I am trying to convince someone that dog park/doggy daycare/puppy socialization classes (for a Chihuahua puppy) are not a good idea.
I think that teaching the dog to ignore other dogs and to get behind, or in the owner's arms, in the presence of aggressive dogs would be the best plan to follow. If they have a compelling need to have their dogs play with other dogs they could pick a friend or two with a very well trained dog to play with in a controlled area.

Is there anything I can add to this? Am I wrong with any of my ideas here?

Are there any good reasons to participate in a puppy socialization class or play group?

dog park, doggy daycare, and puppy socialization classes are three different things, to me.

Dog park--no. Nothing good happens at these places.

Doggy daycare--depends on the place, who's running it, and how many other dogs are there and the level of supervision, and the needs of the owner. I'd rather see a puppy go to a good daycare than be left alone in a crate for 10 hours a day.

Puppy socialization class--I actually think these are good for the average pet dog. As long as the situation is highly controlled, with a trainer that knows what they are doing, these can actually be a good way to begin teaching a pup to focus on you in a distracting place.

They are also a good way to introduce a pup to other people outside the home/family, which I think is important. At the puppy kindergarden that my dogs all went to, the activity was much more about the pup interacting with other people than with the other puppies. Puppies playing together was very controlled (and segregated by size)---and the playing was interrupted frequently by getting the pup's attention back on the owner. So, for us, a good experience.

All just my opinion.

" .... these can actually be a good way to begin teaching a pup to focus on you in a distracting place."


As Aaron has mentioned, a useful proofing for high-level distraction.

 Quote: Debbie Bruce

I am trying to convince someone that dog park/doggy daycare/puppy socialization classes

I'm going to make a strong guess that what the owner means is NOT something I would do or recommend.

I think dog parks can be a dangerous situation. Doggie Daycare's can be beneficial as Aaron pointed out but Doggie Kindergarden is IMO a great idea. Some owners may take your advise as "keep my dog away from all other dogs" and that is not what you want. Is this dog just going to be a house pet or participate in something else? If just a house pet I agree that puppy kindergarden isnt a bad idea. Puppies are like sponges and the more (and earlier) they learn to pay attention to you at all times the better. But all just my opinion.

 Quote: connie sutherland

" .... these can actually be a good way to begin teaching a pup to focus on you in a distracting place."


As Aaron has mentioned, a useful proofing for high-level distraction.

I think Tracy said this?

 Quote: dana martin

 Quote: connie sutherland

" .... these can actually be a good way to begin teaching a pup to focus on you in a distracting place."


As Aaron has mentioned, a useful proofing for high-level distraction.

I think Tracy said this?

Yes.

I meant in prior threads. Aaron too, several times, has made this comment in threads about puppy classes and play groups.

I agree with the "It depends" line of thinking.

When Tasha was 9 weeks old I took her to "puppy socializatioon" at petco and it wasn't a great experience. I decided to try it out because I had a last minute work schedule switch that made me unable to take her to puppy K.

There was one pup that was a bit of a bully and the trainer did nothing about it.

They had let an adult dog in the puppy area that seemed like a nice dog but kept trying to sit on Tasha, and the trainer got pissed at me when I verbally corrected the dog.Then she argued with me when I explained that I understood the adult dog was behaving normally, but that I was very worried that my puppy would get hurt.

Tasha did make friends with a pomerainian puppy,(watching them play was probably the cutest thing evr!) but that was the only highlight.

Then a dogfight broke out at the register and I decided to never go back.


I'm glad you posted this thread though, since I have had a question on my mind about dog/dog socialization for a while now

I do let Tasha play with dogs that are a good match. There are a couple of young large breed males we run into at the park that she just gets along fabulously with, so I let her play with them. Both are super confident, around her age, with wonderful temperaments. Both of them have very nice, responsible owners, too.

I have definitely noticed that having a little dog time makes her easier to live with. It tires her out in a way that I never could. Mainly the benefit I have noticed is that since she started having playdates with these guys her leash aggresion has gotten much better.


Is it a coincidence?

I just wonder if having some safe socialization with other dogs is important for an only dog.

What do you guys think?

Pretty much word for word with Tracy.
I taught puppy classes more then a few yrs ago. We separated them as to age and size. Even then they were closely watched and some pups/owners were given their money back if, after a couple of weeks the pup OR owner weren't willing or able to handle the situation.
I think socializing can be done just as easily with common sense in exposing the pup to the outside world.
My dog's don't have to be playful with other dogs or people. Just accepting of what "I" expose them to.