Trainers know how to help calm down nutcase dogs don't they?

[ShinyAndNew]

And she'll help me? She seems very nice and the dogs have an introductory session before trainings starts to introduce new dogs. And she is there for 30 mins before hand to discuss any concerns newcomers might have (30 mins won't be enough for us)!!

I have been waiting to start proper training classes with my dog for months but he hasn't been ready, due to lack of neutering and bad socialisation. Sometimes I wonder if he had ever even seen another dog before he ended up in the pound. They were/are a source of massive excitement for him. He can introduce himself to other calmly, but that is just 1 or 2 dogs at time not 20!

I'm worried now. I'm also embarrassed about what people will think about his complete lack of obedience training, despite the fact he is not a puppy

If there are 20 in the class, I would probably look for another class... most I have been to have an upper limit of about 10. If you were exaggerating and I have lost my sense of humour, ignore me...

You'll be fine. Dog will be fine. Everyone will have seen it all before, and he's probably not as bad as you think. The good news is, the 'naughtiest' dogs, the ones that are most excitable, not in the least laid back, are the ones that are easiest to train, because it is easy to motivate them.

Have fun!

We were there last night. There were 14 in the class, but 2 trainers.

I'm non too sure on their training methods because they were talking a lot about packs (which I know is a load of rubbish) and using half check collars to 'correct' the dog for pulling on the lead.

The collars were fitted loosely so not all choking the dog. He seemed happy. In fact when the trainer got hold of him and got him walking properly I have never seen him so happy, or seen him walk so well.

He completely ignored me for most of class. Even on commands we have clicker trained at home and I know he knows inside out like sit and wait . But he has never seen so many dogs in one place so was probably excited and distracted.

Please tell me I am doing the right thing with this class because it's the only one near me and I am at a loss as what to with him to train him manners outside the house, recall and heel work.

Hmm....

Perserverance might pay off. His first time was always going to be a bit crazy - once he gets settled into the classes he might just get used to the massive onslaught of doggy companions?

Not a fan of those check chain things to correct dog behaviour - not the method recommended by our dog trainer (she worked with Guide dogs and now works for Battersea and NCDL). She recommended a simple collar and lead and the stop-start approach. The lead is the key thing - just a soft fabric lead. Dogs can feel pressure through the lead and (unknown to us a lot of the time) can tell how we are feeling by the way we hold the lead - too tight, we are anxious, which makes them anxious; nice and loose and we trust them, which keeps them calm and focused.)

I would just go for it!! Keep it up - it will be good for him in the long run and build up his confidence with other dogs. If it doesn't work maybe some agility training? Some dogs respond better to letting loose their excitement via group activity such as flyball, etc. It's a way for them to be social and they have fun with you while focusing on toys, treats - learning without the hard work!

:)

Also, might be worth asking the trainer if she does home visits? We had one with our JRT and it worked wonders. She got to know his individual foibles and we focused on them in class, which was a more effective way of working for us. She also set up a nice socialisation bitty just for us, which was rather nice.

What other methods were they suggesting to get the dogs to walk nicely on the lead? Also, in what ways were they mentioning 'packs'?

Where have you tried looking for classes?

It's not suprising that all training went out of the window, or that dog was better behaved for the trainer. Just like kids behave better for everyone else except their Mum, dogs can be the same sometimes. If a dog isn't used to seeing other dogs and then is suddenyl in a room with 13 others, it's going to get a tad excited. It'll get better, don't worry.

You need to perservere! If the class won't take your dog and you, what kind of class is it? One of our dogs was a total nutter, and a very good example of why puppy farms and pet shop dog sales should be razed to the ground.

If your dog is not socialised he needs to go to school with you in order to learn how to behave. You need to learn how to help him. Lack of neutering is not an excuse not to go. WEll done for getting there on Sunday.

Have you looked at the APDT? If you don't like the class you go to, try somewhere else. It really can make all the difference.

We really thought we'd made a big mistake with Mr puppy farm for about 6 months. Now he is just like any other dog.

No other methods, just to check them using the check collar. They did want him to wear a halti collar at first, but he went mental and they said using it when it is upsetting him so much, will only cause him to become more anxious.

I have tried googling for trainers and asked my vets and local pet shop. The pet shop advertises this trainer. There is another one who is APDT trained/registered but he only runs classes when I work. I am waiting to hear back from him on the possibility of an week night class. But he is checking availability and interest first.

Pack theory was mentioned wrt to the 'alpha' male and always being the leader. Never letting the dog lead you (which my dog does a lot), always entering a room first, never letting the dog into your space uninvited, because the alpha male wouldn't allow it. There is more to learn on 'leadership' and becoming the 'alpha' of the pack, but they do it in steps and we aren't upto that bit yet.

Oh dear... run away from that class as fast as your legs can carry you... I dread to think how they are going to suggest you becomne 'alpha'... You (and most certainly your dog) will be better with no class than that class.

Could you maybe travel further afield? Everything here is at least an hour away, as we are in the sticks, I get used to it, but it is a pain.

Shiny - surely you've been hanging round these boards long enough to know how much bullshit all that pack stuff is? And how potentially dangerous and damaging it is? Don't you?

I'd run a mile from that class. Far too many dogs and very out-dated attitudes (downright cruel imho).

If you're anywhere near Herts I can recommend a few brilliant classes that use very positive methods of training (and check collars are strictly forbidden).

Yes I know it's rubbish and out dated. I don't drive so I'm relying on lifts. It's really difficult to get to places. I didn't know they were going to be like that, or I'd never have gone in the first place. Clearly I will be ignoring them when they tell me to ignore my dog. I'll keep clicker training at home.

I will just have to keep pestering the other trainer daily until he agrees to another class time.

I'm in Teesside, so not near you MJD.

I used to live in Teeside, small world!

I demand that you move back immediately and train my dog

On the plus side the other trainer has added a new email address and phone number so I can pester him even more now

I have just noticed that he also does 1 to 1 sessions now, which I could consider. But can you do socialisation on 1 to 1?

The trainer has probably got a few 'bombproof' dogs you can use for socialisation once you are ready for that and he may know other clients who might want to meet up for dog walking etc once you're ready. Some trainers do monthly or so group walks and stuff.

I think we might move back to Teeside eventually, not for aaaaages though, but I loved it and I love the people despite being a shandy drinking southerner myself...

Whoop! I have got in touch with the other trainer! Finally.

He only does 1 to 1 sessions, close to his home. But that's fine as he is just around the corner In fact I probably walk my dog past his house on a daily basis.

And I asked about pack theory. He laughed at me and told me pack theory is a joke. He can get far better results, far quicker using positive training! He is phoning back later to book first the first session. Yay! He will discuss socialisation etc at this session.

Scruff will soon be training for his Bronze award. He can become a well trained, well adjusted doggy and have cuddles on the sofa!

You don't need to move now Midori .

Oh and he has put his prices down.

Erm I have just been looking at the requirements for the bronze award. Because it's one to one the course is only four sessions long.

Devil dog cannot learn to do all of that in just four sessions surely? Four years maybe. Four sessions, not a chance!

Yay for finding the new trainer - your fist class sounds um dodgy! New trainer sounds ace, and I'm sure you'll be posting telling us you've got your bronze in no time!

Ahem. That should have read 'first class'

I suppose the thing is, it's not four sessions. If you have one session a week, that is four weeks to learn everything, which should be plenty to do everything to the standard required for the test. I think you underestimate yourself.

Well new trainer is booked for 2pm(ish) on Sunday so I will let you all know how it goes and if he mentions Alpha males, pack theory or 'checking' the dog then I will threaten to set Bella and Midori on him

I can't do menacing, I'm far too like my dogs... (scarily, that's actually true... )

Good luck for Sunday, I bet it'll be great!

No worries, Midori.

You can just pee on his leg

Good luck, Shiny

Good luck Shiny. I came back tonight from our first session of the Bronze CGC course with one of our greyhounds. As soon as she saw him, the lovely trainer laughed and said "Well, we won't be asking him to sit" (v uncomfortable for most greys) and she was great. Made a rude joke about certain "microwave trainers" with suntans and shiny teeth There are eight dogs in the class of all shapes and sizes and the hour just flew by.