Are Puppy Classes Worth It?

With dog sales booming around December to January time as dogs are typically gifted as 'presents' with a puppy being most in demand, it's important to ask whether puppy classes are worth it.

Group of various dogs at a training class

What are puppy classes?

Puppy classes are designed to help encourage early socialisation, identify potential behavioural issues and develop the bond between you and your puppy. A puppy can be signed up to classes once they are around 12 - 16 weeks old and have completed all relevant vaccinations.

Pros and cons of puppy classes:

Like anything, it's always worth do assess the pros and cons of a situation, idea and commitment. Here is a starting point of the possible pros and cons of puppy classes:

Pros	Cons
lay down the foundations for a well balanced and happy dog	classes require consistent attendance for up to 8 weeks
you will be supported by a professional trainer who can help correct you	it can become costly on top of paying for vet bills and any other extras
meet a potential new dog walking buddy for you and your puppy	there may not be any puppy classes in your area so you will have to travel
identify possible behavioural problems and prevent them from developing further down the line	it may take a few sessions before your puppy feels less overwhelmed by the new environment

Please research and identify what will work best with you and your puppy with the idea that consistency is crucial for your pet's development.

How to find the right puppy class for you:

If you are at the stage where you are wondering how do find the right puppy class for you, think about these areas:

• Logistics: Are you CONSISTENTLY available that day and time? are you comfortable with the journey?

• Affordability: Again, can you afford these classes to REGULARLY attend?

• Trainer: Is the TRAINER qualified? what other qualifications do they obtain? What do they specialise in? What are their ethos towards dog training?

• Reviews: There is nothing quite like word of mouth and recommendations. Online reviews can be beneficial but remember, they can be "encouraged" to write a review for the class. Listen to the reviews RESONATE with you.

• Sessions: Most classes have a schedule on what they will be covering. Before you seek out classes in your area, research and note down what behaviours you would like to work on for this to be used as a CRITERIA.

• Attendance and Marketing: Assess the marketing. If you feel like you are being cold sale'd, then I would suggest to AVOID these classes as it makes you wonder why they are struggling with attendance?

Conclusion

It is essential to lay the groundworks for your puppy, they need to develop respect, proper socialisation and be placed in situations that would build their confidence. It's also crucial, as mentioned above, to remain consistent throughout your puppy's training.

With that being said, I would highly recommend puppy training but you also need to assess the pros and cons of each class and weigh it up to your own life commitments and financial security.