Obedience Training

"Obedience training" may be a misnomer. What actually happens in force-free obedience training is that you, the human, learn how to work with puppy to help them live successfully and happily in the human world. Will puppy learn to sit, lie down, and walk nicely on a leash? Sure! But more importantly, through obedience training, you are building a trusting relationship with puppy that will last a lifetime.

Choosing a Puppy Class

Ask friends or family who have (or recently have had) puppies of their own. Word of mouth can be a great way to find a good class.
Use a web search on "puppy class near me." This may turn up many options or only a few. If there aren't many or if the ones you find don't check the boxes below, take a look at the online class options listed on our site. If the cost of a class is a barrier, look at the free resources.
Is the class described with the terms "force-free" or "positive reinforcement"? These are the only types of classes we recommend. Science supports our recommendation. If these words don't appear in the description, it probably isn't a force-free class. Also be aware that trainers who offer "balanced" training may use positive reinforcement but also use aversive methods that are not force-free.
What do you know about the trainers? Ideally, the person(s) leading the class will be certified. Look for abbreviations such as CCPDT (Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers), IAABC (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, or PPAB (Pet Professional Accreditation Board). Local dog training groups may also offer classes, some of which (like us) are volunteers. Always feel free to ask questions about the trainer(s)!
Look for small class size. A manageable class is about 6 puppies. If there are many more, unless there are multiple trainers, you may not get enough attention and support.
Be sure there are health guidelines in place. This is especially important for puppies, who may not be fully vaccinated. The trainer(s) should request vaccination and vet records to ensure puppies are appropriately vaccinated for their age.
Will the class schedule work for you? It's important to attend all the classes (or at least a majority) to get the full benefit. While we sometimes have to bend our human schedules to our puppies', be realistic about what you can do.