is training class worth it?

[SammysDaddy]

Thanks for the replies. I am not sure why prices are so high. I compared 3 places near where I live, and the least expensive one was $175 for 6 classes, and there is tax on top, so works out to be about $200.

There is another place that offers "Dog Social" time. Here is the description "Off-leash indoor play group for all dogs to socialize and get great exercise. Owners must be present", this is only $5 for an hour, and they split up small dog and bigger dogs at different time. This would work for socializing, wouldn't it?

Sammy's Daddy

 

[melbell]

Thanks for the replies. I am not sure why prices are so high. I compared 3 places near where I live, and the least expensive one was $175 for 6 classes, and there is tax on top, so works out to be about $200.

There is another place that offers "Dog Social" time. Here is the description "Off-leash indoor play group for all dogs to socialize and get great exercise. Owners must be present", this is only $5 for an hour, and they split up small dog and bigger dogs at different time. This would work for socializing, wouldn't it?

Sammy's Daddy

Yep! That is what I would do. As long as they actually do separate the sizes. Unfortunately sometimes big dogs can run over shelties very easily and then make them afraid of big dogs. This is the case for my reactive sheltie. That is basically a dog park, but safer it sounds. But remember, you still have to train Sammy on the down time. Well, you don't have to, but if you want Sammy to know the basics that is how I would do it. Also, if Sammy hides the first time, don't stop taking her, keep going. Ruutu hid the whole time the first class and half of the second from the other dogs, but he would want to play outside in the open versus the classroom. Give her time to warm up to the new scenery.

 

[Silaria]

Personally, I'd go to the socialization class, without Sammy, and check out how it's managed by the staff, how attentive the other owners are to their dogs interactions, etc. A bad social setting can really scar a dog making them fear aggressive rather than well socialized.

Otherwise, it sounds like a good option.

 

[Jess041]

Personally, I'd go to the socialization class, without Sammy, and check out how it's managed by the staff, how attentive the other owners are to their dogs interactions, etc. A bad social setting can really scar a dog making them fear aggressive rather than well socialized.

Otherwise, it sounds like a good option.

Agreed. My dog LOVES playing with small-medium sized dogs. Mainly dogs that are her size or smaller, with some exceptions. She doesn't enjoy bigger, rambunctious dogs. I would definitely scope this out, even talk to some people that go there to see what their opinion is.

 

[2GoodDogs]

Well, if your goal is to let your dog romp with strange dogs, then the socialization class is fine.

However, if you want to develop a bond of obedience and relationship with your dog so that he will listen and respond to you in the presence of other dogs and people, then you really should go to the obedience class.

I love taking my well behaved dog in public, he is responsive to my words and the link that he's "with me" is obvious.

Sammy's Daddy, what are you looking for with your dog? Socialization happens when you go out into the world with your dog and as much as possible control the pleasant interactions he gets with new situations, people, animals and scenarios. Meeting at the same time and place, with many of the same dogs for 6 weeks might not transfer true socialization skills...

 

[Toffee's Mom]

I agree with 2 good dogs...
that's a completely different kettle of fish... it depends what you want to get out of it. Class is totally worth it, and I would encourage you to take at least one 6 week session... they should allow you to audit a class or two to see that it matches your style before you commit to shelling out the big bucks. , it's certainly what my instructor allows. I have learned so much as I went along, I am so glad I have that learning for myself, never mind the dogs lol

I am leery of socialization with dogs I know nothing about and don't want to throw my dog into a enclosed scenario where the dogs are ONLY separated by size... little dogs can also be completely inappropriate as we know, lol
I would rather be careful, but it could be an option, if it is WELL managed, which I have reservations about if people just pay 5 bucks a pop... I would scope it out, for sure.

 

[Tabitha]

Thanks for the replies. I am not sure why prices are so high. I compared 3 places near where I live, and the least expensive one was $175 for 6 classes, and there is tax on top, so works out to be about $200.

There is another place that offers "Dog Social" time. Here is the description "Off-leash indoor play group for all dogs to socialize and get great exercise. Owners must be present", this is only $5 for an hour, and they split up small dog and bigger dogs at different time. This would work for socializing, wouldn't it?

Sammy's Daddy

If it was me, yes I would use this for socializing my dogs PART of the time. I would still take my dogs on walks to get into the general public. $200 is more than I'd be willing to spend on classes. And I agree that it may not TRULY socialize Sammy 100%. But it would make him more comfortable with other dogs and people. And 5 bucks an hour sounds pretty good to me. But do the same as with the classes. Go there without Sammy and see what kind of people and dogs are there, then ask yourself, 'Is this the type of place I want to bring a puppy to.' If they have lots of rules and regulations then that sometimes means the people running it are carful. But I agree with Toffee's Mom, classes would be better.
Keep us updated on how Sammy does!
Tabs

 

[Justicemom]

I agree with 2 good dogs...
that's a completely different kettle of fish... it depends what you want to get out of it. Class is totally worth it, and I would encourage you to take at least one 6 week session... they should allow you to audit a class or two to see that it matches your style before you commit to shelling out the big bucks. , it's certainly what my instructor allows. I have learned so much as I went along, I am so glad I have that learning for myself, never mind the dogs lol

I am leery of socialization with dogs I know nothing about and don't want to throw my dog into a enclosed scenario where the dogs are ONLY separated by size... little dogs can also be completely inappropriate as we know, lol
I would rather be careful, but it could be an option, if it is WELL managed, which I have reservations about if people just pay 5 bucks a pop... I would scope it out, for sure.

I totally agree. I take all of my puppies to training class but not to interact with other dogs but to learn to work and behave around other dogs. I certainly know how to train a dog but the class offers something I can not duplicate at my home.

However, socialization should be started already from the moment that we bring them home. As well, as the beginning training. I use classes to add to my at home training, not to be the total sum of training. My dogs generally know to some degree the beginnings of the behaviors they are to learn before I go to class. Teaching a puppy in a highly distracting environment is super hard. That is why I do not do puppy kindergarten class or training classes that allow puppies to "play" with other puppies. I do not want my puppies playing with other dogs in training classes. I want my dog learning and bonding with me and learning to work with me not to learn to ignore me while romping around with other dogs. That is the point of going to class for me.

I have seen quite a few of these group social hours and frankly most of them are a bad idea. No structure, no rules . The bold get bolder and more inappropriate and the meek get bowled over and traumatized. If you are interested in going with Sammy go a few times alone and see how the dogs behave. It might quite structured. But if it is nothing more then an enclosed dog park I wouldn't bother. But then again I am not a fan of dog parks either.

BTW $200 is ridiculous for a Manners class IMHO. I have never paid over $100 for any level of training class and that was for 8wk classes and competition level training classes and special competition super puppy classes.

 

[VallejoSheltie]

I'm in the Bay Area which is pretty pricey, and while that might fly in SF, for the rest of the region that seems rather high.

Even for a well respected trainer, that seems high, especially since its probably 6x 1hr classes, not one-on-one.

I'd check Yelp for trainers in your region.

I think $200 for a basic 6 week pet obedience class is a bit outrageous. Try half of that and then I would think differently.

 

[SammysDaddy]

So with some financial assistance from my parents, I actually registered Sammy to a Manners Class, and we had our first session last night.

Man, am I depressed. For those who know us, know I have spent at least 30 mins training Sammy everyday since I have taken her home in Feb. I have video taped each session. She knows over 30 tricks, she can fetch, she can do a perfect heel at home, she can do loose leach walking.

When we were in the class, she was completely wild, did not listen to any command, running everywhere, not even interested in the treat (that I usually train her with).

I don't really see how I can get Sammy to behave calmly in such environment any time soon. The things they wanted us to do in class, Sammy has no problem doing at home, but again none worked in the class environment.