Purdue News

June 12, 1998 Puppy classes under way at Purdue WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Purdue University's Animal Behavior Clinic (ABC) Puppy School is offering training classes for puppies and their owners. A new puppy orientation meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, in Room G588 of Lynn Hall. The orientation is free. Additional orientation classes will be held twice each month roughly every other Wednesday evening. During the orientation, the instructor will discuss development and health issues. "Even people who are thinking about getting a puppy are welcome to attend the free session," said Catherine Comden, animal behavior technologist and primary instructor for the puppy classes. Owners should not bring puppies to the orientation session, but they should bring their puppy's vaccination records. At the end of the session, owners may sign up for classes. Classes must be purchased four at a time. The fee is $70 for the first four classes and $50 for any additional four classes. Classes are held each Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 8:10 p.m. in the Farriery Building behind the Small Animal Hospital. Classes cover basic commands, social interaction, health care, problem behavior, puppy development and acclimating puppies to various environments. "By around four months, much of your puppy's personality has been determined," Comden said. Puppies from the time they are weaned until about 20 weeks of age are at a critical time for learning. "Whatever takes place during early puppyhood sets the stage for the rest of your dog's life. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime chance to help puppies learn confidence and help them avoid problem behaviors," she said. Directing the classes are Dr. Andrew Luescher, director of the Animal Behavior Clinic, and Dr. Steve Thompson, director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital Wellness Clinic. For a schedule of orientation sessions or for more information, contact the Animal Behavior Clinic at (765) 494-8154 or e-mail Comden at comden@vet.purdue.edu. Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page