Is Puppy School Worth It?
If you’re contemplating enrolling your puppy in a training school here are some reasons why it’s worth it and reasons why and also considerations on how to find the best puppy school for your puppy. Welcoming a new puppy into your home is a delightful experience, but it’s also accompanied by the challenges of training.
Why Puppy Training Matters
Beginning Steps
Much like how human childhood experiences shape behaviour, a puppy’s earliest months are pivotal for not only physical but its emotional growth. Training offers an organised setting where puppies acquire vital life skills.
Behavioural Management
Training tips on how to curb unwanted behaviours like excessive barking, unwarranted chewing, or aggression, ensuring your puppy matures into a well-mannered dog.
Safety
Commands such as “stay” or “come” are not mere acts of obedience but can prevent accidents, like a dog darting across a busy street.
Social Skills
Training offers puppies a controlled environment to engage with other dogs and various surroundings safely and positively.
Deepening Bonds
A structured training routine enhances the bond between you and your puppy, paving the way for effective communication, trust, and mutual respect.
Mental Engagement
Puppies, with their agile minds, benefit from the intellectual challenges that training sessions present.
Ease of Care
An obedient dog simplifies activities like walks, vet appointments, or excursions, reducing stress for both the dog and its owner.
Public Approval
A trained dog is usually more welcome in public spaces, ensuring hassle-free outings.
Prevention of Abandonment
Behavioural issues are a primary reason for dogs being surrendered to shelters. Training can substantially reduce these challenges.
Improved Life Quality
Ultimately, training strengthens the bond between dogs and their humans, setting the foundation for a life filled with mutual joy and respect.
Cost Considerations for Puppy Training
Prices can differ based on
Location: Pricing can vary across cities or regions.
Trainer’s Credentials: Renowned trainers with a vast experience portfolio may charge more.
Course Duration: Group sessions generally last 4-8 weeks. One-on-one sessions, though possibly costlier, offer tailored guidance.
Group classes generally cost between AUD $100 to $250 for a 4–6-week course, while individual sessions might range from AUD $50 to $150 per hour, based on the trainer’s expertise.
When Should Training Begin?
It’s advised to kickstart training when puppies are between 8 to 12 weeks old. This period is when they’re most open to learning.
Starting your puppy’s social journey? Here’s a breakdown of what puppy schools should focus on to ensure well-rounded development.
Socialising Your Puppy: What to Know
Encouraging Healthy Interactions: Train your puppy to build positive relations with fellow dogs and humans.
Diverse Exposure: Familiarise them with various environments to minimise future anxiety.
Cultivating Adaptability: Early socialisation enables puppies to comfortably adjust to diverse situations.
Choosing the Right Puppy Class
A quality class can significantly influence training outcomes:
Expertise Matters: opt for trainers with accredited qualifications and a commendable track record.
Training Approach: Confirm that the course emphasizes positive reinforcement.
Transparent Communication: The class should clearly articulate training techniques and agendas.
User Reviews: It’s valuable to weigh in on feedback from fellow dog parents.
In Summary
The right training lays the foundation for your puppy’s behaviour and overall well-being. By grasping the costs, optimal starting age, and best practices, you’re better equipped to navigate your puppy’s educational journey.
We Reviewed Wagging Tails Puppy School
Luka and Piper started puppy school at Wagging Tails at 6 weeks of age. The puppy classes ran once a week every Saturday for 4 weeks. A 1-hour session was $175.00 per puppy, we got a discount for having 2 puppies, it was $150.00 each.
It is an enjoyable experience and you get to meet the other adorable puppies. You learn a lot in the first session and they also give you plenty of exercise in the weeks in between classes. We were also congratulated in an email.
The email included.
• Training videos about things such as how to reward the puppies and crate training.
• Homework was to figure out what the puppies love and the best ways to teach them their name.
• Practical tips too, such as getting your pup used to collars and teaching them not to freak out when you’re not around.
• Information about the benefits of crate training, handling car rides, and how to understand your pup’s daily routine and the importance of puppies’ sleep needs.
• A list of safe foods and tips for changing your puppy’s diet.
• Short training sessions to keep them motivated.
In a nutshell, puppy school is like a guide to raising a well-behaved and happy puppy, after each session, we got a similar email to the one they sent in week 1.
The puppies did really well. There was a lot of repetitive reward-based training and reward-based training on our part. The puppy school instructor was truly on point. She went beyond just the basic training and gave insights into the psyche of puppies, helping us to really “get” them. Her approach was both thorough and relatable, making the learning experience feel more like a constructive chat than just a class. After #4 weeks they stayed for a 1 hour supervised play time where they experienced tunnels and surfaces. This meant they didn’t need a “behaviour assessment’ to join Wagging Tails Day care however there was an extra charge for the playtime: $30 for one puppy or $50 for 2. (Check out our post about Wagging Tails)
We definitely saw some positive changes over the 4 weeks and picked up a few tricks to keep the training going. Totally worth the time and money we put in.
Some key insights that helped. This has already been said a few times but just to reiterate, rewards are important. A treat or a kind word can do wonders in reinforcing good behaviour. Consistency is also very important; using the same clear commands helped avoid those adorable yet confused puppy looks. Most people know that puppies have a short attention span and Luka and Piper are not exceptions. So, shorter, focused sessions worked best. It’s very rewarding when they are so well-behaved, we could not be prouder! To sum it up, rewards are important even if it’s a cuddle or kind word, clear commands, and quick sessions. We would recommend these strategies to fellow puppy lovers and aspiring trainers.
