Puppy Training: When to Start and What a Good Class Looks Like

You can start training your puppy as soon as you bring them home, which can be as early as 8 weeks old. The AKC says training can begin then if you use positive reinforcement. AVSAB's puppy socialization position statement says puppies can start socialization classes as early as 7 to 8 weeks, once they've had at least one set of vaccines 7 days before the first class and a first deworming.

Why the first few months matter so much

AVSAB calls the first three months of life the primary and most important time for puppy socialization. During this window, a puppy's sociability outweighs its fear, so it adapts more easily to new people and new experiences. A certified trainer writing for the AKC says this critical socialization period ends by 16 weeks.

Missing this window has real costs. AVSAB's statement says incomplete or improper socialization can raise the risk of behavior problems later in life. It also says behavior problems are the number one cause of dogs being given up to shelters. And it says behavior issues, not infectious diseases, are the number one cause of death for dogs under three years old.

When to start puppy classes

AVSAB's position is that puppies can start socialization classes as early as 7 to 8 weeks old. Before the first class, a puppy should have had at least one set of vaccines at least seven days earlier, plus a first deworming. Puppies should stay up to date on vaccines throughout the class.

Many owners worry about waiting until the vaccine series is done. AVSAB addresses this directly. It says it should be the standard of care for puppies to get socialization before they are fully vaccinated. It explains that the protection a puppy gets from its mother, combined with the first vaccines and proper care, makes the risk of infection relatively small. AVSAB says that risk is small compared with the danger of behavior problems.

Some care is still needed. AVSAB says to avoid dog parks and other areas that aren't sanitized and that get heavy traffic from dogs of unknown vaccine or health status. Ask your veterinarian which vaccines your puppy needs and when, since that's a medical decision.

What to work on at home first

You don't have to wait for class to start. The AKC's puppy training timeline, written with input from a certified trainer, suggests these early goals.

• New experiences first. Introduce everyday sounds, traffic, car rides, people of all kinds and other dogs. Include vet visits and gentle handling of your puppy's body.
• Sit before meals. Get your puppy in the habit of sitting before meals and, ideally, before play.
• House training. Expect it to be a work in progress for several months.
• Time alone. Use a crate or another safe, closed space so your puppy learns to handle short periods alone.

AVSAB adds that puppies should be handled from birth and meet many different people and well socialized animals in many places. It also says a puppy's schedule should include time to play alone with toys and to nap in a crate or puppy pen.

What a good puppy class looks like

Most classes teach sit and down. A good class does more. The AKC's article on puppy classes says strong classes include supervised puppy play and exposure to new sights and sounds. Handling and restraint exercises belong in a good class too. The AKC notes that fewer than half of classes teach puppies to trade items, which helps prevent resource guarding.

Preventive Vet's guide to choosing a puppy class, written by a CPDT-KA and CBCC-KA certified trainer, lists more signs of a good class.

• Basic training mixed with supervised off leash play
• Lessons on bite inhibition, dog to dog communication and impulse control
• New objects, surfaces and puzzle toys to explore
• A quiet corner for shy or cautious puppies
• About one trainer for every six puppies
• Short training segments between play sessions

Play needs watching. The AKC stresses safe play and points to the problem of larger, rowdy puppies bullying smaller, shy ones.

Positive reinforcement methods

AVSAB's puppy statement says classes should be based on positive reinforcement, using rewards like treats and praise, or play and petting. It says consistent, positive training is associated with fewer behavior problems than punishment based methods. AVSAB's separate position statement on humane dog training says reward based methods are supported for all dog training.

A clean space and vaccine rules

AVSAB recommends holding classes, where possible, on surfaces that are easily cleaned and disinfected, such as indoors. It says puppies should have up to date vaccines and be free of disease and parasites before they join. Preventive Vet suggests avoiding classes that don't ask for proof of vaccination. It also says the space should smell clean without a strong chemical odor.

Red flags in a puppy class

Preventive Vet's guide and AVSAB's guide on choosing a trainer both list warning signs. Walk away if you see any of these.

• Squirt bottles, shaker cans, yelling or physical corrections
• Leash jerks, or pushing or rolling a puppy onto its back
• Prong or shock collars
• Dominance language such as "alpha," "pack leader" or "boss"
• Rough play that bullies other puppies and goes unmanaged
• A trainer who can't keep up with the group
• No proof of vaccination required

AVSAB's trainer guide says to watch for stressed or fearful body language and to choose a different trainer if you don't feel heard or supported. AVSAB's puppy statement says puppies who show fear should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

Questions to ask before you enroll

Preventive Vet suggests asking these questions.

• How often is the space cleaned, and with what products?
• What certifications does the trainer hold?
• Can I watch a class before signing up?
• How are potty accidents handled?
• Can family members come and take part?
• How are shy puppies supported?

The AKC also suggests asking to watch a class first and confirming that the trainer uses positive methods.

Check the instructor's credentials

The AKC and the CCPDT both say dog training is an unregulated industry. The AKC adds that anybody can print business cards and charge for training. The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers suggests looking for its trainer credentials, CPDT-KA and CPDT-KSA, or its behavior consultant credential, CBCC-KA.

AVSAB's guide to choosing a trainer names the Pet Professional Guild and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants as groups whose members are more likely to use positive methods. It lists Fear Free too. It also names Karen Pryor Academy as a training program to look for, which you can read about on our resources page.

The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program

Some classes follow the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program. S.T.A.R. stands for Socialization, Training, Activity and Responsible owner. Puppies take a class of six weeks or longer taught by an AKC approved evaluator, who gives the final test. The test covers skills such as letting a stranger pet the puppy and walking on a loose leash. Puppies also need to let the owner take away a treat or toy. The AKC says the program puts your puppy on the path to its Canine Good Citizen program.

Group class or private lessons for a puppy

A group class gives your puppy practice around other puppies and new people. The AKC says a class with other dogs adds socialization and distraction training. It also says one on one sessions can suit dogs who get overstimulated or anxious around other dogs. If your puppy seems scared in a group, have your veterinarian take a look, as AVSAB recommends for fearful puppies. Then talk with the trainer about private lessons.

A class without off leash play can still work. Preventive Vet says that's fine as long as you arrange time with other dogs somewhere else.

Keep training going between classes

Your puppy spends far more time at home than in class. The AKC's guide to choosing a trainer says good trainers teach owners how to train their dogs, and over time should include the whole household. Practice the skills from class at home between lessons.

Keep it pleasant for your puppy. AVSAB's humane training statement says the learner must always feel safe and have the ability to opt out. If your puppy walks away or seems stressed, take a break.

Keep going after the first course, too. AVSAB says owners should keep socializing puppies after three months of age. The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test can give you a clear goal for the next stage.

Once you know what to look for, you can start finding classes near you.

How much puppy classes cost

Puppy courses often cost less than other training. Rover's dog training cost guide lists puppy courses at $55 to $90 per course. Thumbtack says puppy training tends to cost less than other training, though some trainers charge the same for every age. Prices vary by area and by trainer, so ask two or three local trainers for their rates and what each course includes.

Finding a puppy class on AnimalTrainerPro

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Visit a class or two and ask the questions above. Pick the one where the puppies look relaxed and the trainer keeps play under control. Then keep practicing at home between classes.

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