1st Class, fell asleep!

[groupieindenial]

Well we did our first class of puppy obedience annnnnnnnnnnnd Vegas fell asleep. What a dolt! And then to top it off, he wakes mid nap, trainer in mid-speaking barking! Ha ha! He woke up surrounded by all these dogs, in a strange place. I guess thats a good thing that he felt serene in these new sorroundings enough to fall asleep, while other dogs were lunging at each other, and just doing puppy stuff. Atleast he didn't crap on the floor like one pup did!

I guess this was like an intro class, did a few basic things. By the sounds of it, the pace will pick up real fast. Next class the trainer said we'll have the dogs walking/healing off leash. (already!?) This clicking thing is kinda annoying, leash in one hand, clicker in the other which hand am I suppose to fish treats outta my pocket from?!

I can tell they havn't had much experience with large working breed dogs. I asked about thier opinions on the prong and choke collars. THey are dead set against choke collars, they are never used right, and hence actually choke the dogs since people use it incorrectly. She didn't really have much against the prong collar, cept that most of the dogs, (little things) shouldn't use it, (and thats what they get most of) and agrees it does not hurt a grown large dog like the Rotti. But their whole philosophy on clicker training is "positive reinforcement" bla bla bla. I think they just play it safe recommending the Halti because its the easiest to use to get your dog walking well. She actually encouraged me to continue without the halti if he walks w/o pulling already, and offered to purchase the halti from me, since so many people need them and come without them. Cool, but I told her I'd hold on to it for the first few classes, see if I'll actually need it. I think they were really impressed with how well Vegas was relaxed compared to the other dogs.

[LikeToRun]

That's great! As for the logistics of treats, clickers, and leashes, I understand. Petsmart and other sell pouches that hang on your belt to help. I actually found that a chalk-bag for mountain climbing worked really well when helping out with the parent's barking rat...it has a drawstring inside and he couldn't steal the treats by sneaking around me during a break, for active training the string can be opened and you have quick and easy access to the treats.

Good luck!

[groupieindenial]

Thanks, I will look into getting something like that!

[kingkong]

Originally Posted by groupieindenial

Well we did our first class of puppy obedience annnnnnnnnnnnd Vegas fell asleep. What a dolt! And then to top it off, he wakes mid nap, trainer in mid-speaking barking! Ha ha!

That is hilarious

What was u doing while he was napping?

Having a nap as well ?

[Judi W]

This is too too funny! I'd have loved to watch. what a character.

[LynnS]

That is adorable (falling asleep in class).
I found many silly ways to hold clicker/treats etc...

The best was to wear a vest with pockets for treats and attach clicker to zipper or someplace else easy...

With regards to your teacher only using positive training methods, this is ideal for a puppy. My husband and I made a distinction between training good manners (where we would use appropriate level of correction depending on age etc...) and formal obedience training (at least while she was still a puppy LOL).

Have fun with your little guy - he sounds like a lot of fun!

[fbkeays]

for the clicker, I got one of those spiral bracelet things and attached it to that. That way I have it on my wrist when I am not using it and can "pull" it down into my hand when I do.
I think a treat bag is great if you will not be doing competitive obedience. Dog will associate treat bag with working, and of course treats. If no treat bag= no treats. I like the idea of a vest- that way you can wear an empty vest in the ring and the dog has an extra clue that they are working.

[groupieindenial]

Originally Posted by fbkeays

I think a treat bag is great if you will not be doing competitive obedience. Dog will associate treat bag with working, and of course treats. If no treat bag= no treats. I like the idea of a vest- that way you can wear an empty vest in the ring and the dog has an extra clue that they are working.

Thanks for the tips! Definately good to know, cuz I do plan (maybe) in showing him. But I thought they get weaned off the treats as reward, and supplemented with other forms of praise?

[carolynnl4]

fbkeays is right, but also you can clip your treat bag to your back pocket if you want to hide it.

[rms78645]

Is the clicker always used? for puppy and upwards? So do you have to have the clicker with you at all times? like at home? I havent researched it alot but it seems then you have to have it with you all the time and I can barely remember my purse 1/2 the time!

[groupieindenial]

I believe it is generally used during training sessions to help them "learn" new commands. It would be 'ideal' to have a few clickers handy, in areas of the house where you spend lots of time. Constistancy is the key. If they already know commands like "sit", "stay" etc... Then the clicker isn't needed, as the click is phased out by the verbal command (and so is the treats). This is what I've learned so far.

[rms78645]

Ok, that makes sense. One place here uses a clicker for Puppy class but not any of the others. Thanks

[Laura]

That's funny, I thought that was the Mastiff's job . It's kind of awkward at first with the treats and click thing but you will get use to it.

[SABELLESMOM]

I, personally, don't care for halti's. I see where they were mentioned earlier. They seem to me to be an easy way out of training, because the dog seems to "automatically" walk correctly. But they aren't necessarily "learning" to do it right, are they? I know of a neck injury when a dog tried to bolt on an unsuspecting owner. If your dog is doing well on a regular lead and collar, keep going.