Hi there, wondering if anyone has experience with online puppy training. We're getting a new Lab puppy at the end of March. I'd love to take her to puppy classes as we did for our previous dogs but unfortunately Covid rates here in Toronto remain high and restrictions prohibit in person dog training. Wondering if online training sessions are worth it or is it better to just wait on until things are " back to normal". Any advice/ suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Hi @Deboragh I am not familiar with the Canadian rules. Are you able to take your puppy out for socialisation experiences? I would not be overly concerned by a lack of really close up dog-to-dog interactions. If your puppy can observe other dogs at a relatively longer distance, then that might work out okay, given the constraints of this pandemic. Second, do you know a lot about modern dog training? If not, the right online class would be very beneficial. You would not be able to socialise, but the class could cover many useful issues.
Thanks Michael! We did attend several classes with our current Lab and I remember a lot of it. We'll have opportunities for the new puppy to meet and greet other dogs in the neighbourhood, so I think that will do for now. I really appreciate your advice!
Hi Michael thanks so much for your reply. Yes we're allowed to go out for exercise/ dog walks and we do meet lots of friendly dogs in the neighbourhood when walking our current Lab. Our breeder is providing " puppy kits" containing a set of daily exercises for when we take our new puppy home and I think this will be very helpful!
As you will find out from the kit socialisation is more than meeting other dogs. It's, amongst other things, having a good time with strangers with hats, sunglasses, crutches, bicycles, non-treatment visit to vet and a small party with the vet nurses, etc. And everything your dog is likely to come across in her long life. And forming a good disposition towards them during the socialsation period. The good news? The critical socialisation period in Labs goes to 9 weeks, whereas in other dogs it ends at the 8th week.
Ah, I wasn't aware of the critical period for puppies. Good to know! I'm most concerned about making sure the puppy is exposed to noises in our neighborhood as she's coming from a breeder in the country-- lots of other dogs but not so many cars!
Interesting problem. I think noises are hard to expose to the dog because it is hard to control the decibels. If you are on a main road, for example, and a motor bike comes along then that can be too loud for an initial exposure and there may not be anywhere to escape that loud noise. I think one way to handle it is to walk towards a main road along a long, quiet cul de sac. You can use distance along the quiet road to lower the decibels. And you can escape by turning away from the main road. Approach the main road gradually only if she is having a good time. Give her a treat or two, play with her when you notice her catching the sounds--there will be subtle movements of her ears and not so subtle turns of her head. That is the new sound becomes a predictor of something good. Please keep us informed of the strategies you employ.
