[debbiej]

I think she is a bit afraid of Boris and afraid of him really disrupting/slowing down class-or worse. As I get more control, I'm sure we can join a class, but probably next time. I am not afraid of him at all as far as correcting or getting right in his face, but he just is so hard to get through to. the smaller and tighter prong did really help, but sometimes he is just drives right through any correction.

I've taken classes from this woman for many years. for a while I quit because I didn't like some of her methods, but on the whole, I basically agree with her. She does do a lot of demos by taking other people's dogs and correcting them. the dogs are a little afraid of her. but I've noticed she doesn't take certain breeds to demo, and I do think she is afraid of Boris. There is kind of a taking sides among the dog people in town, some don't like her-call her too harsh. The other group, the dog obedience club would never work for him. Then there is another woman who advertises that she trains working dogs and even more people criticize her. I've called her several times to talk about some classes, but so far haven't reached her.

the woman we train with is going through some really tough personal times right now, and she is a friend. a lot of her bluster is gone, and I think she just doesn't have the energy right now to deal with her beginners and Boris. I understand and it's ok with me.

What I need is someone to watch me with him and tell me where and why my corrections are ineffective....to say "there--you should have corrected then" Last night I was really hard on him, correcting fairly harshly for even turning his head. it helped, but I missed a few times. when he lunged, I jerked him off his feet, then grabbed the sides of his face and shook him hard, and yelled right in his face. he was impressed, but not enough to last. Then John got there, and he has a terrible time keeping the lead loose, and I think Boris just gets worked up again. I wanted him to take Boris to class because the trainer will teach him the right way to hold the lead and correct.

sigh.