PUPPY CLASSES – WHO’S IT REALLY FOR?

I think Puppy Classes should be renamed to “Puppy Parenting Classes.”

What do you think?

Last night I couldn’t help but wonder – who’s this class really for?

The dog or the human?…

700

I’ve concluded we’re the ones getting #schooled

Jeff (the instructor) is really teaching us humans 🙂

EXAMPLE –

Last night we reviewed command techniques for “leave-it.”

For me this was huge because Jax eats EVERYTHING and personally – I’m tired of digging things out from the back of his throat all the time.

Notice how attentive Jax is as Jeff uses Sully in his demonstration…

IMG_7262

Don’t be impressed –

He doesn’t have a clue what’s going on.

I’m the one that’s got to pay attention.

I’m the one who has to deal with Doodle Dad’s condescending stare if Jax doesn’t “leave it” later.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m ALL FOR puppy classes. I understand the importance. I am in complete agreement with the experts.

Puppies should have an introduction to:

  • simple cues such as sit / come / stay
  • basic manners
  • socialaization with people and other dogs

AND

  • loose-leash walking

But I just realized – someone’s got to teach me first! #backinschool 🙁

While I am not expecting any miracles, I am happy to report my “remedial” home training is working. #alittle 

He’s doing much better with:

  • leave it
  • sit
  • lie down

His loose leash walking is still atrocious. #noprogress

The way I see it, I’ve got two choices:

  • Let him zig-zag like crazy remaining trim, slim, fit and healthy #moreourstyle

OR

  • Master the loose leash technique doling out treats every few feet and watch him waddle nicely beside me overweight and out of breath. #notourstyle

I did, however, leave class beaming.

My little Doodle Bug is truly gifted at “play breaks.#dontlaugh

He seems to excel every week. #soproud

We’ve only got a few weeks left. I promised Jax I’d buckle down, get serious and do my part!

I’m determined to pass this class, even if I have to bribe surprise the teacher with a gift when it’s over. #noshame

OUR MID SEMESTER PROGRESS REPORT

Did you miss our first Puppy Class story? #enjoy

It’s Wednesday, do the “hump” dance today! 

Thank you for stopping by –  share us with your friends!

This is our contribution in the BlogPaws Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

38 Comments
  • Barkocity
    June 3, 2015

    Jax is doing so well! Puppy classes have really worked out for him. I completely agree with changing the name to Puppy Parenting Classes. They’re certainly for humans just as much as the pups! Really enjoy reading your posts, I love how you incorporate #hashtags. Great writing! Tty soon!

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 3, 2015

      Thanks Barkocity. I appreciate your comments AND I love your blog also! My #hashtags are my own commentaries LOL I talk to myself a lot 🙂 I’m hoping to do something different with Jax (then I did with Harley) I really want to continue working with him on a regular basis AFTER the class is over, in the hopes of maybe (this is a big maybe too!) that I can start training him tricks. Imagine those blog posts #doodlelarious…

  • Elaine
    June 3, 2015

    I’m impressed! From watching the video, Jax is doing great, and kudos to Mom too. 🙂

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 3, 2015

      Elaine, I’m impressed too! LOL He is even following through at home. I want to try and keep our training regiment up. Pray for me 🙂

  • Talent Hounds
    June 3, 2015

    Way to go Jax and fam! He seems to be really coming along -patience and practice is everything!

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 3, 2015

      We’re practicing Talent Hounds, everyday #wellalmost

  • Jan K
    June 3, 2015

    What could be more fun than watching puppies play? Loved the video, and Jax is doing great (Luke has still not mastered leave it)! I absolutely agree that puppy classes are for the humans. My hubby took Luke to puppy school and it didn’t take me long to realize that I should have gone too. We both went to the next round of classes and I learned so much!

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 3, 2015

      Leave it is actually working here in the house too! That in itself has been worth it’s weight in gold.

  • Emma
    June 3, 2015

    Mom and Bailie did puppy kindergarten, obedience 1, and obedience 2. Mom hated the obedience classes, and Bailie wasn’t thrilled either, but they survived. Both of them learned just enough to pass, and got down the things which are important at our house. Loose leash walking isn’t a priority of ours, so it has never been mastered. Mom says it will come with maturity, so no worries.

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 3, 2015

      Emma – tell your mom that’s exactly what I told the instructor last night. Loose leash isn’t even on my list. I could care less too! But “sit – come – stay” those are my dream commands 🙂

  • The Daily Pip
    June 3, 2015

    So, your post has me laughing AGAIN. Yes, puppy class is for the humans. And quite frankly, I’m a puppy school drop out (the shame of having my dog refuse too listen was too much). And for the record, play breaks are very important (ask any pre-school teacher) and a little bribery never hurt anyone.

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 3, 2015

      That’s my job – to bring light laughter to a world that can certainly use a dose on a daily basis. I’m going to stick this one out. The way I see it, if we fail all the commands, we’ve got to ace the play time. He’s a star in that category!

  • Ann Staub
    June 3, 2015

    Oh Jax… you are still young and one day these puppy classes will really sink in. Until then, I say have fun while you are still young! 😉 On another note, I wonder if I can train my 3 year old human to leave it as well. She also always seems to be getting into things every time I turn around.

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 3, 2015

      Ann – you’ve got jokes! Your three year old human is so adorable, she should have everything she wants. She is a doll baby.

  • Taryn
    June 3, 2015

    I think the most important reason for a puppy class is so the pups can get exposure to other pups. Sit, stay and leave it can all be easily taught at home. Jax looks like he has it all under control.

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 3, 2015

      Well, Jax has certainly nailed puppy class then BOL He loves playing. I agree with you because the first class he was very cautious. Harley was really the only other dog he’d been around up until that point. Now, he’s Mr. Friendly. He’s having a great time, and he/we are learning good habits.

  • Sharon Seltzer
    June 3, 2015

    Jax’s puppy class video is adorable. He did a great job with the commands. Bailey and I just finished 12 weeks of puppy classes and I agree with you that they are more for the pet parent than the puppy. Bailey caught on early that she got lots of attention and hugs from the instructor and other parents if she performed well. Once we got home it was a different story. She acts like she’s never heard the word “leave it” or “stay,” but we’re still working on it.

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 3, 2015

      Thanks Sharon. WOW – your class was 12 weeks – that’s pretty PAWsome. Jax seems to be doing well at home and on walks with the leave it command. I am trying to work with him daily and I use Harley to help me.

  • Christina
    June 3, 2015

    Excellent post! We did obedience class for Luna (and yes, I agree, we parents are the ones being trained). Luna did really well, and we continued her training at home. Well, shall we say “I” continued her training at home, since Daddy tends to spoil her. We didn’t go to the last class, which was the test; not because Luna wasn’t going to pass, but I was afraid I wasn’t going to pass (and at my age, I’m over being judged). Best of luck – looks like Jax is doing REALLY well!

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 3, 2015

      Thanks Christina! I am determined to see this through till the end. I want to continue working with Jax and would really like to find a beginners trip training class. Wouldn’t those blog posts be hilarious? Thanks for stopping by.

  • Dezi and Lexi
    June 3, 2015

    MOL Dat’s adowable. Luvved da video, but we fink yous be wight bout those classes bein’ fur da hoomans and not weally fur da dogs. MOL Have a pawsum day.

    Luv ya’

    Dezi and Lexi

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 3, 2015

      Why thank you so much Dezi & Lexi. I’m going to keep going until the end – I PAWmise.

  • Tenacious Little Terrier
    June 3, 2015

    It took me about two weeks of walks at a snail’s pace and lots of frustration but Mr. N finally got the hang of loose leash walking after that. If the leash was taut, we wouldn’t walk.

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 3, 2015

      Mr. n. – you may have to have your your human make a video so we can learn from you!

  • slimdoggy
    June 3, 2015

    Haha…yes puppy class is really for the parents – although from the video, it looks like Jax is doing really well!

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 3, 2015

      Slim – Jax is doing well at recess 🙂

  • Jackie Bouchard
    June 3, 2015

    Yep, agreed. The learnin’ part is mostly for the pawrents. Recess is for the pups! We weren’t even allowed to bring our dogs to the first class. We had to learn the basics before the pups wee allowed to join in the second week, Jax is SO darn cute!

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 3, 2015

      Thanks Jackie – Jax is really coming into his own now – and both Doodle Dad and I laugh at him most of the day. I like the fact that our class is super small, it gives the instructor plenty of time to work with us individually.

  • 2 Punk Dogs
    June 3, 2015

    Jax & the other puppies are so cute in the video! I wish we had been able to adopt Maggie & Duke as puppies. Puppy class looks much more fun than our training classes!
    Maggie & Duke were about 2 & 3 when we went to a 12 week training class. Duke was so nervous he sat & shook for the entire 1st class! They wouldn’t eat treats or turkey meatballs, so the Mr. would cook a chicken breast for each of them before each class. 🙂

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 3, 2015

      You know I was so surprised during our first class. Jax was so shy. He clung to me the entire time. I realized he’s never been around any other dogs other than Harley. By the end of the class he was playing with a few of the puppies. I think your Mr is a really special guy to cook chicken breast for them. Take care 🙂

  • MyDogLikes
    June 3, 2015

    You are making excellent puppy progress!

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 3, 2015

      We’re trying our doodle best 🙂

  • DZ Dogs
    June 4, 2015

    Way to go mama! Jax is doing great!

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 4, 2015

      We’re trying DZ – we’re trying 🙂

  • Kaitlin- SheSpeaksBark
    June 4, 2015

    We agree- puppy classes are really about training the puppy parents!

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 4, 2015

      Yes, they are! Jax may be having fun, but I’m learning a great deal. Now whether or not I’m able to train Jax – is still up for debate! Thanks for stopping by Kaitlin.

  • Rama's Mama
    June 9, 2015

    You’re doing a great job! And you are right, it is mostly to teach the people. 🙂

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 9, 2015

      Hey there Rama Mama – how are you? I’m trying to pay attention. Jax on the other hand is getting all his playtime in during that one hour. He’s hilarious. Thanks for stopping by!