some advice about Boris?

[debbiej]

The first obedience class of this session, he did well. The second was rained out. The third we didn’t do as well, he was more distracted by the other dogs. Tonight class was gathering but it was looking stormy and we didn’t start right up. People weren’t paying much attention to their dogs although the dogs were on lead. I did some warming up with Boris, and he was doing pretty well. However whenever a dog would pass us, he would pay too much attention to it. Not aggressive, but just walking forward looking backward. I gave him pretty good pops with a prong, but he didn’t keep his attention on me for but a few steps I'd correct again, and I started to feel like I was nagging. We’d do heeling, turns and sits, and he’d do them, but really stupidly. I don’t know if I should come down on him as if he were being aggressive for just acting like he is on sensory overload. I did give him one scruff and yell correction, when he was starting to wind up a little. I know he just needs to be around other dogs more, he needs to be in this class and that brings me to my second concern.

This class is a beginning class, there are people who are just learning how to handle their dogs. There is a small girl with a small untrained dog with an attitude, there are no rules for exiting and entering the field not even any rules about off lead dogs. (although none have been let off lead until tonight after class was officially cancelled) I feel like I’m watching my dog and everyone else’s, and I am too much on edge. I wish there was another class to attend. Boris knows all the obedience we do in Hilda’s class but they have way too much off lead work in that class. The trainer I took him to in the spring, only does one on one, so no socialization there.

I had to miss the first class where everyone introduces themselves and says something about their dog, then I asked the instructor if we shouldn’t say something to make the rest of the class aware of Boris’ issues. She didn’t think so and I appreciate her not wanting to cast a negative light on him, but I still would like people to be more aware of what we are working out.

[Judi W]

I would not want him in a beginner class where all the dogs are rather unorganized (not their fault just what is at that level). He needs to be working in a more organized group. No, at this point, you certainly do not need to go around making announcements that he was once quite dog aggressive.

I would see if I can get him in an advanced beginner class. Doesn't matter if they are doing too much off lead work. They are off lead, Boris does the same thing only on-lead. No problem.

[debbiej]

well, he is welcome in the advanced class, and I think I'd feel better around more in control owners. I guess for the rubbernecking other dogs while he is supposed to be paying attention to me, more classes, he gets used to behaving around other dogs?