I have spent nearly 6 years wishing I had done a better job of socializing Milo. As soon as I realized I would be bringing home a new puppy, I started investigating options for "puppy class" that would allow her to socialize with people and dogs.
Most of the classes focused on basic obedience which, though important, was not my primary need. Finally, I found a trainer whose philosophy is different. For a (high!) fee, she does 4 in-home training sessions to help you get all set up with housetraining, leash training, manners, etc. In addition to those 4 lessons, though, you get unlimited access to her weekly puppy play group.
I attended the play group twice without McGee to observe how it was supervised. I didn't believe the trainer when she said that she and her two huge dogs supervise the group -- but it's really true! Her Bull Mastiff female breaks things up when they get too heated, and her 160-pound Leonberger is a giant, hairy chew toy. Between them and the 3 human trainers, I really felt comfortable with the way the group was managed. It includes judicious use of pens for new dogs, smaller dogs, etc. I decided to sign McGee up and tonight was her first time!
McGee was kept in a pen through the whole group. Until she's a bit older, she won't be allowed to run around free due to fear of injury. However she was exposed to lots of new dogs and people.
Selected dogs were given one-on-one time with McGee in her pen. The trainer selected the best-behaved dogs and they were supervised. All of the dogs who have attended group seem to have really great manners and demonstrate them with the new puppies. This little guy is only 7 pounds and he runs with the big dogs! He has the time of his life every week wrestling with the Shepherds and Danes.
Also, some humans went into the pen with McGee and let her warm up to them.
This adorable Boxer puppy was also new tonight, and because she is bigger, she only stayed in her own pen for half of the group. I just thought she was too cute!
* * * More to come -- Not for the faint of heart! * * *
Most of the classes focused on basic obedience which, though important, was not my primary need. Finally, I found a trainer whose philosophy is different. For a (high!) fee, she does 4 in-home training sessions to help you get all set up with housetraining, leash training, manners, etc. In addition to those 4 lessons, though, you get unlimited access to her weekly puppy play group.
I attended the play group twice without McGee to observe how it was supervised. I didn't believe the trainer when she said that she and her two huge dogs supervise the group -- but it's really true! Her Bull Mastiff female breaks things up when they get too heated, and her 160-pound Leonberger is a giant, hairy chew toy. Between them and the 3 human trainers, I really felt comfortable with the way the group was managed. It includes judicious use of pens for new dogs, smaller dogs, etc. I decided to sign McGee up and tonight was her first time!
McGee was kept in a pen through the whole group. Until she's a bit older, she won't be allowed to run around free due to fear of injury. However she was exposed to lots of new dogs and people.
Selected dogs were given one-on-one time with McGee in her pen. The trainer selected the best-behaved dogs and they were supervised. All of the dogs who have attended group seem to have really great manners and demonstrate them with the new puppies. This little guy is only 7 pounds and he runs with the big dogs! He has the time of his life every week wrestling with the Shepherds and Danes.
Also, some humans went into the pen with McGee and let her warm up to them.
This adorable Boxer puppy was also new tonight, and because she is bigger, she only stayed in her own pen for half of the group. I just thought she was too cute!
* * * More to come -- Not for the faint of heart! * * *
