Training & Classes

 Aremis, SDit puppy for J. 

There are both puppy classes and adult basic obedience classes depending upon the age you get your new friend. I love class, being surrounded by all those playful pups and new “moms and dads”, and seeing a timid adult come out of their shell and blossom. There’s just so much hopefullness and anticipation of life with a great dog. Big dogs, little dogs, fat ones, skinny ones…the whole room is full of all good things. Yet for some reason, alot of people don’t go unless they have a “problem child”.

But I really hope you go to puppy class whether your pup is a champ or a chump, angel or hurricane. Why? Like with human children, there is a window of opportunity where they can adjust and learn very quickly. Yes, adult dogs can learn new things, but a puppy’s brain is primed to absorb. Some puppies will have reached a maturity where they can pay attention for a short time by 12 weeks. Some puppies will need a little longer. Each little one has their own schedule, and their own pace.

The same holds true for older dogs that you have adopted. They too need to learn things, to interact with you, and become a true companion, not just somebody hanging around. And they will go at whatever pace they are able–dogs never give less to you than they have. Whenever you go, keep in mind that there are 3 things you are really there for and it’s not perfection: 

1) Socialization with people. Puppies and dogs have to learn how and when to approach people politely, as well as learn how to respond to the less polite people or pups. Most classes will help you learn how to teach not to jump, to sit until you say otherwise, etc. These are the foundations of good canine manners. And class has the additional benefit of getting used to being around people who are louder, quieter, more animated, or more reserved than you are.

2) Socialization with other animals. How and when to approach, as well as the different behaviors of other animals are also learned in class. You’ll find out really fast if you have a timid or dominant type puppy, just by how they interact with others. And prepare to be surprised–what may seem like a sweet little pup might turn out to be quite the instigator, and vice versa! The thing is, dogs understand other dogs better than we do more often than not.

3) establish leadership status. Training class can “magically” make some less desirable behaviors just vanish, because the dog/pup becomes habituated to doing what you want, when you ask it of them. Suddenly, a pup that has gotten away with murder at home will discover that there are indeed rules to life, and will fall in line (ok, some fall, some slide, some have to be shoved into minding!!). As well, a person who didn’t really know what to do or how to handle their four legged friend will find themselves feeling much more capable and powerful.

So puppy and obedience classs are for everyone! Especially people. It is the best investment of time you can make for your future peace and happiness with your dog. So when you and your pup are ready, about 12-16 weeks old, sign up for puppy class. For older dogs, whenever you have established at least 2-3 weeks of a trusting bond, sign up for obedience. To help make the experience a good one that will last a lifetime, yes, I have some advice about that too!

First, exercise the puppy BEFORE class and practice times. Puppies practically grow energy as fast as you deplete it, and if you’ve ever been wound up, then you know how tough it is to concentrate at such times. So play them down a little, and they will be able to give you their absolute best. Second, don’t walk in with all kinds of expectations: to be the best in the room, to flunk the first week, to have the prettiest pup there…that can set you and your pup up for disappointment rather than accomplishment and fun.

Secondly, check your attitude: realize that it is not a competition–you and your pup will progress as well and as quickly as you are able to progress as a team. Competition turns a fun bonding experience into a driven and anxiety producing event. Relax, and enjoy. Also your pup’s peeing on the instructor’s shoe is not the first time it has or will happen! Phooey on embarassment, just correct it and chuckle. Life is full of getting peed on.

Third, the entire house needs to be involved and using the same commands. A dog or pup lives in a pack, and has to have a healthy relationship with everyone, not just you. This can be hard, with everyone so busy with different schedules, but try to arrange it so everyone makes at least half the classes. Your family has made a lifelong promise to this pup or dog, to do what they need you to do, and provide them every opportunity to be your friend. Dogs will serve, love, and lay down their lives for us anytime, anywhere. For that kind of loyalty, we can find a way to get together a time or two a week for them. Classes are worth it. Each and every member of the family gets a chance to fullfill their promise to their new friend.

Last, remember that practice makes perfect. For every hour of class, plan on practicing for 2-5 minutes several times a day. First thing after relieving themselves and playing a bit, a couple of sits, a down here and there is good. When it’s time to feed them, ask them to sit and stay until you give a release word. If sit/stays are great, try a down/stay, whatever your pup needs a bit of work with. When you get home from work, play some, then go for a walk having them left side heel for you as much as they can. You get the idea.

HAVE FUN WITH YOUR PUP!