So Bad At Obedience Class (Cry)

[Burnsway]

Sometimes when we see our dogs or children both corrected by others then ourselves it can look and seem a lot worst then it is.

Although I do believe first time in things should have been a bit gentler and more positive, I wouldn't be to quick to think the trainer was being way to harsh yet. Not seeing it myself and only going on mercedes post its hard to tell.

The trainer may have seen a harder dog that needs a bit more a strong hand and was demonstrating for you the owner just how to safely go about that. Also your dog laying down may not have been a OH MY I'M TERRIFIED but more a submissive oh crap this lady has my number I better be good.....;) Was mercedes trembling at all?


How does a dog curl up in a ball, that seems more a human thought and position. Can a dog actually curl up that way.......

Mercedes can you describe more what you meant by that statement. Trembling, head tucked under feet, on back...etc. Or did she just lay down submissively and behave.

Try out a few more classes and see if it can become more fun and if not just look around for someone else. I do agree it needs to be fun for both of you but sometimes harsness is needed.

[sophie's-mom]

I was just so upset because all of the other dogs were scared, so they were really good with sticking by their owners.

And Mercedes had enough confidence to not be scared and wanted to explore her surroundings and that upset you?

Mercedes was so unattentive

What were you doing to try to keep her attention on you?

The trainer took her for a demonstration because she was the only one that was allowed to wear the prong collar

Why did the trainer not want to demonstrate with the gentle leader and opt for the pinch collar?

The trainer kept correcting her

Why? Would you give an example of why the trainer felt Mercedes needed a correction? What was she wanting Mercedes to do? What was the trainer trying to accomplish in this "demonstration"?

In my opinion, several WRONG attitudes and situations made this a bad experience for Mercedes and I don't blame the dog one bit for wanting to recoil from that sort of treatment.

When you signed up for the class, did the instructor make it clear what their expectations of your dog were PRIOR to your dog being in the class, what I mean is were there PREREQUISITES for this class?

[Trinitii]

I just wanted to say hang in there. I always come home crying the first night of classes. My girl has been in class for 6 weeks and still isn't the calmest.

Take a deep breath, remember your their for fun, learning, and socialization. You may rethink the trainer but it is hard to say without being there. I can get my girl to do great at home, but what good would it do? She needs that socialization and those distractions and all in time it will fall into place. Some members here are amazing in their advice and have helped me greatly. You will do fine.

Trinitii

[SABELLESMOM]

My thoughts are running definately to the "there should have been more positive training " going on. Also, generally speaking, the first class is typically more talk than practice.

When you have that situation, dogs will get bored...sniff around and be inattentive. Why not? What can possibly be exciting about talking adults?

After the first day, our instructor had us practice our "down stays" with our dogs during times she knew instruction could be lengthy. She would avoid as much of the "lengthy stuff" by giving us hand outs to read at home. Sometimes there was no "down stay" practice, she'd just tell us to relax when she had to talk.

Regarding the more positive training, she would have us excitedly say, "Good girl/boy!" whenever the dog was doing what was asked, like walking right at your side. She said the dog would figure out , "Hey, this a nice place to be, at her/his side!"

Relax a bit, give Mercedes a chance. Rotties are VERY smart. She'll get it. It takes lots of "homework" on your part with her, but she'll get it. The more positive you are the better things will be.

[mickeymichellie]

If you want her attention you are going to have to work for it, otherwise let her explore. It is a new place. Bring her favorite toy with you, or some really good treats, and find a different trainer or hang onto your dog!

[Brooke&Ryan]

I agree with bringing a favorite toy to class if the instructor is okay with that. Julius' attention was all on us when we brought his favorite yellow elephant (R.I.P :p) to class one night. He would do ANYTHING for it!

:)
Brooke

[myblkace]

Please dont feel bad about your frist class it will get better. At our frist family companion class Ace and I had to sit out in the hall because he was so bad barking and lunging at the other dogs. But each week he was better by the end of the 8 week class he passed his test and even won a big red ribbon for most improved dog. So hang in there and have fun