[diemeareendup]

Thanks for the reply's

[diemeareendup]

Hi,

Just wondering what's the general opinion on puppy classes. As I have a miniature bull terrier what would you do socialize the pup yourself or goto puppy classes so he can play with dogs his own size.

Although I have been out with him and he is fine with older dogs but some or most dogs think he's to hyper and can't handle him jumping around like a missile.

Any advice will be appreciated

[Longwow]

Bully breed dogs are genetically predisposed to Dog Aggression. This is natural and correct in the breeds and not seen as a fault but something to be managed. Its quite common for bully breed dogs to be fine with other dogs when pups and then become aggressive upon maturity or before. Some are other dog aggressive as babies, some never become dog aggressive and some only aggressive to certain dogs. This is something you will have to take seriously. Even the smaller bully dogs can do quite a bit of damage to another dog.

I skipped puppy classes with mine and socialized by walking. The dog was kept under control on leash the entire time and allowed to see and smell various things, but not able to get into any trouble. I let mine play with other dogs owned by breed savvy friends and family members.

I do recommend obedience classes. I took Beginning Obedience at 16 weeks and it was a 6 week course. The bully breeds are bright and stubborn and in need of firm and fair leadership. I think obedience at a young age is crucial as it impresses upon the dog who the boss is and helps them learn what the boss wants them to do.

Congratualtions on your pup! Please post pics, we all love puppy pics here

[diemeareendup]

I am at present looking for a trainer i did get in touch with a company but seem to have to chase them for details as they havent got back in touch after emailing me to say i have been accepted onto the course, it would help if i knew where they were been held!

[VINPELA]

I like them, I don't stay for off leash playtime and if I'm holding them I give people the option of staying or having specific dogs that do get along to play together supervised. It's a good introduction for OWNERS more than puppies I think to get a crash course on crating, potty training, feeding, vaccinations, toys, verbal and non verbal cues, behavior, developmental stages and basic puppy manners and obedience more than anything.

[Longwow]

I did an internet search for my trainer. I looked for one that was certified and experienced with bully breeds. Some places won't take a bully breed dog and others I wouldn't let so much as pet my dog, much less train it.

I don't know about where you live, but we have a national pet trainer certification board that has a website and lists trainers by postal code so you can find one near you. I found mine through a local shelter that adopts out bully breeds. The "Friends of " the shelter rescue group had a trainer that worked for the shelter and did classes at a discount for them since they require classes if you adopt a bully from them. You can try shelters and breed specific rescues in the are and see if they can recommend anyone. You could also contact area breeders and ask who they use.

[Pwy9egVW]

I entered my APBT pup in puppy training and am so glad I did. Although she goes with me so many places having an experienced professional with me every step of the way helped so much. Also, it was a class that only allowed leash playtime and under close supervision. Please check out the class and speak to not only the instructor but also prior participants in the class as well as current members of the class. Make sure the instructor has experience with training bully breeds and has knowledge about them. To me the socializing part of the classes was well worth it plus Athena has made such an impression on people who formly hated the breed or at least feared them because they didn't know anything about them.

[DoctorTentonyya]

I did not do puppy classes with Goren, I got him at 14 weeks after he was already well socialized, I did do beginner classes and am going into intermediate, before training I just did as much as I could on walks, but I will tell you after the classes he is MUCH better, and I thought he was well behaved before we went to OB classes. The classes have made a world of difference, but you have to have the right trainer for you, always observe before you start a class and pick the trainer you like.