Need advice as to socializing a 2 yr old Rott.

[MartyL]

So, I got my 2 yr old neutered male rott into obedience classes. During his first class he barked at other dogs, not aggresively, but he did bark. The instructor very nicely said that his barking might scare other people and other dogs and we were asked not to come back, she said maybe private instruction might work better for him. Well, he knows how to sit, sit stay, down and all those things, but the point of going to these classes was so that he would be more comfortable around other dogs and other people. So, that did not work. do you have any suggestions? isn't the point of obedience training to be in a social environment as well? I don't want to give up on him. He is a very nice dog at home, and has come a long way. He does well at the dog park, and with visitors that come into our house. Does anyone know of a training school or trainer in the Gainesville, VA area where they could handle a dog like him. I feel so discouraged.

[R G Haley]

OMG...I would think that would be expected on the first class at the very least.
I just began class myself Tuesday and several dogs were barking. In addition to the primary Instructor/Owner, there were 6 staff members who would bring barking dogs a chew treat w/peanut butter to help calm or distract them. After awhile you really didn't notice the noise, plus the Instructor used a microphone so he could be heard over the dogs if it did get a bit load.

[MartyL]

Exactly, I would have thought they would have given him another chance. I mean, it was a new situation for him. I am sure he was feeling overwhelmed.

[Canadianrotti]

Don't get discouraged, find another place to train. Not all training place are the same, in fact, many are very different. You need to find a place that works for you guys. Find out when classes are going on, and stop in just yourself and check them out.

Working around other dogs IS very important, and should be done on a on going basis. Do you have any other dogs that you feel safe with that you can set up play dates with? Start small and build upon success!!!

Good luck.

[debbiej]

I agree, that is what classes are for! did you correct him for barking? At the classes I attend, there is always one dog who barks, and learns in class not to bark. Do you have other classes to try?

[ElsasFamily]

Marty, where in VA are you? There happen to be some really good training clubs around Northern VA.

[MartyL]

Elsasfamily,
I live in Gainesville, in fact very close to you. So tell me where to go. Yes I did correct him. I stood in front of him, and said NO!!!! Thank you guys.

[MartyL]

He has a playdate every morning with a female Cheseapeake Bay Retriever, they get along great. And we have another dog in the house also a female who is alpha and he does whatever she says. :)

[Bucky's Mom]

Originally Posted by MartyL

Exactly, I would have thought they would have given him another chance. I mean, it was a new situation for him. I am sure he was feeling overwhelmed.

I don't know where in Virginia you are - but here is a link to some training clubs - perhaps they can assist you

http://www.northeasternregion.homestead.com/club.html

(Edited to say I now see Gainesville)

[miccmill]

Originally Posted by Canadianrotti

Don't get discouraged, find another place to train. Not all training place are the same, in fact, many are very different. You need to find a place that works for you guys. Find out when classes are going on, and stop in just yourself and check them out.

Working around other dogs IS very important, and should be done on a on going basis. Do you have any other dogs that you feel safe with that you can set up play dates with? Start small and build upon success!!!

Good luck.

I agree here.

My dog didn't really bark in class but had to learn manners around other dogs.....i.e. no staring, not approaching. The classtoom setting is where this happens.

The first night of basic obedience is pure chaos. Everybody barking, everybody just plain unruly. I think most instructors and class assistants realize this and start the instruction for changing this behavior that first night.

Keep looking. You'll find a classroom setting that will work for your dogs socialization needs.

[Ilovemypuppy]

Originally Posted by miccmill

The first night of basic obedience is pure chaos. Everybody barking, everybody just plain unruly. I think most instructors and class assistants realize this and start the instruction for changing this behavior that first night.

Keep looking. You'll find a classroom setting that will work for your dogs socialization needs.

Absolutely...every single basic obedience class I teach..the first class or two can be deafening with the barking..but it all settles down....some quicker than others...but there is always choas and barking at first. Find a trainer who can handle being a trainer and get and stay in classes Best wishes !!

[ElsasFamily]

Marty you could try Dullas Gateway Obedience Training Club.
http://www.dgotc.org

I know for a fact that they have an opening in their Thursday 8:00pm obedience classes, I had to reschedule our spot because Elsa went into heat.

They are very helpful and reasonably priced...really easy on the pocketbook. And from what I understand they have helped turn out some champion Rottweilers in agility. So they aren’t strangers to our breed.

After Elsa is done w/her heat we could also get the two together and maybe go for a walk in the Battlefield for some more socializing. She'll be two in April so they are kind of close in age.

[dean]

did you find a class?

i wish i could help you find one... but i'm up in canada:)

my rott is 3yoa and i STILL bring him to classes -- he is an easygoing dog, but in formal settings, he exhibited the same "attitude" where he stares at other dogs (rudeness..) and barks (loudly and often unexpected).

the trainer we have is VERY patient and he has behaved much better than in his first few classes this fall. he usually picked out the biggest dog, a sweet Golden who just wagged his tail when gunther was rude.

helpful hint -- if you have friends who have dogs, and a large yard, ask them to bring a few over and do a Pretend Class where the dogs are on leashes and you have to sit, stay etc... i did that with Gunther -- and he did very well. plus, we let them play a bit afterwards, so it reinforced the idea that "classes" can be fun after all.

just a thought.

good luck!

[MartyL]

Thank you, all of you, for all the wonderful advice. Kim (Elsasfamily) I would love to get together and walk the Battlefield, email whenever you are able to do that at Lizama3186@hotmail.com. I will be checking out these places and we will be trying this again. Thanks again you guys.

[Miabella]

Originally Posted by ElsasFamily

They are very helpful and reasonably priced...really easy on the pocketbook. And from what I understand they have helped turn out some champion Rottweilers in agility. So they aren’t strangers to our breed.

There are some really excellent Rottweiler people at that club, and they train in obedience, agility, and conformation.