and so it begins...................

Welcome to our forum all about the importance of puppy classes. Puppies, being so young and impressionable, need good sound and consistent training throughout there first 12 months. Most behavioural problems can stem from bad experiences when they are young which can be reflected in their junior and adult years.
Puppy socialisation and training really does work, we here at Yew Tree have many members who have trained there puppies with us and have gone on to win many 1st placings throughout their show careers.
Please discuss here your experiences and thoughts on puppy classes (all good i hope!)..... remember our rules and enjoy the forum.

Best Wishes

Team Admin

Just an extra bit of trivia to highlight the importance of puppy training: studies have shown that the relative amount of stimulation a puppy receives during its first critical period (6-16 weeks, varying from breed to breed) actually affects the formation of its brain. A pup given lots of new stimuli during this time has the potential to develop more pathways in its brain making learning and coping with new situations easier as it grows older.

I was quite astounded to learn this and think it makes a great arguement for starting puppy training and socialisation as early as possible.

I have brought my bulldog puppy Lola along to two classes now. She is a very confident puppy with no fear, however she seemed shocked the first time she attended the training club as I don't think she realised there were other dogs in the world apart from her and her new older brother/play mate!! After a bit of time she seemed to bond with Bryn, another member's doberman, and her confidence grew and grew.......and grew some more!! The second time she attended the club was as if she has been there for years, barking and playing with any dog that would play back!!

The classes seem great for socialising puppies and also for chatting to others and sharing experiences and queries.