Obedience Training

I'm not sure if this is the correct area to post this discussion on but I have a question towards obedience training and age of puppy.

Kenny is going to turn 12 weeks old on Wednesday and he is not fully vaccinated yet. I am wondering if it is safe to expose him to obedience classes yet? Maybe it is my paranoia that he could pick up a disease but what do you guys suggest?

Also do you guys recommend Petsmart or Petco OR finding a more independent trainer?

Questions: Right age for obedience classes?

-Should I wait to bring him to a class because of being not being fully vaccinated?

-Your opinions on where I should bring him for classes

I already taught him some basics like: Sit, Look at Me, Come(he's working on it), Drop it(now working on it).

Thank you! :)

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Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on November 18, 2013 at 8:56am

I would talk to the vet about when he is ok to go to classes. Also most classes will have an age range and all puppies will have to prove their vetting is up to date. If you are not asked for proof of vaccinations do not even consider those classes. The best way to choose is to go meet the instructor and watch a class to determine if the teacher uses positive methods that you feel comfortable with. It really depends more on the teacher than where you take the class.

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Permalink Reply by Laura and Tommy Jefferson on November 18, 2013 at 9:24am

Tommy did puppy, intermediate, and advanced classes at PetSmart and enjoyed them very much. I think he was 3.5 or 4 months old when we started. Their website says puppy class is aimed at 10 weeks - five months old, but I agree with Bev to definitely ask your vet! Our vet suggested classes to us numerous times because Tom was so ornery :)

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Permalink Reply by Jane on November 18, 2013 at 9:49am

As long as the puppy class requires up to date vaccinations you should be fine.

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Permalink Reply by Vi, Justin, & Casey the Corgi on November 18, 2013 at 11:57am

I agree with what everyone else had said about getting the ok from your vet, and as long as Kenny is up to date on his vaccinations, you should be fine.

Before we picked up Casey at 11 weeks old, I spoke to my vet when I made our 1st appointment and then signed up for PetSmart puppy classes. They do require proof of up to date vaccinations, but my breeder self administered shots (under her vet's approval), and while I had proof of his shots, PetSmart wanted proof from a vet. Unfortunately due to a scheduling snafu, his 1st appointment with our vet wasn't until the day after the 1st class, but I spoke with the trainer and was able to attend class without Casey. I then worked with him at home with what I had learned in class and he was good to go for the 2nd class.

I think Casey is naturally a social butterfly/attention hog, so he loves going to class and I love that he's getting well socialized with people and other pups there. Another plus about going to Petco/PetSmart classes is that you can see what's on sale every week too. =)