Picking out our next class

[miccmill]

I talked to the trainer about a new class for Hannah. He said to spruce up her basic obedience on leash and come into the advanced obedience class.

My thought on this is since we haven't been in the classroom or really out in public much since early February and she is easily stressed, fearfull and reactive, I should go back to basic obedience followed directly by advanced.
I thought I should give her time back in a class full of people and dogs where she can already do the work so that pressure will be lessened, then move to things she's never done before.

He forgets how reactive she is because she didn't bark or shut down in the last class but the stress of new stuff to learn AND dogs with the dreaded people attached. I just think she will need to reaclimate to having him and the class assistants walking around, approaching etc.

Am I over thinking this or is this the thing to do?

[Judi W]

No, I think you are entirely correct. There is no rush to move up.

[2rotties2luv]

Lisa, I agree with your reasoning. If Hannah were my dog, I would do the same. I believe that obedience or any kind of training should be fun for the dog. If Hannah will be less worried in the basic class, then it will be more fun for her, and also a reminder of what to expect in training class with exercises that she can handle. Then she may be more up for a new class where there are some challenges.

My trainer is Bill Payne in Victor, and he has never questioned my evaluation of what level my dogs have been training at. He feels that the important thing is for the dog to be in training, regardless of the level, and unless the dog is obviously bored he doesn't suggest a higher level. I have seen dogs who barely know the basic OB exercises in an advanced class, and I believe it was a waste of time for them to be there.

I 've repeated classes many times with my rotties, and each time they get more confidence - when I see signs of boredom, then I move on up to the next level. Just out of curiosity, who are you training with (if you care to share)?

[miccmill]

Originally Posted by 2rotties2luv

I 've repeated classes many times with my rotties, and each time they get more confidence - when I see signs of boredom, then I move on up to the next level. Just out of curiosity, who are you training with (if you care to share)?

We're training with Bob Minchella at Lollypop. He had us take puppy/basic 3 times just to get her to class on a regular basis then we had the cruciate ligament surgery so I think he's forgotten exactly who she is.
I've also talked to the folks at Obedience Training Club of Rochester and they are open to having us come to classes but explained that they run 4 rings at once in the very open Monroe County Fairgrounds building and it's stressful for some dogs. So I'm saving that for the future if it looks like she can do it.
Since she's not dog aggressive she's welcome in classes and her reaction to people is practically gone if you have a dog attached to you.
I think he thought I'd balk at paying for a class we've been in a couple times before but like Judi said, there's no hurry here. We'll go to the same class forever if it's a good thing

[RottiMomCT]

I don't think repeating Beginner/Basic would be a bad thing either. I always ask people in my classes how THEY think the dog is doing and if THEY feel the dog should move to the next level. I also remind them that repeating a level is nothing to be ashamed of or think their dog is a failure (or them!). I also tell them that Ben and I took basic obedience FOUR TIMES - twice for me, twice for him!

The beginner class repetition helps you and the dog brush up on what you already know, which is alot less stressful, and will make transition to the next level easier. Is there anything between the level you recently completed and the Advanced class??

[miccmill]

Is there anything between the level you recently completed and the Advanced class??

No, there are lots of levels at the Obedience Training Club in my city but my primary goal was just to get her in and keep her in class. It's something she does well with and it does help her confidence.

[RottiMomCT]

Originally Posted by miccmill

No, there are lots of levels at the Obedience Training Club in my city but my primary goal was just to get her in and keep her in class. It's something she does well with and it does help her confidence.

Good idea. Ben loves classes - that's why we keep going. Baron wasn't so sure of it all at first and when he realized the class was FUN he enjoyed it as well. I would repeat basic just to brush up on what you two already know and then go to the next level...if you do take the advanced class right after basic, would the instructor allow you to drop down a level if the advanced class is too much??

[miccmill]

would the instructor allow you to drop down a level if the advanced class is too much??

Yes, that is an option. I think I'll just stay in basic until I see actual signs of boredom if that even happens with her.
I like to move really slow with her as that's proved to be the best method to increase her confidence and trust.

[hmeadq]

I think sometimes trainers want to move you up so you will not quit. So many people think, "Well, he didn't pass Basic, he is just not that kind of dog."

I had one lady come up to us in our second Basic and comment on Doc. I smiled and told her we were going through a second time, and the first time felt like a train wreck most days.

[RottiMomCT]

Oh how I despise trainers who encourage people who are NOT ready to move up to the next level.

I always let people know that repeating a level is NOT a failure...it is a chance to polish up what you already know, and gain more confidence as a handler. Six weeks is barely enough time to really get the training relationship cemented.

We had graduation tonight (my last class as an instructor for a while - yay!) and out of the 16 students in the 2 classes, only 4 are moving to the next level. Nine are repeating level 1 by their own choosing - and Baron and I will be in class with them!

[miccmill]

Well, knowing Hannah, it may be all she can do to repeat basic over and over but she's surprised me before.

I imagine she'll be the one to eventually choose her next level.