Just a little Thank You

[jess2416]

I was just want to say a little thank you to everyone that has posted about training puppies. When I first got Chloe we went to Petsmart so that I could get her collar and ID tag and I was going to sign up for their puppy training classes. Well, after I read some of the training posts I thought "Hey, I can do this myself (well, at least sit, down, come, stay, and leave it) But thanks to everyone not only did I save myself $99 and 8 weeks of my life but I have really enjoyed attempting to train her myself and getting to take breaks between sit and down with a few games of fetch and now Chloe already knows Sit and and is almost trained in Down. And its only been a week and a half. :D

[Doberluv]

Wooo hooooo! Good for you and Chloe! It is so nice to get a good start on the basics. After a bit, you may consider signing up for a group class because they really truly are a wee of a good time for both dog and owner. You get to meet other people and chat about your dogs, learn new things and best of all, your pup gets very valuable socialization and learns to work in distractions. It's just plain fun. I encourage you to find a reputable, positive method trainer. I've heard good things and bad things about Pet Smart trainers. I guess they all vary.

But you've done wonders with her already. Congrats!

[jess2416]

Yeah I have heard those things too thats why I was a little wary of going because I know that different people have their own methods of training and some I might not agree with but after she gets her last set of shots I will be considering it just to get her out and about so that she can meet other dogs and people :D

[aelizilly]

Yes, congrats on the progress with your pup.

I agree to continue your training and to later sign up for a group class. There is so much value to the socialization they gain from the group classes.

[twokittens]

Glad to hear you're still considering it. We graduate from puppy kindergarten this week! I did it at Petsmart; I hadn't heard great things about Petsmart's training, but I really wanted to socialize my puppy, and they were about the only place I could find having puppy classes at that time of year.

While I've never trained a puppy before, I have trained my cats -- yes, I said cats. They know many of the things Chester, our puppy, does (although I admit Chester was easier to train).

But socialization is so critical. And I don't plan to stop now that we're finished. I'll probably sign him up for obedience classes elsewhere at some point, and I continue to take him as many places as I can so that he can meet as many dogs & people as possible.

From what I've read, socializing that first year, not just the first few months, is very important.

[jess2416]

I agree very much that socialization is important thats why I am going to at least try to sign Chloe up for 1 class but I am just thrilled that I was able to teach her sit ,and she's almost got the idea of down, myself:D

[kidsanddogs]

That's wonderful that you have been able to learn training techniques on your own and with the help of this forum. It's not an easy thing to do. And I'm glad that you're going to get the pup out and socialize her, because it's so important that dogs know how to interact with other dogs, children, and adults as well, even if they don't know them. Congrats on your new pup!

[jess2416]

thanks:D

[Doberluv]

Yes...socialization and training never stops. It's really something that should continue for the life of the dog.

[jess2416]

Yep I know:) I just havent been taking her out alot because she hasnt had all of her puppy shots yet she is getting her 12 week shots next week poor thing:( and from reading some on this forum and from some personal knowledge I know that it can be dangerous if they are near where an infected dog has been and I dont want that to happen. But she has been out and around friends and families dogs that I know for a fact have been vaccinated. But once she gets all of her vaccinations she will be going everywhere:D