We are living in an age where not only can you look up what you need to know with a simple web search anywhere and at any time, but we are also starting to see tailored AI agents able to compile a huge wealth of information from lots of different sources to get you just the answers you need. So why would you go to a puppy class?
What makes a good puppy class?
A good puppy class has a number of elements that you want to look out for:
Age Appropriate
Puppyhood is not one block of time but it is broken into different chunks where your puppy has different needs and abilities. The class you join should take this into consideration and focus on what your pup's life stage needs most.
Socialisation
Whether it is as part of off-leash play or on-leash greetings, your puppy should never have to fend for themselves. All interactions should be directed so that we ensure they learn to listen to each other and you, and also that your pup learns that you will help them if they need it.
Qualified and Accredited Trainer/Behaviourist
Unfortunately, much of non-veterinary dog care in Ireland is unregulated. This means that there is no standard of care regulated by the government to allow someone to become a trainer. It is very important to find a trainer/behaviourist who is not only qualified (studied and passed assessment) but who is also accredited by a recognised body of excellence. This means that there is an external body with a code of conduct and standard of care that regularly checks on that professional's skills and knowledge to ensure that you are getting the best and most correct care for your dog. Organisations you want to see are APDT Ireland, IMDT, IMDTB, IAABC, APBC, ADDP, CAB, CCAB to name a few.
Realistic Workload & Pace
It is very easy to list lots of different behaviours that will be taught in a course but, the more there are, the less in-depth you will be able to go into them. Every behaviour needs to be built up, not just so your dog will do it in the kitchen, but so that they can do it anywhere. This takes time and effort. One set of 4 weeks will not get you a recall away from bunch of off-leash dogs.
Vaccinations & Medical
Your puppy's health must be paramount. Not only should any good class insist on the latest vaccinations being up to date but should also allow for missed sessions and catch-ups due to illness. There are a lot of illnesses knocking around where it is inappropriate to come to class, such as the current Giardia outbreak, where you should not have to miss out on your classes because your puppy is sick. You should be able to make these up in other ways rather than feeling obliged to come to class when you or your dog is sick.
Positive Reinforcement
There are a lot of buzzwords around training and behaviour, and it is easy to get lost in what they all mean, and what that means for how your puppy will be trained. Qualified and accredited trainers and behaviourists will not use aversive methods, not only because of ethical and moral concerns but also because it is just too dangerous. There are too many things that can go wrong and lead to damaging behaviours. The last thing you need is to have to pay for more classes to fix something that was caused by inappropriate training. Remember so called 'balanced' training is just a new term to allow for punishment and aversives to be used in training.
So why do I need puppy class?
Given how much there is to consider in finding a suitable class, does that not make it even more dicey to go to a course?
Once you have found a good class it is worth it's weight in gold.
I know, of course, I would say that but look at what you get out of it.
Working around other puppies is so important, not only so your dog learns how to still listen to you around distractions, but it also lets them practice their social skills around their peers. Social skills are one of the most important things to work on throughout your dog's life.
What do I get out puppy class?
Socialisation
It cannot be overstated how important socialisation is. Not just that your puppy is exposed to everything in our world, but that it is done in a way that they are comfortable with and can learn safely from.
Working with a good trainer helps you to see what will be a good or bad interaction and help your puppy.
Appropriately set exercises
It is easy to go on YouTube and see a trainer teach a dog something new in a few minutes. However, being this fluent at teaching something takes years of practice. How something is taught to one dog may not suit the next dog. It is important that the exercise is always done with your specific dog's needs and abilities in mind.
Watching for problems
Unfortunately sometimes problems crop up. This can be issues with eating, sleeping, nipping and biting, toileting, excessive fear or other general issues. There is also the potential for physical discomfort causing behaviour issues, guarding issues, or even robbing things and swallowing them. A good trainer will spot any potential issues often before you do and is able to help quickly rather than letting things get out of hand.
Tweaking the work for you
Every dog is an individual. There will be similarities between breeds or between males/females but your dog is still unique and they have their own learning style. A big part of a good class is having a trainer who can spot what your dog needs to succeed and tweaking things to help that happen.
Real world exposure
Every puppy class is different due to the mix of different handlers, breeds and individuals, not to mention the differences in potential location and/or weather if you are outside. This variety gives the best start, when managed properly, for your puppy to really get comfortable with variation.
Learning to understand your puppy
Your trainer is able to help you understand why they are getting you to do something in a certain way, not just telling you to do it. The more you understand how your puppy learns, communicates and interacts with the world, the easier all of your training gets.
Learn about our offerings
We have a number of different options for puppies be it one to one sessions or group classes.
Join us and a community of like-minded dog families.