Kodee
Well-known member
Kodee attended her first class last night. Wow, I am so happy I am doing this especially with the Behavioural Therapist I found. I thought she might not be ready - but this class is what she needs. She is at home with only me ALL day - I see that developing issues because Cavs are a soft breed.
It differs from just a puppy obedience class - this class is about developing behaviour (or not developing a bad behaviour) so you are ready for the Puppy Beginner usually recommended at 16 wks.
I was worried because "puppy classes" are usually 45 to 60 min and this one is 1.5 hrs - but now that I have attended I see why. The essense is not on training but socializing and lots of it is available. With a soft breed like Kodee she told me to come 10-15 min early so she can be first and see everyone come in and sniff noses if she chooses. They do some work but have chill time while she talks in between. At the end everyone passes their puppy to the right till it comes back to you. Kodee was wagging her little tail but it was slightly under her - she did great for a first time. Then she tells the quieter, shyer (kodee was included) dogs about 4 to let them off line - amusing these puppies just walked around mom and ventured out very little. Then they went back on the leash and the rest were let off (5) oh boy playtime was a riot for them! The quieter group watched with interest and by the end, kodee was straining a bit on her leash thinking hmm maybe I should have done that when I had the chance!
There are so many new owners or to be owners here, I really mean it, if your area has a socialization class DO IT! Sure if you wait 3 or 4 wks they can go to the Puppy Obedience classes (I know it saves money to do once) but for a soft breed like a cavalier - I think these classes are essential. Kodee is a very independant puppy with some attitude but she still was one of 3 most reserved - she needs this especially cause she spends too much time with me alone.
It differs from just a puppy obedience class - this class is about developing behaviour (or not developing a bad behaviour) so you are ready for the Puppy Beginner usually recommended at 16 wks.
I was worried because "puppy classes" are usually 45 to 60 min and this one is 1.5 hrs - but now that I have attended I see why. The essense is not on training but socializing and lots of it is available. With a soft breed like Kodee she told me to come 10-15 min early so she can be first and see everyone come in and sniff noses if she chooses. They do some work but have chill time while she talks in between. At the end everyone passes their puppy to the right till it comes back to you. Kodee was wagging her little tail but it was slightly under her - she did great for a first time. Then she tells the quieter, shyer (kodee was included) dogs about 4 to let them off line - amusing these puppies just walked around mom and ventured out very little. Then they went back on the leash and the rest were let off (5) oh boy playtime was a riot for them! The quieter group watched with interest and by the end, kodee was straining a bit on her leash thinking hmm maybe I should have done that when I had the chance!
There are so many new owners or to be owners here, I really mean it, if your area has a socialization class DO IT! Sure if you wait 3 or 4 wks they can go to the Puppy Obedience classes (I know it saves money to do once) but for a soft breed like a cavalier - I think these classes are essential. Kodee is a very independant puppy with some attitude but she still was one of 3 most reserved - she needs this especially cause she spends too much time with me alone.
