This puppy class is fucking ridiculous

[PuppyChoos]

I’ve paid £100 up front for a 6 week course. It seems that everyone else in my class is redoing the same class for the 2nd time as they all know each other and know the trainer. I get there and find a seat. Everyone else does the same. All of a sudden the trainer bursts into the room and screams “puppy party!” And everyone stands up and starts running around around the room screaming. The puppies all start going crazy and a few of them almost get trampled on by the over excited humans. It was fucking bizarre. I remained seated, mouth gaping trying to protect my dog from the madness. All of a sudden the trainer screeches “STOP” and everyone stands dead still, the puppies either look totally confused or carry on attacking each other. She then looks at me and says something about “awww no puppy party??” so I actually said “I’m sorry, I’m confused as to what is happening ... “ and she replies “oh that’s ok! You get used to us!” And they all laugh.

Now after that the first part of the class involved Q&A game such as “where would you take a puppy when it’s po po??” There was a little boy in the group so he had fun answering all the ridiculous questions.

The shenanigans went on. Then the boy was asked to demonstrate something which his lab pup. He literally got a handful of treats and threw them across the class. I thought he was being naughty but no, this is what he’s been told to do. The pup then runs off searching for them the trainer runs around in circles screaming “hungry hippos”

I came out with a headache. I have obviously questioned it all and they tell me they use the most recent science based training methods and there are no refunds. I simply cannot do another class of that shit.

My dog is a working breed. He needs proper training and now I’ve wasted £100 on this shite. AIBU to take it further and maybe even take to social media to make people aware of what they’re paying for?

That sounds absolutely batshit

Bloody hell. Sounds mental.

That's NOT training surely?

I have no words but am sort of hoping someone will come along and defend this craziness just for the lolz

Barbara Woodhouse would pitch a fit.

Before I signed up to a puppy class, I asked if I could observe one. The trainer was more than happy for me to do this. If I had witnessed a class as you described, I wouldn't have booked up.

I’d give them another £100 to stop this crazy crap!

Complain in writing. You won't get anywhere but it'll be worth it. Then put something on their social media page if they have one.

Bloody hell, what part of that do they consider 'training'?

That sounds crazy I appreciate it's a lot of money but no way would I take my dog back to that environment. I have no idea what kind of 'science' they're purporting to use but honestly, that trainer sounds quite batshit.

I have no advice but that sounds hilarious! What a bonkers lady

A few years ago I took my then pup to a class and was asked how I teach him not to jump up at me.

I said “I tell him no and to get down”
He is a English mastiff so large.
Trainer said I was wrong to teach him with such negativity and should be offering alternatives not just saying no.
Luckily a pay as you go class!

That’s completely mad.

Ask for the research to back up their claims? If it's not forthcoming, definitely post things on social media. It doesn't sound like any kind of training I've ever heard of.

I’m annoyed because I spoke to them at length before i signed up. I told them I wanted to do the kennel club awards and go onto agility and maybe scent work. They knew what type of dog I had and made out that these classes are geared towards preparing pups for the KC awards and advanced obedience. I have sent them an email detailing what I have written here and am awaiting an explanation!

Wtf? Please ask for a refund. That’s insane.

I don’t think there is much training or qualifications involved in starting a training class.
I think anyone can do it but not everyone can do it well.

Barbara would have made them all SIT.
and I don't mean the ddogs!!

I really wouldn't want to take a dog there for training, but a Puppy Party??? Hell yeah count me in!!

Nah seriously OP she sounds bonkers! Hope you get your money back!

That doesn’t sound anything like training , sounds like puppy socialisation which is great and all but not what you signed up to.
I’d definitely take it further

YABU to attend

www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults

I once went to a Weight Watchers meeting which was like that, the leader was fucking nuts, she had everyone jumping up and down singing the Shake and Vac song. Got her mug shot in the local paper on a weekly basis, me me me and don't forget about me.

Well, after a couple of days worrying about doom and gloom, thank you for making me laugh. I can absolutely visualise it and I do hope someone comes along to tell us this how we should be training our dogs.

If she only has to go crazy with other pups and chase treats mine is clearly already highly-trained.

I was going to start with, the puppy classes start with rules for owners, so thre are some questions to be answered, in KC training... but decided I wouldn't bother cos that sounds like sheer madness!

As for social distancing, in puppy classes you can usually keep about 10 feet between you and the next human being, it's often obligatory, given the nature of the beasts you have to hand! I'll still be attending the 1-2-1 sessions I have booked (they are outdoors!)

Are you sure you weren’t in One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest?