We would encourage each and every puppy parent to get your puppy off on the right paw by enrolling in Puppy Head Start classes offered at PETsMART, or in classes offered by your local dog-training club.  We would recommend waiting till your puppy has completed all three sets of puppy shots (about 16 to 20 weeks old).   We believe that a 8 to 10-week-old puppy is just not mentally ready and able to retain all that will be required of him in training classes.  In addition, during these first several weeks, you should be developing a close bond and trust relationship with your puppy; he/she will have more confidence after being in your care for a month or so.  The time you invest in these early weeks with your new puppy will pay great dividends in the relationship between you and your companion.

The Puppy Head Start classes (or classes at your local dog-training club) are a profitable time: not only will your puppy develop better social skills, but you will be among you own “puppy parent” peers who are probably experiencing certain shared frustrations and who might also have many questions.  It’s like a support group; a great time to share and get many questions answered.  It will build a strong, long lasting foundation that you can build upon throughout the coming years, and will become the best investment you ever made for you and your puppy.  You will have a more well-mannered puppy, and you will become an even better puppy parent!

For more info on Puppy Head Start classes offered in your area, click into  www.petsmart.com/training