YorkieTalk.com Forums - Yorkshire Terrier Community - View Single Post - How old should a Yorkie be to beginning puppy training classes?

Teresa Ford · 10-24-2011, 07:54 AM

Ideally training should start at the breeders. When you bring your puppy home, you should begin training from day one. But, NO public places until all shots are given plus two weeks, except in a safe way.
When I had litters I had 4 puppy classes for those puppies. It was a wonderful time for the new owners to ask questions, share ideas and learn the basics. The critical time to socialize is during the danger period. So what could we do and still be safe ?
I took puppies every where but, never let their feet touch the ground. I sat outside Mc Donalds, Wal-mart. The three schools K-5, Middle, and High. I went to Lowes, the carwash, when churches were getting out, the post office etc. I let my pup experience all kinds of people, sights, sounds, smells and noises secure in the safty of my arms. I even took a potty pad to put down if they needed a potty break. Maybe I am a big worrier, but back in the 1980s I lost two very young puppies to Parvo which I am convinced ,they got from people coming to look at them. I later found out they had been to breeder before my house and the dog park ! The third puppy survived after intensive Vet care. Now I am a bit of a germaphobe.
Hope this helps.

10-24-2011, 07:54 AM	#10
Teresa Ford Therapy Yorkies Work Donating Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Central, Florida Posts: 3,863	Ideally training should start at the breeders. When you bring your puppy home, you should begin training from day one. But, NO public places until all shots are given plus two weeks, except in a safe way. When I had litters I had 4 puppy classes for those puppies. It was a wonderful time for the new owners to ask questions, share ideas and learn the basics. The critical time to socialize is during the danger period. So what could we do and still be safe ? I took puppies every where but, never let their feet touch the ground. I sat outside Mc Donalds, Wal-mart. The three schools K-5, Middle, and High. I went to Lowes, the carwash, when churches were getting out, the post office etc. I let my pup experience all kinds of people, sights, sounds, smells and noises secure in the safty of my arms. I even took a potty pad to put down if they needed a potty break. Maybe I am a big worrier, but back in the 1980s I lost two very young puppies to Parvo which I am convinced ,they got from people coming to look at them. I later found out they had been to breeder before my house and the dog park ! The third puppy survived after intensive Vet care. Now I am a bit of a germaphobe. Hope this helps. __________________ Teresa & Rubin, Gracie, Abba, Ginny Joy and Julia Rose Act like a dog, be kind, forgiving, and loyal. Last edited by Teresa Ford; 10-24-2011 at 07:57 AM.