Is early puppy bootcamp worth it?

Seeking help
1

My partner and I are excited about bringing a puppy into our lives, but we still have a few months before we can bring the puppy home. In the meantime, we’re researching the best ways to set up our new furry friend for success.

The breeder we’re working with offers a service where, instead of picking up the puppy at 8 weeks, we can send it to a trainer for 2 to 4 weeks of one-on-one training before bringing it home. A friend who recommended this breeder had a great experience with the bootcamp, as their puppy came home potty trained and well-behaved. They swear by this program as a great start.

However, my partner is not convinced. She’s heard from family that it’s crucial to bond with the puppy while it’s still weaning. Her main concern is that the bootcamp might interfere with our connection with the puppy. She’d prefer to do a live-in bootcamp after we’ve had the puppy for a month or so.

Considering we’re first-time dog owners and live in a city, here’s my question:

  1. Have you heard of others using early puppy boot camps?
  2. What’s your take on them?
  3. Will sending our puppy to a boot camp affect our ability to bond with them?

Thanks in advance…

2

Hi there, No. You should go to puppy lessons with your pet. It strengthens your attachment while also providing you with skills and tools for handling your puppy.

3

Yes. I wish I did this. My dog has a number of personality quirks & behavioural issues - anxiety, separation anxiety; loses his mind when he sees squirrels when we are in parks; hates seeing horses, other dogs, small animals even insects on tv. Gets triggered when he hears other people’s smoke alarm battery pinging when we watch social media videos. Barks at any noise in the condo hallway; barks at the crosswalk noise when he hears it from my condo. Hates flying, being in cars - freaks out and lets everyone know it. Doesn’t respond to his own name when outdoors.

4

Sounds worth it to me. The puppy will be around 12 weeks old when they come to you and there won’t be an issue bonding with the puppy.