questions for interviewing puppy classes

carey

There are 3 puppy classes in our area. What are some good questions I should ask as a first time puppy owner when asking about their programs?

AkiraleShiba

Ask them about their methods and ask them to explain them to you.
Ask if they require vaccinations, because you want your puppy to be in a safe environment.

By the way you puppy looks very cute

carey

thanks!! she is a sweetie!!

kacaju

ask if you can sit in on some of their other classes. You will get a good idea on how they run their classes that way.

TooneyDogs

I visited the four clubs that held puppy classes in our area. All of them allow visitors so, I was able to watch the instructors, the students and the wonderful puppies go through their paces on class night and took copies of the class agendas where possible.
Good puppy classes will cover the basics of health, grooming, nutrition, exercise, obedience, socialization, toys, games, crating, potty, building trust, confidence and they often discuss (briefly) the common problems of barking, biting, digging, etc.
The actual training methods used for the obedience portion is what concerns most people and that's where you need to see what they are actually doing and if you're comfortable with their approach.

Puppy & Dog Forums

 

Rowdy

Do you know anyone who has gone to one of the classes? You can talk to them about their experience. That's how I found our trainer. I asked everyone I knew with dogs and the same name kept coming up. That's who I went to.

wvasko

I would want to watch a class, should be no problem with a legitimate class.

DogsforMe

We have a waiting list & if they are desperate we tell them they can come watch to see how its run.
You would also want to know what methods they use. We don't allow check chains & use food lures/rewards

Puppy & Dog Forums