Enough shots to start puppy training classes?

[MudgeOtis]

I'm confused. I was told by the trainer at Pet Smart that Mudge should start his puppy training at 10 weeks. She stressed it was better to start it as soon as possible. But, the vet told me that he shouldn't be out in public until he's closer to 4 months old. Isn't being around a bunch of other dogs in a training class similar to being out in public? I'm planning on asking the vet at his next appt., this Saturday, but thought I'd ask you guys too.

TIA!

 

[gmacleod]

The trainer is right

Starting puppy kindergarten classes at 10 weeks is ideal. Definitely before 16 weeks. It's not the "training" that counts with these classes (you could do that at home) but the invaluable socialisation - which cannot actually be replicated/replaced at a later age.

That isn't to say that the disease immunity thing doesn't matter. It does. And you should avoid taking your pup to places that dogs congregate and defacate, or socialising with dogs you don't know are up to date on shots. But puppy class is a bit different. For a start, these pups should likewise be being protected by their new owners from exposure to strange dogs and public places. So whilst the risk isn't zero, it's much reduced from other "public" exposure.

Given the location of your chosen puppy class (Petsmart - where people do bring adult dogs), it can still be a wise precaution to carry your pup in, and to avoid contact with any others than the pups in your class.

 

[MudgeOtis]

Thank you for the response. That does make a lot of sense. I know everyone has stressed how important training is to start early. We just love Mudge sooo much that we don't, of course, want anything to happen. But, carrying him in and asking the trainer about shot requirements is also a good way to go.

On a different question, do you think I'll need a collar and leash for Mudge for these classes? I'd like to buy it this weekend if I need it.

Thanks again for your help!

 

[gmacleod]

Oh yes, I would think so. Just a light collar - even a cat collar would do since he's going to outgrow whatever you get in just a couple of weeks or so.

But whilst a lot of the class is playtime, some isn't - there is a period of training also (even if it's as much for your benefit as the pup's). So for that bit of time, you'd need to have him on a leash.

 

[nswain]

We did the petsmart training with our boxer and yes, you will need a leash - except for a few minutes of playtime the whole puppy class is done on leash. We didn't start classes until she was about 3 months (for the same overprotective parent reasons you mentioned!) and she did fine, most of the other puppies were the same age. Although I do remember feeling impatient, she was so ready to go out and play with other dogs at 10 weeks so starting early is a good idea!

 

[MudgeOtis]

Okay, I'll get him a collar and leash then. I can imagine it really won't fit for very long. DH says everyday that he comes home from work that Mudge looks bigger!

I'm still going back and forth between the overprotective mommy thing and wanting to train him soon. He'll be 10 weeks next week, so I guess I'll spend the next week trying to decide.

Anyway, thanks again!