The Toy Poodle Forum

[SweetButter]

Hello All,

My ultra adorable sweet little toy poodle was born on 11/1. He had two series of shots and the vet said he is ready for classes. However, I did see a wonderful step-by-step picture book while I was at Barns & Noble the other day. It teaches clicker training and it looked great.
http://www.amazon.com/puppy-Tricks-Step-Step-Activities/dp/1592535712

I am a student, and sure, I can afford a puppy, but it does not hurt to be economical. I am willing to work a little harder to train him if the difference is between $20 dollars (book) and $175 dollars (6-week classes).

What do you guys think? Classes or books? If so, which books?

He does get his socialization with neighboring puppies.

Thanks in advance to all who responded!

[ChristinaJane]

I am not sure, but for myself, I reckon the classes, as they learn to socialize with other dogs, and they just love bounding and prancing around with the other dogs. Even dogs, 10 times a poodles size.

I have also found that any little issues that may arise with my pups, the trainer will do anything to answer it.

Also with training last week, they learnt to drop. Bob being the smallest in the class she suggested putting him on a table and asking him to and because Bob was at Warren's level then, it was much easier and he was much more controllable, so if the trainer had not been there, we would have done it the other way with problems.

That is just my thoughts see what the others thinks.

Cheers
Christina
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[Virangos]

The socilization with the other dogs in the class is a wonderful thing.
If you can go to a dog park or the pet store where they can interact with the other dogs, all the better.
On a budget I would go with the book. Just be consistant and constant. Set a side a time frame each and every day to practice and stick to it.

The one thing I learned from trainning classes was just that, If you dont do the homework, (Practice every day) It doesnt work.

As for which book I really don't know. All depends on what you want. The link you posted looks good, You may want to look into specifics like "Clicker"Training, or Basic obediance.
Google a couple things, you would be surprised at some of the free sites and videos that would pop up.
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In dog years I'm dead.

Dogs' lives are too short. Their only fault, really.

[marge]

I like virangos answer,
it is all homework, homework. all week after the class.
There are a lot of good sites on the web
that you can follow to learn the basics at home

[DL]

I used the classes after I had already done a lot of training with mine. They listened fine with me with no distractions. But entering the class you would not have known they had any training at all, the distractions were huge for them and very beneficial for their learning.

Training is for life, so start with the book. Try to do something every day even if it is simply making them wait at the door or for their dinner. Then when you have the time and money do a class or two, you won't regret it.

I found that when the trainers suggested a training way that I disagreed with it didn't matter since I had already used a positive training method for that "command". I guess then I didn't feel intimidated by the trainer.

The bonding at training class is a huge benefit that most people miss. Remain calm and remember it is for fun!! Some people get embarrassed or frustrated and wreck the whole thing, for them and the dog.

When you are in that crowded room of people and your previously "untrained" dog looks at you and gladly does what you are asking, you will get the best feeling and your bond will grow.

Dawn, Spike and Maggie

[Tokyobaby]

I had lessons for Fuji as he was my first ever dog but looking back I'd say he didn't really need them as he learnt pretty much everything before the trainer ever came around. I highly recommend clicker training and personally like Ian Dunbar's books but anything that uses positive reinforcement in training should be good.

I do agree with everyone about socialization though, this is really important for them to learn how to play nicely and about bite inhibition etc but a dog park or maybe doggy daycare can take care of that.

Hope that helps!
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Judy, Fuji and Kiba

[Laura111]

Hey, why not do both of them? Just a suggestion. If you put him in training classes it will make it a whole lot easier when you are trying to train it yourself, don't you think? Good luck anyways.

By the way "Tokyobaby", your dog is gorgeous. It looks beautiful, I love the color.
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Teacup poodles are my favorite! I prefer an apricot colored female that is 8-10 weeks old.I'm looking for one that's why. <3
http://www.dogtraining-athome.blogspot.com