when to start obedience classes?

[kyler]

My husband and I got our first puppy (Ella) on July 1st and while the last couple of weeks have definitely been a learning experience, it has also been lots of fun! Her mom is a chocolate lab and her dad is a black lab - she is definitely all lab in her looks and personality.

We would like to enroll Ella (and us!) in group obedience classes - what age is appropriate? She is now one week shy of 3 months. Also, should only one "parent" be taking her to classes for consistency?

Thanks!

[PawNclaws]

First off, Welcome to GlobalPaw..

Hm, the class Bella will be starting in August requires all pups be 12 Weeks or older and have UTD vaccinations. This class is pretty small considering others though. I'd suggest call around for classes and request info on them ( age the pup should be, required vaccinations, how many handlers, etc). The class we'll be attending says it's OK for one dog to have 2 handlers . However, from what I've read, it does state to have only 1 person do the real training - then every one else in your family, can learn from you about what you tought pup. I don't know if this is true or not . our whole family is involved with the training of the dogs, however, we make sure every one is on the same level about what we are teaching, how and where we're at with each dog. So far so good lol. Another thing I'd suggest is Puppy Kindergarden . I'm don't know a whole lot, but I'm sure some one else may be able to tell you a bit about it and what it does for growing puppies. Hope that was at least a little helpful.

BTW - your labby baby is adorable..

[trainingrixie]

if she's had her vaccinations, you could start now! Trixie started at 12 weeks. its more teaching the "parents" how to train the dog...so I don't see any reason why you both shouldn't go. that way you are both learning directly from the trainer. im glad to see you want to do obedience training...that's a great way to kick of a wonderful relationship with Ella

[Ritz459]

I enrolled Chloe in a puppy kindergarten class when she was around three months (this was after her first set of vaccs.). I just enrolled in the Petsmart classes because I really like the trainer.

I'm the one who takes Chloe to puppy classes, but after she learns the commands, I've always thought it was good to get the whole family involved so then the dog will listen to everybody, not just you. I make a point of getting my younger siblings involved with Chloe's training so Chloe will learn to respect them and not just me.

Along with getting info about the training classes, it would be handy to be able to sit through and watch a class in progress. That way you can see how the trainer handles different scenarios.

And I have to second PawNclaws....Ella is adorable! I love Black Labs.

[kyler]

Thanks for the replies! This puppy forum is great - I have introduced my husband to it and now he searches for info and advice all the time. We start our first obedience class on Tues - I will be taking her but will show my husband the commands so he can work with her at home. She is definitely a quick learner and we are really excited to get started.

[briarlow]

Yeah glad that you are starting straight away. As soon as mine have had their vaccinations I take them.