Other things to keep in mind:

Don't take a puppy to classes until he has had all of his vaccinations. Your veterinarian may recommend keeping the pup home until he's 16-18 weeks old. Listen to your vet, even if obedience instructors insist that the pup needs the socialization of a kindergarten class. Socialization is important, but not as important as avoiding exposure to fatal diseases such as parvovirus and distemper.

Do not do anything to your dog unless it feels right to you. If you do not like the methods employed during the class, find another club or instructor. Most instructors are aware that dogs have a natural dominance hierarchy in their social structure, that such hierarchy is transferred to the human family, and that humans must be dominant or the dog will rule the roost. Some instructors help owners learn to read their dog's behavior, to be the dominant member of the team, and to use minimal discipline to achieve the training goal. Others teach owners to train by intimidation. Still others over-read the dogs and the problems, explaining in great detail the psychology of the dog's mind at the moment of disobedience instead of working out a plan to eliminate or circumvent the bad behavior.

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