One of the best ways to have fun with your puppy--or grown dog--is, yes, obedience class. You may be resistant to obedience because it reminds you of school, but your dog doesn't have bad memories of Mrs. Taylor in fourth grade. He doesn't even know he's being taught useful skills that will help him function in a foreign society (human society as opposed to dogdom). He thinks he's just playing with his favorite person, you.

Enrolling in an obedience class is a great way to meet like-minded folks, and your dog will love getting to meet other dogs. You can join a class as soon as your puppy has all his shots, and the cost is reasonable (expect to pay around $50-150 for six or eight classes, depending on the instructor's experience and the cost of living in your area). Obedience classes are often held by local animal shelters and rescue organizations as a way to raise badly needed money. Universities and community education programs sometimes offer obedience classes too, as do some kennels, vets, and pet shops. Make some calls and ask around.

For very young puppies, increasingly popular obedience classes called "puppy kindergartens" are a great way to introduce walking on a leash, being appropriately sociable with people and other dogs, and a few obedience basics such as "sit" and "stay." For older dogs, a basic obedience class is a necessary first step before going on to more specialized training, or just a fun way to spend time with your dog.

What to Look for in an Obedience Class

You need to do your homework ahead of time for this class. Not every instructional approach will work equally well for every dog. You know your dog's personality better than anyone; keep it in mind as you look at different obedience instructors. A nervous or eager-to-please dog probably won't do as well with an instructor who acts like a drill sergeant, but an outgoing, strong-willed dog will probably ignore a gentler approach. A good instructor will try different methods for different dogs.

Before you sign up for a class, ask if you can sit in and watch the instructor at work with another class. If that's not possible, talk to the instructor to find out his or her approach to obedience, and don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions. Some instructors may have training beliefs you disagree with. Go with your gut instinct. If you don't like the way the instructor treats dogs (keeping in mind that a good instructor has to be firm), or if you just don't think you can get along with the instructor's personality, find a different class.

There are other things to consider. If you know your dog goes crazy with excitement when a lot of dogs or people are around, try to find a class with a small number of participants. Ask ahead of time what the maximum class size is. If you have a particularly small or large dog, see if you can track down a class for dogs of similar size; it may make your dog feel more comfortable in class to be around other dogs of about the same stature.

If your dog tends to be aggressive with other dogs, you will need a very structured approach, and you should consider taking individual lessons before signing up for a class. You'll also want to make sure the instructor you pick has lots of experience working with difficult dogs. Your vet is a great person to ask for ideas in such a situation.

A dog who is aggressive with people is a different problem. Your vet can recommend a good behaviorist who will work with you and your dog individually. The behaviorist will also let you know when your dog is ready for an obedience class and can help you find the right one.

What to Expect

The first night, you'll probably be asked to come to class without your dog. You may be required to bring proof of shots, especially rabies (although many classes require a copy of this information with your advance payment). You'll undoubtedly be given a handout of what to bring with you to class and, even more important, what not to bring. Sometimes a specific type of collar and/or leash is required, but for most classes a regular (non-choke) collar and a regular (non-retractable) leash are fine. A jug of water and a water dish are good items to pack; a good instructor will give dogs water breaks frequently.

The first class with dogs will be chaos, at least at first. All the dogs will want to greet each other, and half of them will be overexcited. Dogs will be barking. Owners will be apologizing. Your dog will probably be the worst behaved one there (or it will seem that way to you). But you're there so your dog can learn to behave--no one expects him to know it all beforehand.

Don't feel like you've picked the wrong class. The instructor will get everyone settled and before long you'll be working on obedience--and those crazy dogs will calm down once they realize it's not just a social club.

Obedience class can be exciting and fun for dogs, but the first night it can also be stressful. It's a new situation and your dog may not understand what's expected of him. If you notice your dog yawning, that's a sign of tension. Your instructor will probably notice before you do, but if not, don't be shy about taking your dog aside for a quick break and some reassuring.

After Class

Remember to practice what you've learned during the week between classes. Fifteen minutes a night should do it. Practicing outside, especially in a park where there are distractions your pup will learn to ignore, is a great idea--and a great way to meet fellow dog lovers.

If you keep training sessions short, especially for young puppies, stay enthusiastic, and never lose your temper, before long you'll have a dog with handsome manners who will be welcome just about anywhere. And best of all, once your obedience course is over you can sign up for another one.