Question about puppy school

[MoonandBean]

The private teacher's wife called me back and she sounded very knowledgable about dogs and her husband's teaching techniques. He sounds great; certifies pet therapy dogs, etc... She was concerned about the growling and said Sunny is very fearful and she recommends an "evaluation" where he can address our concerns and also tell us what we can expect from her (he sounds like the dog whisperer when I told her that, she said "he's better"

So...Sunny has an app't this Wednesday at 4pm and then he does individual sessions at our home. We will continue to socialize her tons but need to help her with her fear.

That's it for now...thanks for the advice (I make decisions pretty quickly so I appreciate all the input that helped me to reach this one which I think will be best for her and me and my family).

[lute]

I think private trainers are good for older dogs that are fully socialized. The Petsmart classes would be great for a puppy. It provides lots of distractions and different people every time you go. After you go to the petsmart classes and Sunny is totally socialized then you can do advanced training with a private trainer. Socialization is the single most important thing at this age!

As for growling when people walk up to her. Whup that habit right now! Make her walk on a leash behind you and the cart. Not in the basket. When she gets scared DO NOT pick her up. That only makes the problem worse. Totally ignore her. So many puppies jump out of those baskets too.

[BC_MoM]

I agree, I wouldn't recommend private in-home classes for a puppy. The main thing puppies need is socialization! I highly recommend you just go to PetSmart...

[Jessika]

I used to work at PetCo so if they are anything similar to the Petsmart classes I will say that while they may not be the BEST training you can get, for the price you really can't beat it! Plus you get lots of great socialization not only with other pets but with people, too, and IMO that is VERY VERY important as a young puppy.

The trainers at my PetCo were actually very intelligent and had some great pointers and methods. One had a philosophy that she wasn't here to help you teach your dog to behave, but rather teach you how to communicate better with your dog. To "speak their language", so to speak (no pun intended...). And if you had to miss a class she was MORE than happy to let you sit in on another class to make up for lost time. Plus if you had a "problem child" or just weren't getting something, she was more than happy to come early or stay late to work with you.

Now if all the classes at Petsmart are like this... I highly recommend them. But bottom line: the price is nothing to laugh at and you get some GREAT socialization!