First puppy class

[PupC]

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First training class coming up and wondering what to expect. We have 16 week old cocker. No fear and very gorgeous.
Tips and hints welcome x

 

[JudyN]

You want a training class that doesn't allow the pups to have a 'free for all', where the larger, more boisterous pups can intimidate the others. If any 'corrections' are used, this is the wrong class...

Most of all, put your pup first. If he thinks all this sit, down, stand stuff is a bit of a waste of time, he has a good point. Maybe, after a few repetitions, just let him calmly watch the other dogs - calmly watching other dogs is a great skill in itself. And if he should find it all a bit overwhelming, feel free to leave once his brain is starting to fry. Though chances are, your dog will be a lot calmer than mine was - after half an hour, his brain resembled a lottery machine with the paddles at full speed.

 

[JoanneF]

Can you go and watch a class without your pup first, if there are any running now?

Who is running the class? The Dogs Trust has a great reputation.

 

[Hemlock]

Can you go and watch a class without your pup first, if there are any running now?

Who is running the class? The Dogs Trust has a great reputation.

I always recommend going to watch some classes without your pup first. Ask yourself "Do I want my dog to do these things?" e.g. the sit -stand - down repetitions that many dogs find irritating and frustrating, while others love to perform those exercises. Never be afraid to sit out a particular exercise if you don't want your dog to do that, or he is feeling overwhelmed. It's okay to move away from other dogs if he needs a break or is getting too excited. If a trainer gets awkward about this, they are not good trainers. Avoid anything of a free-for-all where pups are allowed to charge about together. When other pup owners give you "advice" be sweet about it - they genuinely think they are helping - but there is no need to do what they say just to be kind to them. Do what YOU feel is right.

The other big question to ask yourself is: "Do I want my dog to look like these dogs when they are doing that?". Is the trainer or training assistant giving individual attention or are all the dogs being expected to act in an identical manner? Are some dogs looking unhappy or shut down?

Remember dog training is a discipline in itself, and one with many branches. Vet staff generally don't know any more about training than trainers know about surgery. However, if they have made a specific study of it, they will definitely have the edge on trainers who are not aware that certain exercises overstress certain parts of the anatomy in certain dogs.

Be aware all this can be very exciting, and pup may need a loo break. Don't ask to leave - just go out. The trainer will be most appreciative.

 

[PupC]

You want a training class that doesn't allow the pups to have a 'free for all', where the larger, more boisterous pups can intimidate the others. If any 'corrections' are used, this is the wrong class...

Most of all, put your pup first. If he thinks all this sit, down, stand stuff is a bit of a waste of time, he has a good point. Maybe, after a few repetitions, just let him calmly watch the other dogs - calmly watching other dogs is a great skill in itself. And if he should find it all a bit overwhelming, feel free to leave once his brain is starting to fry. Though chances are, your dog will be a lot calmer than mine was - after half an hour, his brain resembled a lottery machine with the paddles at full speed.

Thank you - appreciate it

 

[PupC]

Can you go and watch a class without your pup first, if there are any running now?

Who is running the class? The Dogs Trust has a great reputation.

Not able to do a previsit - covid restrictions- yeah it’s DT - will give it a try - thanks for advice.

 

[PupC]

I always recommend going to watch some classes without your pup first. Ask yourself "Do I want my dog to do these things?" e.g. the sit -stand - down repetitions that many dogs find irritating and frustrating, while others love to perform those exercises. Never be afraid to sit out a particular exercise if you don't want your dog to do that, or he is feeling overwhelmed. It's okay to move away from other dogs if he needs a break or is getting too excited. If a trainer gets awkward about this, they are not good trainers. Avoid anything of a free-for-all where pups are allowed to charge about together. When other pup owners give you "advice" be sweet about it - they genuinely think they are helping - but there is no need to do what they say just to be kind to them. Do what YOU feel is right.

The other big question to ask yourself is: "Do I want my dog to look like these dogs when they are doing that?". Is the trainer or training assistant giving individual attention or are all the dogs being expected to act in an identical manner? Are some dogs looking unhappy or shut down?

Remember dog training is a discipline in itself, and one with many branches. Vet staff generally don't know any more about training than trainers know about surgery. However, if they have made a specific study of it, they will definitely have the edge on trainers who are not aware that certain exercises overstress certain parts of the anatomy in certain dogs.

Be aware all this can be very exciting, and pup may need a loo break. Don't ask to leave - just go out. The trainer will be most appreciative.

Just giggled - thinking she will be having excited pees ahoy!