How to Find a Good Dog Trainer or Puppy Class for Your Doodle (And What to Avoid)

Not all dog trainers or puppy classes are created equal. If you’re raising a Doodle puppy, adolescent, or adult dog, choosing the right training program can shape your dog’s behavior, confidence, and emotional health for life.

In this episode of The Doodle Pro® Podcast, I walk you through how to evaluate dog trainers, puppy classes, and programs so you know exactly what to look for—and what to walk away from.

Whether you’re starting at 8 weeks or feeling behind at 6 months (or later), this episode will help you make informed, science-backed choices without fear-based or outdated methods.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What makes a good puppy class and when training should start
• What puppies can realistically learn at 8 weeks old
• Whether starting training at 4 or 6 months is “too late” (spoiler: it’s not)
• How to evaluate a trainer, facility, or program before committing
• Red flags that signal outdated or harmful training methods
• What humane, science-backed training actually looks like in practice

🐶 Why this matters:
Puppy socialization is critical—but it must balance safety with healthy emotional development.

“You have to balance the safety of your puppy with the development of their personality and their ability to handle what they’ll be exposed to throughout their life.” — Kathy Thorpe

🐕 Dogs today live integrated lives with us—in public spaces, homes, and communities. Training should prepare them for that reality.

“Dogs used to live mostly in backyards. Now they’re part of everyday life—and their training foundation matters more than ever.” — Colleen Tekamp

Next listen:
If you’re navigating adolescence or wondering how training evolves beyond puppy class, cue up Episode 14: How to Continue Training Your Teenage & Adult Doodle.

Training and enrichment tools I trust for building focus and skills
👉 https://thedoodlepro.com/shopbrain

 🎁 Free resource:
Want a simple way to track quality socialization while choosing a class or trainer? Download my Puppy Socialization Checklist → thedoodlepro.com/socialization 

Corinne Gearhart is the founder of The Doodle Pro®, a science-based training platform helping Doodle parents raise calmer, well-mannered dogs using positive reinforcement. She is the host of The Doodle Pro® Podcast and author of Your Doodle’s Daily Schedule Blueprint™.

📘 Get the Doodle Schedule Blueprint:
https://thedoodlepro.com/doodle-schedule-bonus/

🎧 More episodes:
https://thedoodlepro.com/podcast