Originally Posted by
Labradorks
I highly recommend the puppy STAR class. It was my first one with my younger dog and it was great! It really teaches you and the dog to work together and not rely on the leash for training, but just to keep the dog with you. I keep treats in my pockets and in bowls around my house. Now that my pup is older, I have a treat drawer, so if he does something that deserves a treat reward, we run to the drawer and I get him one. With a little pup though, they need to be treated right away and the food can be used for luring as well.
Puppy STAR classes are for puppies as young as 10 weeks and with their first two sets of vaccinations underway, I believe. You can talk to your trainer about the age/vaccination specifics. Do not wait until 4 months to take your first class. Puppy STAR usually includes puppy socialization the final 15 minutes of class where the instructors will help you determine what is and is not appropriate and how to deal with different behaviors.