When to start puppy school?

Question

When is a good time to bring my shih tzu puppy to puppy school? The vet said he shouldn't be around other dogs until he has had all his shots. He is a really good puppy but I want him to learn some basic comands.

Answer 1

Most trainers would not see them for the first year. After that they develop a strong personality. They will also be less distracted and more likely understand commands and what you want done.

Answer 2

There needs to be a balance between health concerns and socializing.

Let's look at the importance of each.

Socializing is EXTREMELY important for your puppy especially if he is under 4 months old. This is the time when he can go up to things without fear. You will be glad for the next 12 years that your dog will not injure anyone, babies, children, adults, dogs, puppies.

However, health is equally important. BUT the chances that he'll catch something is tiny. As long as if you make sure he doesn't eat p**p or garbage, you will PROBABLY be fine.

Try teaching him some basic commands, like sit and down right now. Also, shake is an easy trick to learn and show off to your friends.

Personal experience: I took out my puppy (2 months old) even before she got all her shots. She is PERFECTLY healthy. Except maybe a bit on the skinny side because she doesn't like Purina Puppy Chow, which I made a HUGE mistake buying. So there ya go. Your puppy will probably be fine. 95% chance nothing will go wrong.

While I'm at it, there are other tips as well. Don't buy dog food with "corn" as the number one ingredient. At least 2 of the top 5 ingredients has to be meat, like chicken meal, beef meal, lamb meal. Don't go for things that say "meat meal" or "poutry meal". Those categories are so general. Also, don't go for ones that says "by product." That simply means all the bones and feathers. NO REAL MEAT.

HAVE FUN!!!!

Answer 3

You should start teaching the basics in the house with no other distractions. then by the time she is finished with her shots you have a leg up on the other pups in the puppy class.

I run group dog training classes also and I do not allow pups in class until they have all their shots plus kennel cough.