How do I look for a good puppy training class?
February 8th, 2010 by Thomas
Kaitlin asked:
I want to start going to classes with my puppy. I live in South Carolina (Columbia/Lexington Area) and I don’t even know where to start? How do I know if its a good one? What do I even google? Any suggestions would help! Thanks!
- 16 Comments »
- Posted in Dog Training
February 8th, 2010 at 11:13 pm
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I took both my dogs to the classes at petsmart. If theres one near your area ask about the classes they have :]
February 9th, 2010 at 8:21 pm
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Do you have a Pet’s Mart? They have a really good training class — if not, you can just google it….good luck!
February 11th, 2010 at 1:59 am
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I took my dog to petsmart to work with her. The classes went well, she didn’t really learn anything I hadn’t already taught her but it was good for her to be around other dogs as a puppy so she would be used to other dogs more.
February 11th, 2010 at 5:47 pm
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if there is a petco in your area they do puppy classes that are good…..other places are to check with your vet they can recommend classes that may even be breed specific…..to google put in your town and state and puppy classes and that is where i would start….
February 13th, 2010 at 7:24 pm
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Petsmart or Petco, they are really good at what they do.
February 14th, 2010 at 4:19 pm
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For puppy classes, anything that promotes positive associations. Puppies tend to respond more strongly to that.
Plus, being a puppy class, it’s more for the socialization anyway, so I agree, Petco or Petsmart.
Just make sure you get your pup’s vaccinations first!
February 15th, 2010 at 11:37 am
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Check the phone book / yellow pages. A lot of dog private dog trainers aren’t web savvy.
Also – ask friends, co-workers, and/or classmates if they know if anyone they’d recommend.
February 18th, 2010 at 6:46 am
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Look for a puppy class that is going to meet the S T A R standards that have been developed by the AKC (doesn’t have to be an AKC registered puppy) and then ask the club or training facility to provide you with references and to talk with the instructors to see if they are people that you would be comfortable with.
February 20th, 2010 at 10:33 am
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Look at your local shelter, they sometimes have discounted classes
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:01 pm
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check out this site!!
Assoc. of Pet Dog Trainer Search
February 25th, 2010 at 9:42 am
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Believe it or not, one of the best ways to get recommendations is in the pet section of craigslist. Ask about petsmart and petco, as well. I’ve heard great things and not-so-great things about them, and I imagine this varies from store to store (although most of what I’ve heard is good). But there may be other options in your area, as well, and if you get multiple responses about a place, I’d at least compare it to petco/petsmart.
Good luck!
February 26th, 2010 at 11:12 am
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A good place to start is by checking the AKC and UKC websites
You will find obedience/agility clubs associated with these 2 venues.
A good puppy class uses mostly food, praise and toys to teach the pups. The classes are usually around 45 minutes, since puppies have a short attention span. No prong or choke collars are used. Only buckle collars. The class should be fun and should cover the basics: sit, down, stay, come, leave it and wait and may even cover some housebreaking. Some will even offer a puppy playtime at the beginning of the class and then again at the end of the class.
Before you register your puppy in any class, go and sit in. See for yourself if the instructor are teaching the pups in positive way. The people and their pups should look like their enjoying themselves. Also, make sure the class isn’t to big, so you can get personal attention when needed.
February 26th, 2010 at 5:10 pm
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You can always google dog trainers in your area or go to pet smart or pet supplies plus. They have wonderful training programs for both classes and private lessons if you’d prefer that. If for some reason your pet smart doesn’t have a trainer, which I don’t see why it wouldn’t, you can always ask someone there where you can find a good one. Good luck for you and your puppy! What kind is she/he?
March 1st, 2010 at 6:14 am
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Petsmart is awesome, I took my dog there. It was very easy, the trainers were great. Plus you get to learn along with other people and their dogs, you and your dog will make new friends. It’s really fun.
If you don’t have a petsmart, check out opportunities in your city. Here, our city has dog training classes at the park, once a week all summer long. See if you have anything like that.
Sometimes humane societies and veterinary clinics offer training classes as well.
Ask people you know that have dogs. Maybe they will give you some ideas that are in your local area.
Best of luck
March 1st, 2010 at 9:42 pm
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My advice is to go to the AKC website:. Look for a list of dogs clubs in SC, then start with any that appear to be all-breed kennel clubs or training clubs. Contact the Sec. of each club & ask if they offer classes or IF they can REFER you to area classes.
While Pet-smart offer classes, those given by dog obedience clubs are often better. If you bought from a reputable breeder, ask your breeder to help you find area classes. If you belong to a local area breed club (for your breed -like the Grt Charleston Weim
March 4th, 2010 at 5:10 pm
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