Group puppy/dog obedience class?

[Scout]

I am considering enrolling in a 7 week beginners basic obedience group class with my 4 month old girl. But, she is so smart that she has already learned the basic commands from me. I'm thinking that her having to listen to me in the presence of other puppies and dogs might be good for her though. Any thoughts/experiences with group classes?

[markrys]

We like the group class we are in. Chloe is with a boxer & border collie/lab mix. They play & mix it up for a bit then do commands with the distractions of the others at the same time. Chloe has gotten much better listening to us with theese distractions.The other pups are a month older than Chloe and she is so much better behaved. It works for us. M&k.

[Dara8182]

Hello - we have not been very happy with our group class. We enrolled Archer at 10 weeks because we were seeking an outlet for his energy. Everything taught in class I've found ahead of time in books/the web.

The puppy class environment is difficult for learning since the dogs are really distracted. My class centers around basic commands - I would have preferred more behavioral stuff and leash walking, managing reactions to stimuli, ect...

I'm sure you'll find your doodle is a genius compared to the other dogs - if you don't have lots of socialization opportunities it may be worthwhile to do it just for that.

[Hays]

We loved the petsmart training classes! Hayley just graduated this past Monday in fact and she is moving on to the advanced training class in Feb! She enjoys it and it really taught her to work well and behave around other dogs. It's so cute, the first couple of weeks, all the dogs just wanted to misbehave and play with each other but by the last few weeks, all the dogs were watching one another and most dogs behaved better when they saw the other dogs on the spot! Than when it was their turn, they wanted to do well also! It was a great experience and our three month old puppy is more advanced than any other puppy of her age!

[Moe]

I think the classes force me to keep up with the training. When I am in the 7 week class I am consistent with the homework. When we have a few weeks off I turn into a slacker. We started doing Basic Obedience today. It is covering much more than sit, stay etc. Next week we are getting them to go on a mat and stay until released. The goal will be to put them there while you answer the door or eat dinner. Seems like a distant goal for a 4mo old pup but we will try our best. I think it is great to practice with distractions. My dog is fantastic at coming when called in the house. Try it in a park or when kids are running around and it is a different story. I don't think any decent training class is a waste of money. I say go for it.

[Julie B.]

We are currently in the intermediate PetSmart class. I agree with the above posts that trying to train our puppy with the other dogs as well as going out in the store is really valuable. Sure, she can do the commands at home but all the discractions are a real challenge. I also have had my 11 yr. old daughter with me - she often bears the brunt of the puppy insanity so it has given her confidence at home (it's cute when she is "training" her!)

[Scout]

Thanks everyone! I enrolled Scout today for a 7 week class starting next wee.