Where to from here with your training?
It is a great idea to continue training and work on more advanced skills more as your puppies mature. But it is really important to scrutinise the methods used by any training organisation as dog training is (sadly) an unregulated industry. I see quite a few dogs who developed aggression after attending basic obedience training! Here are some links with a bit more information to help you into the future and some safe training options for older age groups in my local area.
WHERE TO GET HELP:
The Virtual Puppies forum. You can continue to post questions and problems so I can help to guide you in the right direction - anything cute or funny is welcome too so it isn't all serious stuff!
Private training with Melanie Norgate. I can provide individually tailored training and management solutions for puppies as well as any behaviour concerns you have in the future. In-person available within 30 mins of Murrumbeena VIC and video calls available anywhere. If you let me know in the booking form that you have completed Virtual Puppies, you can book a ‘followup’ session instead of the more in-depth initial consult.
How to choose a dog professional (trainer, walker, boarding or daycare): https://www.humanedogtrainingadvocates.com/selecting-a-dog-professional
The Pet Professional Guild of Australia - to find trainers outside my travel area, walkers, groomers, vets...Anyone in this directory has to have a proper qualification, is audited for ongoing education, and must only use up to date and ethical methods. You can find The Pet Professional Guild in other countries too, but here is the Australian website: https://www.ppgaustralia.net.au
Small group obedience classes in my local area with a structured program and qualified trainers: https://www.laikapettraining.com
A cheaper option is an obedience club run by volunteers. The sessions are more basic and repetitive than the set programs and the trainers may have varying levels of qualification, but these two options in my local area use humane methods (positive reinforcement, good spacing between dogs):
https://www.southsidedogschool.com
http://www.modc.org.au
KEEP IN MIND AS YOU CONTINUE YOUR TRAINING:
1) Dogs learn by how they feel, not just consequence - good animal trainers adjust their criteria and the environment to set their animals up for success.
2) We need to specifically build up three factors for our new behaviours to be reliable: DURATION (e.g. a long stay) and DISTANCE (e.g. a recall from far away) and DISTRACTION (e.g. a recall around other dogs). Instead of getting grumpy if your dog doesn't listen or calling them stubborn, ask whether you have built up each of these factors gradually and make a plan to fix it if you haven't.
3) Dominance theory is based on debunked research. A more recent study of feral packs showed dogs lead with friendship, not by forcing submission. Be kind to your dogs. Be their guide and guardian and help them to learn the right thing to do. That will earn their trust and respect and help them stay calm and confident as they grow.
I wish you and your puppy a long and happy friendship!