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Factors Associated with Puppy Training Class Attendance
Emma L Buckland1, Rachel H Kinsman1, Jessie Fitts1,2
1Dogs Trust, London EC1V 7RQ, UK.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|September 13, 2025
Summary
Most puppy owners (67%) attend training classes, with attendance linked to income and early puppy acquisition. Factors like owner preference and class availability influence non-attendance in puppy training.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Behavior
- Canine Studies
Background:
- Puppy training classes can enhance the human-dog bond and improve canine behavior.
- Understanding class attendance patterns and influencing factors is crucial for effective dog training strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the characteristics of puppy training classes.
- To identify factors associated with training class attendance in young dogs.
- To explore reasons for non-attendance in puppy training.
Main Methods:
- Survey data from 2187 owners in the 'Generation Pup' study.
- Analysis of factors influencing training class attendance.
- Description of class structure, content, and reasons for non-attendance.
Main Results:
- 67% of puppy owners attended at least one training class.
- Higher income, prior intent to attend, first-time ownership, and receiving an information pack increased attendance.
- Increased puppy acquisition age decreased attendance likelihood.
- Class size, puppy age, and content varied significantly.
- Owners preferring self-training and lack of suitable classes were common reasons for non-attendance.
Conclusions:
- Training class attendance is influenced by socioeconomic and demographic factors.
- Class structure and content exhibit considerable variability.
- Addressing owner preferences and class accessibility can improve puppy training program engagement.
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