Thoughts on private instruction vs. class for a puppy

[CharlieLabMom]

In a few weeks my pup, Charlie will have had the requisite shot to allow him to join a puppy class. However, I am a school board member with many meetings and between that and my children's activities, I am worried about making a weekly session for group training. I know a benefit of the group training is socialization so I'm curious about what people's training choices have been and the pro's and con's they feel they experienced.

Thanks in advance!

[SharonaZamboni]

I'm thinking about private lessons for Bean's next class. All the people and puppies made me self-conscious when Bean misbehaved, LOL. He would also get bored and start looking to play with the puppies. I'd be better able to focus on the teacher with private lessons. But keep in mind that Bean is 8 months. The younger pups seemed to do well in group.

[lisa]

I have done both... I did private, which was much more expensive, with Gracie. They were 1 hour sessions, which were too long for her...she gets bored very quickly. I also did a group class with Gracie, but there was only one other dog in class. I enjoyed group more. Gracie is not big on training...period. She gets bored very, very fast and begins not to listen
Did puppy group with Lola and about 5 other dogs and it was a blast. We both loved it!!

They both have their pros and cons. When I do training agin though it will be group. Good luck and have fun!!!!!

[Tanya]

I wouldn't limit a puppie's training to private classes UNLESS they factor in socialization and training OUTSIDE THE HOME as well. Part of obedience classes in training with light distractions in a new environment - to often we train only in our homes and don't make a point of practicing with slowy increase distractions and in new environments.

Puppy Kindergarten (in my view) as opposed to basic obedience should look more towards sociliazation (letting puppies have play breaks) and training. But not just social between the dogs, but have handlers trade dogs and have differnet "items" out for socialization (umbrella, tunnel, grate to step on).

Private classes are great but don't usually replace group classes. They can be great to address issues in the house (which can be hard in a class setting) of iyou are a new puppy owner can give you an in person primer/guide to training a puppy which could be great for new puppy owners or families with kids.

IF you go the route of private classes, definately read up on how to socialize your puppy (especially during the crucial phase where they are too young to bring ANYWHERE but are in the prime window for socialization)

[BigBrownDog]

Private classes are better for a dog with real issues. I think group lessons are much better for a puppy or well adjusted dog.