One of the trainers at the puppy training class I go to makes me nervous!

[Nectar]

We have a gorgeous 8 month old labrador, and this is the first dog we've owned. I am the person with her most of the time, as dh works long hours (although he does walk her early every morning), and I do the afternoon walks. The kids are home from school around 4 o'clock and I work part time, which means I can do school runs and see to the dog.

The puppy is lovely, and spends much of the time when I'm at home around my feet, curling up next to me or wanting me to play, which I do a lot with her!

So all is fine with her at home, (a bit boisterous on walks but we're working on it), but my confidence just goes at puppy classes! Admittedly I'm quite a quiet person, always have been, but one of the assistant trainers keeps picking me out in class, ie, 'You've got to be a lot more bossy with your pup, she NEEDS a boss!' And 'Why is she walking that side when you normally walk her the other side? Use her NAME when you tell her to do things', (I thought I did)

'Don't just let her bound over to the others when it's your turn to exercise her, call her back firmly and start again!' 'You're going the wrong way, About Turn means THIS WAY!'

I know what I'm supposed to be doing but this woman flusters me and I end up all over the place, which is embarrassing for me and confusing for the dog!

I feel silly feeling 'targetted' as I know she's trying to help, and can obviously see I'm new to all this! I do eventually want her to be a well trained adult dog, (obviously as I wouldn't bother with the classes if I didn't!)

Any tips on how to manage better at the classes? Our lab is v strong, and so excited by all the other dogs there that my co-ordination skills are pushed to the limit, trying to rein her in and follow this trainer's instructions at the same time!

Interesting....... Its not a trainer in Nuxley Village, belvedere is it???? Well, I went to one there and the trainer actually made me feel like a complete idiot, even saying I had noisy (flat)boots on as I walked accross the church hall. I used to call it my weekly public humiliation which I had the priviledge of paying for . I suggest you do what I did, all be it eventually, and go to a differant one. I actually look forward to going to puppy classes now.

I'd find another class. Your pup doesn't need a boss and the trainer saying this has a very outdated attitude!

I'd look for another class. Both you and your dog need to feel comfortable at training classes and if you're not happy she'll be picking it up off you, which won't help at all.

As Lilcamper said, the trainer sounds very out of date with her ideas - training should be fun for you and your pup - not a chore or something you worry about.

If you're worried about the basics of handling a boisterous pup (and I know what you mean, it can feel like you need eight arms sometimes when you're first learning) why not find a local trainer who uses positive methods and pay for a couple of 1:1 sessions to help you get your confidence back? It should also mean you have a little more control over her when you start your new classes, so you won't start off feeling worried about it all.

Have a look on the APDT website for trainers/classes in your area.

Or you could try here PPG

Oo, I haven't heard of them Lilcamper. They look very interesting.

Thanks everyone, and I'll have a look at those websites. MILKY, I'm in North Kent but the trainer you mentioned does sound very similar to mine!

It's a shame, as the other people with their dogs are lovely, as are the lead trainer and her assistant. I'd say they're both in their early 40's. The woman I'm having problems with though is much older, I'd say mid 60's, and is there on the sidelines to 'help'

Yes I thought the comment about a dog needing a boss was outdated too! It's the last lesson next week before we break up for summer, so I'll see what I do in September. I'm toying with the idea of a 1 to 1 trainer, more money I know but I may feel less pressured!

The trainer in my class is nothing like that. He does point out what you are doing wrong but in a way that is amusing rather than nasty. It should be a fun time for you and your dog. I come home from class sore from laughing both at myself and along with the other dog owners. I would find another class if i was you.

I don't know whereabouts you are in North Kent but I went to Nigel Marshall at Kent Dog training .hes a police dog trainer and very into positive methods .He also does agility for older dogs .

Forgot to say he's based around Bluebell Hill but I think he does 1to1 as well as classes .