Training class, I'm not so sure

[aseemom]

Asee and I started OB classes today. I searched and called and found a trainer who is reccomended by my vet and the Lansing PD. (he is contracted to train all our city's K-9's).

It was raining and my yard turned into a giant mud puddle, so instead of the super energy draining games of fetch I planned, we just walked. (Asee had to look pretty for her first day of school, , right? WRONG) Muddy and well exercized would have been better.

We get there and in. The class is in a township vehical storage garage It was so loud. Asee pulls I'm too excited to mind right now, crap. I get her calmed down. Now the whole class is looking at us So, now I am super nervous. I have worked long and hard with her, but around 11other dogs you would think I left her in the yard all the time.

Asee is calm and ready to work when class starts, even though the full grown collie is barking its head off. Now, for my suprise - - every one is to use CHOKE CHAINS!!! No treats, just a pat on the chest or side. Suprise - 2 --- NO TALKING to the dog.

Lesson 1: heel/sit. The goal- get the dogs to watch body language. Asee did the heel great But she was to sit when I stopped. I wasn't supposed to hand signal, tell her (both of which she knows), or a butt tap. NO I was supposed to YANK her choke up and back when I stopped, some how this was supposed show her she is to sit???? After a while, Asee started to wander and sniff on her heel. I know I didn't make it exactly clear to Her what she was supposed to be doing.

The assistant trainer talked to me a little after class. Asee wasn't paying attention to me. Well, yeah. She is use to verbal commands, an ahh instead of a leash correction. Good girl, instead of a pat. I also think that it was unfair of me to put a choke chain on her for the first time at class.

OK I am rambling. I know Asee needs non treat training. She is stubborn, smart (maybe smarter that me some times ), and it seems she will work only for food . It was just MORE than what I was thinking.

Thank-you for letting me ramble and get my feelings out. We go back tommorrow, maybe day 2 will be better, less overwhelming for both of us

[Bucky's Mom]

Originally Posted by aseemom

. We go back tommorrow, maybe day 2 will be better, less overwhelming for both of us

Of course it will! - Now pack your pockets with cheese - ignore the other attendees - and concentrate on your dog and YOUR lesson.

It is perfectly understandable to be self consious - now work through it

[alexav]

No treats and no talking? Choking and punishment to teach?
RUN, don't walk, from this "trainer".