Shepherd Obidience Classes

[Gsd_pitboxer]

Just got a new female Purebred White german Shepherd.

She is awesome .
at 11 weeks old , she is well house trained , ( hasn't pooped inside yet)

And she comes inside , and i give her 1/8 of a dog treat , she sits , takes the treat nicely , and walks away .

BUT
Alot of people are telling me to MAKE SURE i take her into classes. Do you really recommend this?

 

[corgipower]

I don't think classes are necessary for every dog. If the dog is doing well, there aren't any problems and if you have sufficient ways to socialize, then no.

 

[Dogs6]

I agree with CP but classes can be really useful esp if you want to do a sport with her but they are not neccessary

 

[Gsd_pitboxer]

ok ! thanks guys/girls!

 

[DanL]

classes are not always necessary but training a GSD is definitely a must, they can get too big and strong to be allowed to do what they want.

 

[Gsd_pitboxer]

I got a female white shepherd , think it will get big?

 

[Dekka]

What were the parents like? These are questions you should be asking your breeder as he/she will know her lines best.

 

[Gsd_pitboxer]

He told me they were raised well , in a nice barn/garage ... i seen it , i think its a nice insulited building , that would be warm enough , even tho shepherds have good coats. But he said they were kinda raised to protect the house , ( he lived on a HUGE farm house )

 

[Dekka]

No I mean temperament wise. Not how they were raised. (though that is good to know) Did he ask if you were going to do classes? Does the breeder reccomend classes for the pups? How much prey drive or protection drive is expected from this litter?

What sort of things were your pup's family bred for?

All these sorts of things will help you decide what you should do. For example the Dekklets are all pretty easy right now, but I know they are going to be highly intelligent with high drive, so would recommend any non pro home do classes.

 

[Gsd_pitboxer]

yea, i have a nice toy that tests my dogs "prey drive" .
She's a bit slow just cuz she is so young , and needs to fill into her feet.

But the man i got her from didnt mention to much , Showed me the parents, they looked very heathy with beautiful coats.

 

[Dekka]

hmm I think you are missing what I am saying.

What you dog is like as a pup isn't necessarily what she will be like as an adult. And its too bad you didn't get more info. In the future I suggest you do a lot more research on the pup you get. Many dogs look healthy that pass on horrible issues. (that is why a health guarantee is so important)

If you want to know if you can handle training your dog on your own you need to figure out if you will likely be able to handle your adult dog. Shepherds tend to be suspicious of strangers unless very well socialized. I ALWAYS recommend a puppy class for socialization as well for another set of eyes to spot potential red flags.

 

[Doberluv]

I recommend a puppy kindergarten class and even a few more obedience classes unless you're an experienced dog owner. They aren't always necessary, but can be very helpful. Your dog may not always be as easy as he is now. They go through stages and a GSD can be very rambunctious. It is a great way to socialize the pup and that is VERY important. If you do, be sure to be careful what trainer you use. I recommend one who uses "positive reinforcement" methods and not the show-'em-who's-boss, choke collar, yank, correct, scold type. But that doesn't mean you should be permissive. Good training methods are a must.

 

[Gsd_pitboxer]

 

[lizzybeth727]

I ABSOLUTELY recommend puppy classes to about 99% of dog owners. Before I taught puppy classes I considered myself very dog savy and experienced; but after teaching classes I learned that not all puppies are the same, and it's SO important to have another set of eyes watching your puppy grow up and make recommendations based on your skill level and goals for the puppy. Personally, I'm thinking about getting a puppy in a few months, and have already found two puppy classes that I'll be taking at the same time; I might even take a third, if the schedule works out right. With puppies you have a very small window of opportunity to socialize and prevent bad behaviors, so puppy classes are definately an investment into the rest of your dog's life.

 

[ihartgonzo]

Puppy classes aren't just for basic obedience commands. They are invaluable for socialization, with both other dogs AND people! And if your puppy is from parents who were used to "guard" unscrupulously... you need to socialize the heck out of that puppy. She should meet at least 100 people in the next 5 weeks, and puppy class is at least 20 already.

I suggest looking for a puppy class that is ONLY positive reinforcement, with puppy play session before or after class. If there isn't a play session in the class, I recommend looking for puppy play groups and meet-ups to take her to. Playing with other puppies teaches puppies so much about social skills, interaction with other dogs, and manners, and it sticks with them FOR LIFE when they're at this vulnerable age.

 

[Brattina88]

Puppy classes are a great starter for socialization! I enjoy them, I'd still take a dog to a training class, even though I know how to train, for the socialization piece.

 

[Maxy24]

I recommend them PURELY for socialization. I don't care if the dog can so much as sit on command when he is done with the classes, the socialization is SO important. A dog who can't sit is not nearly as big of a deal as a dog who tries to attack strange dogs and people due to lack of socialization. since GSDs already have a natural weariness of strangers it would be easy for that breed to become defensive if under socialized.

Of course if you think you can provide ample training and socialization (meet TONS of strange dogs and people weekly if not daily) without classes that is fine too. I probably will not bring my dog to training classes so long as I live near some sort of park and a couple of pet stores.

 

[bradny78]

I would suggest having your dog trained. Wether you do it yourself or go to a class for a gsd its a must. Socialization is key with any breed. The rule of thumb is that bi the time they are 6 month old they should have met at least 100 ppl. Also introduce the dog to as many dogs as possible as well. Dog parks are great for that
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