Comments on: Can training classes offer anything that can’t be taught from a good training manual?

By: arkpudel

arkpudel — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 05:31:34 +0000

Not only do they offer socialization, but they also know several different methods. So, if you hit a roadblock, the trainer can help you get around it.

Your dog will learn how to handle distractions, which are hard to get when you’re training at home.

Your obedience training school will also have information on other programs you might be interested in, whether it’s agility, freestyle, search & rescue, therapy dogs, etc.

You might also be surprised at how many human friends you walk away with as well!

By: btdt

btdt — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 05:16:23 +0000

Puppy class is part work and part fun for the pups. During socialization, the puppies learn “bite inhibition” from each other, that is how to play bite so it doesn’t hurt. (Biting hard leads to yelps and being ignored by the other dogs.) If they learn that from the other pups, then even years from now, say, if you accidentally hurt them, they won’t bite with the full force of their jaws.

During the training part, the other dogs and owners serve as a source of distraction. If you’ve trained your dog at home, in a quiet environment, your dog may ignore you, or, for example, get up from a downstay because another dog did something. You want to train your dog to mind you even if there’s a lot of interesting stuff going on all around it.

By: marci452

marci452 — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 07:57:31 +0000

For my dogs, the skill of the trainer plus seeing that other dogs also have to mind, has been invaluable. A good trainer will see what you are doing right and what mistakes you are making and correct them quickly. A qualified trainer can also individualize the training to match the breed and the skill level of the dog. Things no book or video can possibly do.

By: dogmom1694

dogmom1694 — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 02:45:00 +0000

Yes, I asst. in a dog training class. Socializing your dog it very important. You can also may doggy friends in class. It is also good to make doggy play dates to keep your dog socialized with dogs and humans.

By: chalbri

chalbri — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 02:25:23 +0000

YES, I looked up everything I could, but still had problems potty training. We took my pup to an obedience class, and learned a TON. There are so many things to learn, plus, it’s great interaction for the dogs! They got to ‘play’ with each other. It’s really nice to have one-on-one with the trainer.

My trainer’s dog wipes his paws before entering in a house, licks his lips when you say “where’s the kitty” and gets beer from his fridge!

By: ennys

ennys — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 11:46:15 +0000

the benefit of classes are one the dog learns to socialize with other dogs. also, if you are having a certain problem a trainer can be more objective and has seen every kind of problem and can teach you how to correct it quickly. being around so many distaction benefit also with the whole listening /obedience

By: ~Purple Monkey~

~*Purple Monkey*~ — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 21:55:00 +0000

There are quite a few things, like socialisation etc but also the instructors at dopg training schools can answer any of your questions! Good Luck ^_^