Puppy Kindergarten

I think puppy kindy should be made mandatory! It is great for the owner and the dog. Mine both went at 8wks - they had a special set up for the younger pups which involved seperate training area which is disinfected. And they check that all pups have at least had their 2 shots. I think the chance of them picking anything up is minimal - as much chance of picking something up from you after you go outside. And the earlier you can start socialising and exposing the pup to new environments the better.
 
Thanks for the input... Miko is registered and will begin "classes" on October 28th (by then he will have had 2 vacccinations which is mandatory to be in the class) - I don't have high hopes about the actual "training" (although he's already semi-learned "sit" at home in the last 2 days, so I know he's capable) - I'm really looking at it from the socialization point of view. He's pretty timid .. so I really want to build his confidence and expose him to a lot of new stuff/people/dogs/etc. I can't wait!!... I'm sure it's going to be soooo much fun!!
 
Mikos_Mom said:
Thanks for the input... Miko is registered and will begin "classes" on October 28th (by then he will have had 2 vacccinations which is mandatory to be in the class) - I don't have high hopes about the actual "training" (although he's already semi-learned "sit" at home in the last 2 days, so I know he's capable) - I'm really looking at it from the socialization point of view. He's pretty timid .. so I really want to build his confidence and expose him to a lot of new stuff/people/dogs/etc. I can't wait!!... I'm sure it's going to be soooo much fun!!
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Don't worry about what he gets or doesn't get in Puppy class. The point is socialization and getting them out of the house and getting a start on behaviors. I took Kramer to his first class as his mom was teaching it and wanted him out.

1st week, he would bearly take treats and was pretty distracted by all the pups and barking and he wouldn't come to me at all, he hid under the chair for the first 2 weeks. At the end he was sort of downing,sort of sitting ,sort of loose leash walking and have a ball just learning. He had his leave it, recall and watch me down pat and I was so much more fun that those puppies and other distractions didn't bother him. But he has a ton more to learn but a great start.
 
Am I right to say that the socialisation should be a positive experience? Esp for pups?

Because I took Romeo to puppy kindergarten. And it was a tiny space with lots of dogs, most bigger than him and some were older puppies. He hated it (but not to the point of being timid and hiding), and was very stressed in that kind of slightly claustrophobic environment - barked and barked. He did get better, but never totally. I've always wondered if that had an impact on how he's like now with other dogs.
 
I agree with Dr Shelli but don't discount the training part. Yes there was times that it was blah blah blah since I had already known it BUT there was also feedback that helped and yes Sca did learn a bunch (as did I)
 
Che went to puppy class somewhere around his second shot. Now with Leo people I used for puppy class are not offering class until New year so I have to find something else. Leo goes to every obedience and agility class- sits in a lap for now. He gets passed to few hands too. Leo had his second shot recently and is 11 weeks old. He met my friend's dogs and plays a lot with Che and Sammy. I am with the opinion that being careful is fine but socialization is a must. Leo is also going for walks and drives with us pretty much anywhere.
I am careful but dogs learn 80 % of what they know before they hit 20 weeks old. If you miss it you have a lifetime of difficult adjustments.
Leo does sit and down now and started basic fundamentals of agility training- tunnel, floppy board, following my hand. He jumps 2 feet high on the couch all on his own though...:smile2:
 
I contacted our local Humane Society about classes for our new sheltie puppy. It turns out they don't have an immunization requirement and they sent me a link to this article, which I found interesting:

http://www.avsabonline.org/avsabonline/images/stories/Position_Statements/puppy socialization.pdf

It says lack of socialization presents a bigger risk to dogs than diseases do. I can see that this may be true in general, but I know in our specific case the chance of our puppy being given up to a shelter because of socialization issues is pretty much nil! I'd be interested in hearing your comments.

Dan
 
My dogs have always done puppy kindy before their final immunisations. The organisations that run the puppy classes are very careful about reducing any risks and I have never heard of a pup catching something at puppy classes. Remember they do have some immunisations already - by 8wks they have had their 2nd set of shots and organisations will check this. Remember the risk to a pup is from unimmunised dogs.

It also isnt a matter of whether you will give up a poorly socialised dog. Socialising your dog is about giving them the best possible life. Puppy classes let them interact in a safe environment during a period where they are still developing their personalities and wanting to explore the world.
 
Zoey started puppy class at 10 weeks and she was in a weekly class until she hit about 6 months.

Although she was not interacting much, I believe that without the class, she would've been very uncomfortable with other dogs. She is not outgoing as I would like her to be, but respectful and midly social.

A puppy getting sick from other dogs at a puppy class must not happen that often.
 
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