Not only is it good to take a puppy to puppy kindergarten (puppy classes), it can be a lot of fun. At puppy classes, you will meet other new owners and their adorable puppies. You will meet knowledgeable people who will be able to answer many of your questions. You will have an evening filled with so many things to learn you will be completely distracted from your daily worries and responsibilities. Even if you are an old hand at raising and training puppies, taking your puppy to puppy classes is still a good idea.

The AKC (American Kennel Club) has a puppy program designed just for puppy training. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior’s (AVSAB) recommends puppy classes.

Socialization 

Your new puppy may be the only dog in the house and may be lonely. Taking a puppy class gives your puppy a chance to meet other puppies and humans in a safe environment. Most puppy classes have a break period where puppies can play with each other and with the toys provided by the teacher. This is an important learning experience where puppies learn at a young age how to get along with strange dogs and people. Puppy classes are a place to try out new behaviors and see what reactions will be. This way puppies learn early how to get along with other dogs.

Even if the puppy is part of a household of dogs, the other dogs are probably all older than the puppy and will do their own training. The other dogs are all dominant to the puppy in the household. At puppy classes, the puppy learns how to interact appropriately with other dogs of the same age and you will be able to see how it will behave when not in a submissive role.

Obedience commands 

Puppy classes will teach you to train your puppy basic obedience commands. Not only will you learn to train your puppy, you will have someone watching you to point out when you are making mistakes. Being corrected for mistakes is as important for you as it is for your puppy. Since you cannot see yourself doing things, having someone else pick up your quirks can spell the different between a successful class and an unsuccessful one.

Some of the commands you will be learning are the “Watch” command which trains the puppy to pay attention to you; “the “Sit” command; the “Down” command; and, the “Come” command. You will also be taught why you should use only one word for a command rather than two, such as “sit down.” In most classes, you will be taught how to walk your puppy on a leash.

Here is the place where you can receive advice on toilet training, crate training and riding in a car.

Age of your puppy 

Puppy classes generally are limited to puppies between the ages of 12 weeks and six months. Of course, all puppies must have had their first shots and the teacher will ask for evidence of this, so bring your veterinary certificates with you to the first class.

Starting early 

Puppy classes are to puppies what kindergarten is for children. The younger the child or puppy that begins age-appropriate schooling, the easier it is for them to learn their basic lessons that can be built upon later. Not only are they accustomed to learning lessons in the presence of strange dogs and people but they learn that this environment is not a threat or dangerous.

Older dogs without this early experience will have to overcome their need for self-protection and/or protection of their owner/trainer. For dogs, just as for people, the older you are when you begin to learn anything new, the more difficult it is.

To get the most enjoyment from your new puppy, an introduction to basic obedience commands will give you more control over your bundle of energy. Socialization with other dogs and people will reduce your puppy’s fear of strangers and strange environments. It will also get you out of the house and away from the TV for an evening. Puppy classes are good for both of you!