Quote:
Originally Posted by Freppan
I will consider all your ideas, Charlie and foge. 
About obedience classes- How necessary do you think they are? My aunt never took her corgi to obedience classes and he's a pretty good dog. I know that it's a good idea, but if it's really expensive, I may have to skip it. |
I would say that for your first dog, training is critical. Your dog will be happy to just be a regular ol' untrained dog...and try to take over the household. Basic training trains
you how to be smarter than your dog. They should call it "Human Training" and the dog just tags along for fun. LOL You'll learn how to handle basic behavior problems which are not intuitive to us humans.
If you do pursue volunteering with an animal shelter, the shelter will likely give you at least a one day "training" class before letting you work with the dogs. Our SPCA here has several levels of training for volunteers. Blue dog training (dogs anyone can work with), Green dog training (dogs with some temperament problems), Yellow dog training (some advanced behavior/temperament issues). The Red dogs are dangerous and can only be worked by professionals and most likely will never be adopted out (except to professionals).
One of several reasons people are suggesting that you shop for the best breeder you can find is for the dog's temperament. Ideally you want a "Blue dog" temperament (which will still provide a training challenge) and will most likely find it with a better breeder.
My rottweiler would likely have turned into a Red dog in the wrong hands and without professional training, but we went through formal Puppy Kindergarten and two additional group obedience classes. He earned his CGC (Canine Good Citizen) certificate, and I was vigiliant about keeping him socialized (with "rules" when meeting strangers) and reinforced his obedience training his whole life. With my Pem Charlie (who is definitely a Blue dog) I am planning some formal training starting right after the holidays. Even with Yellow dog training experience, I still need the assistance of a group to polish Charlie's "public" training skills.