Jess041
Forums Enthusiast
Which is why doing a class with other dogs is important. What was the environment like? How many dogs in the class?
is training class worth it?
- Thread starter SammysDaddy
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Which is why doing a class with other dogs is important. What was the environment like? How many dogs in the class?
SammysDaddy:
Sadly I don't have much in the way of helpful suggestions because it has been many years since I was in the puppy training mode (although I hope to be back in that mode within the next few months). However, I can tell you from that experience of many years ago that it may not take as long as you think to see appreciable progress from her training.
With my previous Sheltie, I had pretty much the opposite problem. I put Demetrius in a dear friend's AKC sanctioned obedience class because he was a "holy terror" at home (he was very sweet, but a holy terror nonetheless). No matter how hard I worked with him at home, he did whatever the heck he wanted to do, not what I asked him to do. Anyway, from the minute he was on lead in the class, he was a perfect angel. When I told the instructors the trouble I had with him at home, they looked at me as if I were nuts. When we got home after class, demon boy came out again. BUT, after just 2 - 3 sessions, he was as good as gold where ever he was. In class - at home - out and about. He became a GREAT dog, really very quickly.
take4roll10
Moderator
I agree with Jess. This is why taking a class is so important for your dog. I had issues like this in agility. My dog was scared and couldn't focus. Some days I didn't do any of the class stuff and just treated her for focusing on me and getting her to feel comfortable in this environment.
Keep Sammy on leash until you have better control. And get new treats. Something more valuable than the one you use at home and only use this treat in class. That might help. Not sure what you're using now, but some high-value treats I've used are turkey hot dogs, cheese, boiled boneless chicken, meatballs.
Jess041
Forums Enthusiast
I have "home" treats and "training/flyball" treats. I have to bring out the big guns for training/flyball, and my dog is pretty food motivated. We use turkey hotdogs as well, natural balance rolls (cut up), and pretty much anything that's really stinky. At home it's just normal dog cookies, nothing too exciting. I don't like using the training/flyball treats at home because I like to keep them special.. if that makes any sense. I also switch it around so she doesn't get bored.
Justicemom
Forums Celebrity
Yep, you should have seen Diva her first time in class.
I had trained 2 UDX(only title higher is obedience champion in AKC) dogs by that time.Dogs do not generalize well which is why it is so important to get them out away from home. Some dogs stress up and some stress down. Make sure you bring her hungery and that should help.
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SammysDaddy
Forums Regular
Class only had 5 dogs in it, but each family was at least 2 people, so 10 of us, 5 dogs and 1 trainer, a little crowded.
Next week, I am not feeding dinner and bringing freeze dried liver with me!
Next week, I am not feeding dinner and bringing freeze dried liver with me!
Internette
Forums Enthusiast
I paid $80 and my dog hates going there. This is a dog who goes to a shopping mall, out to dinner, we go to flea markets, doggy parks so he is very socialized. I have to say the classes were in I think are rinky dink dumb, hot, loud and the two teachers dont agree on anything. I think the key now I am realizing is finding the right one, not whether to go or not but a good class.
Small in number sure would help too many dogs is ridiculous when you teacher says she can't handle so many at one time, you know your in trouble.
Small in number sure would help too many dogs is ridiculous when you teacher says she can't handle so many at one time, you know your in trouble.
That sounds like a good plan
! I agree with the above replies, that is what classes are for, teaching your dog to work through the distractions. I had the same problem as Randi (take4roll10) and did the same thing which was treating for more simple things like simply keeping my dog's focus.
Sammy probably has a threshold of when things start to get too exciting that he cannot even focus anymore. The trick is treating for his focus before you hit that threshold. If he gets too excited, find ways to recollect, say maybe going outside for a brisk calming down break and once you have his focus again, go back in.
5 dogs is pretty good. I've seen classes with 8 and more
dogs which I find way too crowded. What are the training methods/exercises used in class?Laddie's Mom
Forums Enthusiast
I feel for me, that the training classes would be beneficial in more than one way, however, I have not found one yet to sign up with, plus, I have no idea what the going rate it. There is one about an hour and half from here, I am going to visit them and watch a class then get some more info, this is something I feel really is worth while, so, I am going to continue to pursue it until I get answers.
Toffee's Mom
Forums Sage
First that's great that you got some aid from your parents!
So glad you are able to go to a class, and exactly why it's important to go to a class and so on, like everyoone previously mentioned working through the distractions and thresholds of outside stimuli is important and this class will totally help.
Let's face it our dogs are almost always almost perfect at home, lol
Don't be frustrated, dogs really cannot generalize, so once you lower your criteria and she gets used to it, she'll be the star pupil in NO time
So glad you are able to go to a class, and exactly why it's important to go to a class and so on, like everyoone previously mentioned working through the distractions and thresholds of outside stimuli is important and this class will totally help.
Let's face it our dogs are almost always almost perfect at home, lol
Don't be frustrated, dogs really cannot generalize, so once you lower your criteria and she gets used to it, she'll be the star pupil in NO time