial dog & this when most lab owners hit a frustrade wall because they didnt address the simple tasks early

Sorry, I should have been a little clearer, it's not so much that he's only had little pups (the japanese spitz gave as good as she got !) - it's about variety of temperaments in the one environment.

The most important thing is youmust understand your dog & understand its body language,.When your aware of your own dog then you will find socialising to be very simple.

In all my years of showing dogs mine rarely interact like people on here want or think is noraml.Infact most of the showdogs dont & they have very few dog issues.

Socialising isnt a must & having the right manners when socialising is far more important & that comes back to "control" all the most important aspects you can do at puppy class.

A class of 2/3 i would consider reat value for money if the trainer was good & the classes where educational .

With that many there all those dogs should be star pupils & all the owners should be asking lots of questions & making the most of it.

[mrs tornsocks]

Thanks all. I understand it's not a rumble-a-thon or more the merrier .... and that's not what we want nor expect. We had a lab pup that sadly went to rainbow bridge in March aged 4 months, so we have been through this process once before, relatively recently. We decided not to return to the previous puppy school we went to because there were approx 10 pups, different sizes, which weren't separated, and for the much of the time, it was a free for all.

For a number of reasons (mostly our location and fact that we don't know all that many people locally) ... at the moment he has no other dog socialisation except puppy school, I guess my concern was that if he only interacts with one pup a week is he getting enough 'exposure' to other dogs ?

Anyway, last weekend there were two pups (both small) which was a better scenario --- and he played nicely and mostly in good control. After attending our third week, I'm increasingly impressed with the instructor and I'm now very glad for both the advice here on DOL and also that we've stuck with it despite the lower number of participants. I think this has turned out a better result for our boy and us.

Thanks again all.