|
|
|
Kindergarten for Puppies
Early training classes start puppies off right.
Jennifer Quasha
Puppy kindergarten is nursery school for dogs. Just as children delight in playing with friends, being social, and learning basic behaviors, puppies do, too. Puppy kindergarten is the first step in obedience training classes that begins when your puppy has all of her shots, at around 12 weeks of age.
There are three important components to puppy kindergarten.
First, as a dog owner, you will learn more about your puppy what to expect from her at this age and how to best work with her for your desired result. Secondly, your puppy will learn how to walk on a leash and basic commands, such as Sit and Come. The third, and most crucial reason to take your pup to kindergarten, is socialization.
"Socialization is critical," says Chris Onthank, a dog trainer in Norwalk, Conn. "You want to expose your dog to as many sights, sounds, smells, and surfaces as possible."
Puppies need to learn how to interact with people and other dogs once they have been removed from their puppy pack. Coming into contact with a variety of breeds and sizes of dogs and various ages of people will help your puppy adapt to different situations as he grows up. Socialization is the only way to make him a safe companion while you are out and about together.
Find a reputable class by asking other dog lovers, your veterinarian, or groomer, or checking with your local pet-supply store. Sign up for a class at a time that will make it easy for you to attend.
Encourage family members to go with you - especially your kids. Older kids will enjoy the experience and learn about pet care. Plus, they will get to play with and help socialize other puppies. Puppy kindergarten can help the entire family adapt to the responsibility and enjoyment of having a new puppy.
- Get More Puppy Training Tips -
Give us your opinion on Kindergarten for Puppies
|
| Dogs & Puppies |
| Dog Activities |
dog shows, dog show news, Westminster, dog sports, dog fun, working dogs |
| Dog Breeds |
Labrabor Retriever, Golden Retriever, Yorkshire Terrier, German Shepherd, Boxer, Mixed Breeds |
| Dog Care |
dog vaccination, dog microchipping, dog grooming, dog neutering, dog spaying, dog nutrition, natural dog remedies, natural dog prevention, natural dog treatments, natural dog care success stories, fleas & ticks, dog obesity, senior dogs |
| Dog Diseases |
dog cancer, dog diabetes, dog epilepsy, dog hip dysplasia, sick dog |
| Dog Experts |
Allan Reznik dog breed expert, dog show expert, veterinary expert, dog grooming expert, dog training expert, Cesar Millan, dog adoption expert, dog rescue expert |
| Dog Magazines |
DOG FANCY, Dog World, Dogs for Kids, Dogs in Review, Dogs USA, Puppies USA, Popular Dog Series, Natural Dog |
| Dog Medication |
dog allergy medication, dog pain medication, dog anxiety medication, dog flea medication |
| Dog News |
entertainment news, dog laws, seasonal tips, good dog news, dog health news |
| Dog Pictures |
puppy pictures, funny dogs, cute dogs, dog breeds, sleeping dogs, silly dogs, small dogs |
| Dog Products |
dog bowls, dog crates, dog toys, dog beds, dog ramps, dog food storage, dog tags |
| Dog Symptoms |
dog vomiting, dog limping, dog diarrhea, dog bad breath, dog coughing, dog seizures |
| Dog Training |
dog aggression, dog barking, dog chewing, dog behavior, Dog Whisperer, dog containment, housetraining |
| Living with Dogs |
dog travel, family dog, dog-friendly home, dog-friendly yard, dog style, dog trends, dog exercise |
| Puppies |
ready for a puppy, puppy health, puppy nutrition, puppy breeders, puppy training, socialization, housetraining, spay-neuter, new puppy checklist |
| More Dog Topics |
dog videos, dog books, Club Dog |
|
|