When it comes to puppies, everyone loves to talk about how stinking cute they are. Because, well, they are really cute! But, before you welcome a new puppy into your home, it’s very important to realize: The puppy stage isn’t only filled with cuddles and playtime. When your new puppy first joins your family, they won’t understand where to go to the bathroom, why they need to wear a leash on walks, what not to chew inside your home, how to sit, how to stay, or why in the world they need to go into a crate sometimes. To put it simply, the puppy stage is a lot of work! While there are some things your new puppy won’t learn at obedience school, enrolling them in training classes is a great idea.
Before we go any further, I want to make sure we’re all on the same page. Some new puppy parents choose to hire a trainer to come to their house for one-on-one training sessions. The biggest benefit here is less distraction and a curriculum tailored 100% to you. In this article, though, we are talking about group training classes, where you take your pup to a facility or outdoor meeting space and work alongside other new puppy parents.
What Do Puppies Learn in Obedience Classes?
Obedience classes are led by professional dog trainers. Typically, they’re held once a week for one hour, and courses run anywhere from four to eight weeks. Basic obedience classes are designed to help you and your dog master the puppy necessities.
- Basic commands: Puppies will learn essential commands such as “sit”, “stay”, “come”, “heel”, “down”, and “leave it”.
- Leash manners: Some puppies take to the leash immediately, while others can’t stand it. Some will keep turning around to bite it and others will tug. In your obedience class, your puppy will learn how to walk on a leash in the heel position and respond to you when out on walks.
- Other basic manners: Puppies learn basic manners, such as not jumping on people or nipping/biting. These are essential lessons in helping to form good habits. Make sure to look for a school that uses positive reinforcement training techniques!
- Focus and attention: Puppies learn how to focus and pay attention to you, improving their overall training success.
- Socialization: This is a big one! Puppies are exposed to other dogs and people in a controlled environment. Since the prime socialization period for a dog happens when they’re puppies, this will help them become more confident and well-rounded. Learn more about socialization in our article HERE.
And it’s not just puppies who are learning in these classes. You will also walk away with a deeper knowledge of how to communicate with your dog and successfully train them.
Note: Basic obedience classes are not designed to solve all of your dog’s behavioral problems. Rather, they provide a solid foundation of the basics.
Do Obedience Classes Really Work?
Obedience classes will arm you with communication skills and important training lessons. But, how effective these sessions are come down to one thing: YOU! For the lessons learned in obedience classes to stick, you need to go beyond the one-hour-a-week class. You need to practice every single day at your home.
Plus, everyone in your house needs to be on board with the same cue words and rules, or you’ll just cause your dog confusion and frustration. For example, if you usually tell your dog Down when he’s jumping on a guest but suddenly tell him to Get Off then he isn’t going to understand what you want. OR, if you allow Fido to cuddle with you on the couch, then make sure your significant other doesn’t tell your pup Off whenever your dog is chillin’ on the couch.
Benefits of Obedience Classes for Puppies
As long as you’re showing up to obedience classes consistently and practicing/enforcing the lessons at home, your dog should graduate with a solid grasp of the basics! They’ll understand their basic commands, feel more confident in social settings, and learn to look to you for guidance. That last one is huge … so let’s dive into it a bit more.
While many pet parents are wrapped up in “sit” and “stay”, they may overlook one major goal of obedience school: Bonding! These classes will help to build a strong bond between you and your puppy, providing a solid foundation for your lifelong relationship!
How to Find the Right Obedience Classes for Your Puppy
When choosing obedience classes for your puppy, there are a few things to consider. Make sure the class you choose is appropriate for your pup’s age, size, temperament, and knowledge level. As far as the trainer/facility:
- Get Recommendations: Ask your friends, family members, and other dog parents if they have any recommendations for obedience classes in your area.
- Google: Look up local obedience classes and read reviews.
- Observe a Class: Before enrolling, ask to sit in on a class so you can observe the trainer’s personality, training style, and other dogs. Do the dogs look happy? Are they grasping the lessons? Does the group seem friendly? Tip: Leave your pup home for this!
- Consider Class Size: With a group of 6 to 8 puppies, your new furry family member will be able to socialize, yet still receive individualized attention. Classes with more than 10 puppies can be difficult for the instructor to manage and may not allow for enough individual attention to each puppy.
- Check the Curriculum: Trainers offer different classes for varying ages and skill levels. Ask questions and make sure your class covers basic commands, socialization, and the other important skills you and your puppy need to learn.
Looking for More Puppy Advice? I’ve Got You Covered!
Becoming a Dog Mom is your ultimate puppy survival guide. This 13-chapter book is filled with hundreds of must-knows for first-time pet parents, or anyone with a young pup on their paws. The many tips, tricks, and hacks packed inside will help you successfully pet-proof your home, create a daily schedule, master basic commands, survive the teething phase, gain a clear understanding of first-year veterinary needs, choose quality pet food, make DIY dog treats and toys, and so much more. Broken into bite-sized reads so you can come and go as you please, this book is written for the modern puppy parent looking to live their best life with a happy and healthy dog by their side.
Becoming a Dog Mom is available in paperback and ebook at most online book retailers. Some top shops:
