Now what...

I agree with Sharon, Gloria. Liam can be a house pet but you still want to train him and socialize him. I do believe that if you found the right place, it would be great for him. If you do explore other facilities, I would make it a point to go and watch their trainers and classes before you sign up. Ask questions about how they handle aggressive dogs and if they allow them in group classes.

I do think Liam would benefit from some classes, whether they're Obedience or Rally and I'm sorry you'll lose money over this situation but I really think continuing where you are would be a setback to Liam's confidence that could be permanent. It's so important to listen to our dogs. When they tell us they're uncomfortable in a situation, there's a reason.
 
ghggp said:
Oddly enough, this WAS a beginner obedience class! I asked to be moved away from the pit that was so focused on Liam that it scared him. The trainer said, NO. Stop making excuses for your dog. Then she said if you are concerned about that dog you are transmitting it down the leash.

Go figure, my mind is just spinning trying to make sure I get Liam the socialization he needs... Yet, I encounter these aggressive dogs!
I think their viewpoint is... a shy or frightened dog is just as bad as an aggressive one and they all need to be in a class together.

Maybe, if I got him into a different facility and went to intermediate or advanced classes where the dogs are more under control? It might be too advanced for him on the downside... but the upside is better-behaved dogs! The class next to us was an advanced obedience class but the trainer did not want me in the class as it was larger.
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Wow...that's shocking what the trainer said! If I had a dog focused like that on mine I'd get the hell out, ESPECIALLY if the trainer is that oblivious!
I've been at shows where a dog was focused on Piper and my trainer told me to keep an eye out on that dog...it wants to kill Piper. That's really what it wants, sure doesn't want to play with him.
 
Wow, money is more important than reputation for some people. Just sounds crazy. As for telling you to stop making excuses - what the (rude word)!!!! You are your dog's spokesperson and protector, to hell with her. Got to wonder if the quality of the dogs in the class are indicative of the quality of the trainer and facility. Maybe it's time to move.

If my class doesn't walk away smiling, if we don't have lots of laughing in my class, then I feel like I'm not doing my job. Owning a dog should be fun, training a dog should be fun! I never have a problem with moving people around, I want the class to be comfortable and be able to focus on their dog and not worry about anyone else. Gee I wish I lived near you. You could help me with Tully and I could help you with Liam!
 
Sharon7 said:
Gloria,

I don't think you are nuts to try and get the right situation for Liam. There couldn't BE more difference than between a shy dog and an aggressive, out-of-control dog. I would urge you to try another place if you can. My town is not very large but there are a few different options for training. Is there a dog sports club in your area? My club runs its own obedience, agility and rally classes. I think Liam is too young to give up on his training. I forget what you said about Nosework in your area, but I can't say enough about what good it does for your dog's confidence and it is an individual exercise so no worries about crazy classmates.

Maybe even ask your vet's office for recommendations. Good luck. :hugs
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So far I can’t find any nose work classes here. I have been so horribly busy at work that I have not had the time to research more. But I will!
 
Calliesmom said:
this place is so incredibly unprofessional- to be told that you would be in a class of 8 where there are practically double that number to- to not informing the trainer/s of that class that you would be there................
if there is somewhere else to go, check it out:yes:
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Yes, you hit the nail on the head! Looking else where!
 
SheepOfBlue said:
Keep trying but find a different venue. I am sorry but if a Pit was eyeing up Spitfire I would be watching it like a hawk also. There are plenty of them that are fine but a reactive one that is eyeing you dog is a bad thing (plus Spitfire would not back down until to late)
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It is really scary when that dog eyes would just lock on Liam! It was like a cat watching a bird! The barking and snarling is what set Liam off. He is so sound reactive. The owner of the pit bull kept trying to step in front of his dog to break his eye contact.

All I can say it it was way too much dog for that guy to handle! Maybe it was his first dog. He had no power behind his commands. No matter how hard he tried he could not get that dog to sit, let alone do a stay command!

The trainers kept telling people they need to do their homework! These folks come to class thinking the dog will somehow miraculously become well behaved without working on it! They take the focus off the others in the class... needless to say the disruption they cause!

Thanks for letting me vent!
 
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Piper's mom said:
Wow...that's shocking what the trainer said! If I had a dog focused like that on mine I'd get the hell out, ESPECIALLY if the trainer is that oblivious!
I've been at shows where a dog was focused on Piper and my trainer told me to keep an eye out on that dog...it wants to kill Piper. That's really what it wants, sure doesn't want to play with him.
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I just don’t know why some short haired breeds seem to hate long haired breeds or see them as prey!
So scary!
 
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