Obedience school?

[Mikey27X834]

When I finally get a Dog, will I really need to take her to an obedience school? I've read lots of websites and read books on how to train a Dog. As long as I'm consistent, fair and use rewards as motivation to get the Dog to do commands, will I really need anything else?

[Fran27]

I don't think it's a necessity at all. It helps a lot for puppies, but because it helps socializing them. It probably helps people who are not curious and don't look up advice on Internet mostly, as far as training goes. I wouldn't bother taking an adult dog to obedience classes unless he really had some issues learning, or he wasn't very social.

So for training, I don't think it's really necessary unless you've tried everything and the dog still has behavior problems. For socialization, if the dog doesn't see so many dogs and people otherwise, it's great.

[Mikey27X834]

Well I'd take my Dog out to meet other Dogs to socialize it properly. :p My friend has a Miniature Schnauzer, which is the breed I'm getting, and she says they're really smart and don't need it as long as you are consistant, etc

[oc_spirit]

Personally I highly recommend obedience school, at least puppy kindergarten. It's just such a great stepping stone for pups and helps you to bond with the puppy. I myself am a dog trainer and have my own clients but I still took my puppy to puppy kindergarten. It wasn't because I doubted my abilities, heck if that were the case I wouldn't have any clients at all right? It was because I wanted to get my puppy into a class setting (I do one on one training with my clients) and get it used to working with me with the ability to set up so many distracting scenarios and not have to go around looking for them or setting it up meself. Also it was a controled environment so the chances of something going wrong and hindering my puppy's socialization was minimal.

[Mordy]

i would definitely do puppy kindergarten and beginning obedience in a group setting.

it's great to have someone who can help you along and point out mistakes you are making - especially if this is your first dog.

[wildwings811]

I think that going to obedience school is the best thing you can do for your dog not only does it help with the socilization it also helps you sure you may have read many books and looked up many internet sites but there will still be things that you may need help with and those are things you can talk to your trainer about ecspecially if this dog is your first

[beagle_lovergirl]

I'm not taking Belly to puppy school because
1. She hasn't had all her shots yet
2. She learned more on the 4 weeks here, at home, than she would on the 8 weeks of puppy school
She is extremely well socialized with people and has seen other dogs before and acted normal. I still plan on socializing her more once she finishes her shots. In my opinion, if you think you can train her yourself, I say go for it! In the middle of the way, if you see it's not working, it's never too late for puppy school.

[bridey_01]

I train obedience, puppy school and privately and I couldn't recommend an obedience class more! Puppy school in my opinion is essential, I also take my pup to puppy school for socialisation and some great lessons in bite inhibition. Obedience is a great way to learn how to communicate with your dog, and there is no greater reward than having a dog that knows the basics (sit, stay, down, come).

[Athe]

Exactly as others have mentioned. Obedience classes not only help you train your dog with distractions....but, most important they train the owner. All the reading in the world cannot compare to hands on training with experienced guidance. You can train a dog wonderfully at home, but, even myself when I am preparing for obedience titles at the shows I take my dogs to classes so I can train them with distractions....that's when you need your dog to listen to you when there is lots of things going on around you and lots of dogs...plus its a controlled athmosphere with a professional. ;)

[Doberluv]

I take my dogs to classes so I can train them with distractions....that's when you need your dog to listen to you when there is lots of things going on around you and lots of dogs...plus its a controlled athmosphere with a professional.

Absolutely. I agree that obedience school is a great thing for every puppy. You'll not only learn tips to train, but like it was said, it's a great way to socialize your dog and have it learn to go through his skills in the midst of distractions and other dogs. (a whole different ball game than doing it in your yard) But it's controlled. It's not like you have a bunch of dogs you don't know coming around you when you're on a walk. This is a place where the dogs learn to mind their p's and q's around other people and dogs, but it's controlled and safe. There are other pups that the trainer is keeping an eye on and can prevent any unpleasant experiences which can wreck your dog's socialization.

I highly recommend it. I've trained dogs for a long time and I still take my young dog to school. He's going to be a perpetual student. LOL. It's sooooooooo much fun too, meeting others who share your interest and seeing how everyone is coming along. After a little obedience, you can get into agility or some other sport which is also a blast. It makes the dogs better behaved because they have something to do which is stimulating and requires lots of thinking.

[Zoom]

I think it's great to be able to teach your dog the basics at home, but for sheer socialization opportunities, puppy school is the best. Heck, I'm even considering enrolling Sawyer in a Level II program, just so he gets more used to listening to me when other dogs are around. His Aussie ADD gets the best of him quite often when we're at the park. There's just too much else going on (though he is getting loads better).