Early socialization and training are foundational to healthy canine behavior. A recent study sheds light on how puppy classes shape long-term obedience and emotional stability in dogs.
A research team led by Kutsumi and colleagues evaluated the behavioral outcomes of 142 dogs across four different training backgrounds, ranging from structured puppy classes to no formal instruction. Their goal was to investigate whether early socialization and command training could reduce the risk of behavior problems later in life.
Dogs in the puppy class and adult class groups demonstrated significantly better obedience to commands compared to dogs that only attended puppy parties or had no training. The use of standardized behavioral tests and the Canine Behavior Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) provided consistent and measurable insights into these outcomes.
Notably, dogs from the puppy class group also responded more positively to strangers, suggesting a preventive effect against fear-related behaviors. These findings underscore the importance of structured early-life training as a proactive measure to support well-adjusted companion animals.
