Kids Not Allowed To Train Dogs..

[Esty]

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I took Grover and Roscoe to a training class before Christmas. My sons came with me and the twelve year old intended to come every week to train Ros while I train Grover. The people running the group seemed nice enough but said under sixteens aren't allowed. As it was my first visit I didn't want to create a fuss but it seems daft, especially as I will be there the whole time with another dog. Surely we should be encouraging kids to learn how to handle dogs! When I said how will that work with two dogs she said I could do 20 minutes with each while Joe looks after the other on the sidelines... I tried hard not to laugh, imagining a scenario where I had taught one to 'stay', swapped dogs, and the other was expected to know it at the end of the lesson... It wouldn't be fair to keep one of them still while the other was up doing stuff either. I will now have to ask my Mum to come with me as OH needs to be around to pick my elder son up after his martial arts class which is on the same night!

Am also disappointed as my 12 yr old is home schooled at the moment (long story,possible Asperger's/ social anxieties) and it would be a great way for him to mix with other people. He is great with the dogs, shows real sense and responsibility when dealing with them and really wanted to do these classes.

Have any of your kids been to training classes with your dogs?

 

[FifeJillandIan]

I think you should look out for another training place - I'm sure there will be somewhere that will welcome both you and your son - as you say, you're going to be there the whole time too so I hope you can find somewhere a bit more accommodating :luck:

 

[meddling]

My son took our Border collie through his KC Good Citizens awards from the age of 9 (my son was 9 :thumbsup: )

look for another training group

 

[Schmick]

I just can't believe the rules some clubs have :rant:

I would be looking for another group. Hope you find one. Surely they are out there.

We have a boy who lives with AS and any chance to get him out of the house and away from the computer is a good thing and I bet you Feel the same.

I hope your son gets the opportunity to train Ros it will be a great thing for him.

 

[imperative]

Find another club which suits you ,not other way around.

There was a pilot sceme recently in Brum which showed dog behaviourists teaching children dog awareness IN SCHOOLS!

.How to approach a dog etc.Thought it was a fab idea.It great in my opinion that young peeps learn about dogs especially if its their desire

 

[cairo]

That seems really silly....my club allows any child to train the dogs, their only rule is that whoever starts handling the dog at each session, finishes...

in other words you can`t change handlers half way through a session but you can take turns each week if you want to.

 

[jinnyfizz]

I don't have any first hand experience of training groups but it seems

absolutely ridiculous to refuse a 12 year old into the group!!! :rant:

There are always child handler classes at family dog shows and much

younger children take dogs into the show rings without any questions

being asked!!

I would definitely find another group who will welcome you both :luck: :thumbsup:

 

[Juley]

As you are going to be present it seems a bit silly. It may be to do with their insurance ( and the wretched health and safety!). You could ask them for their reasons and then try to find another class. Our ringcraft has a 10 year old who comes on her own, she is a very nice sensible young lady. Not all clubs will feel the same I am sure.

 

[Crystal]

My daughters started obedience training at our club when they were 8 and 10 and were welcomed as being the next generation of dog owners and were encouraged to be part of the club, one of my daughters also helps at the ringcraft club where there is a special slot for youngsters to do Junior Handling - the same daughter also took one of our whippets through the bronze award at one of the champ shows - she wasn't penalised for being a child but encouraged and welcomed on all accounts. Your son should be encouraged and it is an excellent way to mix with people and grow in confidence. Sue x :thumbsup:

 

[~Sarah~]

I would find another Club. :angry: It seems a ridiculous rule, particularly as you are there as well. My local Dog Training Club is very welcoming to children. I haven't been for a few months, but earlier in the year we had a young girl (about 9 yrs old I think) and she was training a whippet (her Mum/Dad was there watching) and the Club were really helpful, giviing her extra special attention.

It's a great way for kids to socialise (with dogs and people) and learn, not just about training dogs, but about being a good dog citizen too. :thumbsup:

 

[~Sarah~]

I would find another Club. :angry: It seems a ridiculous rule, particularly as you are there as well. My local Dog Training Club is very welcoming to children. I haven't been for a few months, but earlier in the year we had a young girl (about 9 yrs old I think) and she was training a whippet (her Mum/Dad was there watching) and the Club were really helpful, giviing her extra special attention.

It's a great way for kids to socialise (with dogs and people) and learn, not just about training dogs, but about being a good dog citizen too. :thumbsup:

 

[Esty]

Thanks for all the encouragement. Joe is naturally so good with the dogs it would be a shame not to develop it, it could be the making of him and give him confidence as well as being really good for the dogs. If we do agility, Joe is a lot more energetic than me! My other son is keen for us to go to another club so he can come as well.

I'll go on Thursday and just ask why they don't have under sixteens, and explain my thoughts. If it's not negotiable, I will find another club.

Thanks again.

 

[Garry Comber]

Thanks for all the encouragement. Joe is naturally so good with the dogs it would be a shame not to develop it, it could be the making of him and give him confidence as well as being really good for the dogs. If we do agility, Joe is a lot more energetic than me! My other son is keen for us to go to another club so he can come as well.I'll go on Thursday and just ask why they don't have under sixteens, and explain my thoughts. If it's not negotiable, I will find another club.

Thanks again.

This sort of thing does make me cross. :rant: :rant:

When walking my dogs I find lots of children are afraid of them these days and I try to get children who scream and run across the road in fear to make friends with my lot.

What kind of a club alienates youngsters instead of encouraging them, when they are in a position to help youngsters?

I agree you should find another club, but I don’t think this club has any right to exist unless it opens its eyes.

I wonder are they really interested in dogs or just after your money.