[Nash's Mom]

Hi all. It's true. It's a very frustrating feeling and I know you can't show frustration in training so please consider this my vent to everyone here and a plea for tips and tricks. Oh and thanks for listening.

In some ways I can't believe this has happened because he was the star of SuperBasic (distraction training or proofing) obedience class. He would do recalls with other dogs distracting him, sits with a ball being thrown and could not care less. He was totally focused on me. The instructor would use him as a demo dog for all exercises, even new exercises.

Well fast forward two months and I have a dog who doesn't focus on me at all (although in the park with training he does, just not in this class). And, last night, after perfectly performing the non verbal down command with the new signal (hand in the air pointing up) at home, in the park and for eight times before we had to perform in fornt of everyone, I get Nash's attention. raise my hand and he looks at me as if to say "no thanks Mom..just did it 8 times before, don't want to do it now". So then I have to explain to the new teacher who says "did you not train this week" that yes, he knows the down he just needs a leash pop because he knows this command, she tells me this is a positive motivation class and no leash corrections are necessary. And that was the highpoint of class!

Next, Nash breaks his sit-stay position and runs around the room and jumps on a Bermese mountain dog (I am completely MORTIFIED) and I sprint to where he is, grab him off the dog as the owner screams "Oh my God he is going to kill my dog!"

Then, I put Nash on a long line to repeat the exercise and Nash decides its playtime and puts the leash in his mouth and jumps on me and I say "No. Drop it." (which he does) and that same woman screams "Oh my God now he is going to attack the owner!"

By this time, my nerves are frazzled and I turn around and say "Look, Nash is acting like a complete inappropriate Blockhead right now, but he is not aggressive with any human least of all me, who saved his a** last year and he was not going to attack me. I am sorry he jumped on your dog, he was wrong, I am not excusing his behavior, but he only wanted to play with your dog and not attack your dog. I am sorry it caused you any discomfort." BTW, her dog outweighs Nash by 20 pounds. The trainer doesn't say anything during this whole exchange.

So that was class. Now, clearly Nash needs more training. And in the light of day, after a hot bath, a glass of wine and some chocolate, I have these questions:

a. Are there cracks in Nash's foundation of basic obedience, i.e. should I go back to the beginning and repeat basic obedience with him?

b. Does Nash need a leash correction for his behavior? I think he does, but what do I do if the school doesn't believe in leash corrections?

c. I have previously owned dogs but never Rottweilers. Is Nash's behavior typical Rottie adolescence? Nash is seventeen months old. My other dogs never acted like this.

I really do train Nash every day. I have taken him to obedience school since I got him and he even has his CGC.

I am very discouraged, but will go back next week with a big smile on my face. Tips would be appreciated.

Oh, and if anyone has stories about how their dogs mortified them in class that would help soothe my wounded ego. :D :D