Training classes??

[GypsysMom]

I just called a trainer and was inquiring about classes and in home sessions, the price was $300 for 4 in home sessions and lifetime group classes, actually its $275 with their coupon, does anyone think this amount is "too good to be true"? I remember the guy from along time ago he came to my house when I had my other rottweiller he told me she had no aggression issues and she did so Im unsure I want to use them.... I think he thought that because she had no issues with him being in my home (no barking etc) I have Gypsy enrolled in Basic Obedience at the trainer that teaches puppy class they start next month Im paying $120 for 6 weeks for that and then $120 for the advance.

I was concerned because of the barking she was doing, and then she growled at me today when I grabbed the back of her collar, I quickly looked at her and told her "NO" firmly and she looked away and calmed down , I want to make sure she knows I wont tolerate that kind of behavior, we have been doing NILF she sits before going outside,eating,getting treats or being petted, I also am still doing alone time between her and Chopper so she gets Quailty time with me, I do daily short training sessions 3-4 times a day.


Any Advice that you all think I need feel free to offer it

Thanks Kim

[BostonRott]

If she knows how to heel, and she gives you "lip" again, I'd put her into "boot camp heeling." I.e. dog screws up, you give a firm verbal correction, and then immediately start making the dog work briskly and with purpose. This will get the message across to the dog "I am the leader, you listen to me."

What were the specific circumstances when she growled? Did you lean over her? Did she have a favorite toy? Was she near a food bowl?

Sounds like you're doing things well. I personally am not a fan of "in home" training for Rottweilers, and I think you'd be better off setting up a private lesson with the person who is teaching your group lessons. this person has already seen you and Gypsy in class, is familiar with your issues, your relationship, etc.

[GypsysMom]

I grabbed her collar to bring her inside, she went through the gate that was on the deck so I walked in the yard just to bring her inside (that was Yesterday) then today I wanted her to settle down so I had her sit(she did) then I had her Down(and she did) and when I started to pet her and told her to "settle" she growled she doesnt growl when I take her toys and I can put my hands in her food bowl when she eats and she just eats around them, The lady from this place told me to grab her scuff and look her in the eye and tell her "NO" firmly. I think she is testing me and trying to see what she can and cant get away with.

[BostonRott]

Grabbing a dog by the scruff and hard staring them is a great way to get bitten....as to do that, you put your face VERY close to the dog's mouth, and in a fashion which gives you little leverage with your arms.

If she were my dog and she growled at me, I'd have a leash in my pocket, snap it on her and start boot camp heeling her.

[Laura]

Originally Posted by GypsysMom

I wanted her to settle down so I had her sit(she did) then I had her Down(and she did) and when I started to pet her and told her to "settle" she growled.

Sits and downs stays are enough to get your message across. Petting to control your dog is encouraging her. But that doesn't excuse her from growling.

[R G Haley]

Kim, I think that is a bit expensive. I took Haley (at 5 months) to Common Scents located in Ortonville, MI. and an 8 week course group course was $275 plus two days of kennel if I wish to use free. They are very good!!!! Haley will be a year July 30th and is doing great. Perhaps they know a good place near you. Website is Common Scents Canine Center, Michigan Ortonville Dog Training Center

Good luck!!
Julie

[GypsysMom]

I agree that grabbing her by the scruff is not the best way to handle it, I think of it as a way for the dog to get more pissy!! I am from now on keeping a leash either on her or attached to me(lol) you know what I mean, maybe in my pocket, I did however go to the pet store again today and she was awesome, there was a little chihuhua(spelling?) that tried to attack her, she barked and walked away, then the next Isle was a Golden mix that was a great dog they greeted each other nicely no barking no hackles up then I was speaking to the chihuhuas owner and I put Gypsy in a sit-stay and she was fine... Also when people wanted to pet her she had to sit for them as well

[GypsysMom]

Originally Posted by BostonRott

Grabbing a dog by the scruff and hard staring them is a great way to get bitten....as to do that, you put your face VERY close to the dog's mouth, and in a fashion which gives you little leverage with your arms.

If she were my dog and she growled at me, I'd have a leash in my pocket, snap it on her and start boot camp heeling her.

Gypsy is now learning to heel, she is catching on very quickly I will now use that from now on after her 10 minute training session on heeling we had some play time and she was more then ready to settle down for the night. From this moment on she is on strict training (not that strict but you know) like i have said we do the NILF and Im bumping up her training to 4- 5-10min sessions. I will do a few inside and some outside with distractions from kids and outdoor activity, I walked her all around my yard and she gets real ansy around the rabbit hutch but after 2 times around she didnt pay them any attention. So I hope Im doing right by her, or maybe I worry too much

[hcelsa]

Doesn't sound like training I'd be wasting any money on. The "coupon" scares me (from the standpoint of QUALITY vs. quantity...this sounds like some chain sort of thing), and you want a CLASS not in home lessons. The best bet is to find an obedience training club somewhere nearby, or an instructor that teaches competitive obedience not just "pet" classes.

Here's an AKC obedience club in Michigan...don't know how close to you they'd be, but at least they might be able to point you in the right direction!
http://www.smotc.org/

Edited to add...just found this link for obedience trainers in Michigan. What a cool resource!
http://www.grrom.com/obedience_classes_in_michigan.htm

[GypsysMom]

Im sticking to the trainer that is teaches puppy class, she has degrees in animal behavior and training, she also helps train police canines she is a real nice lady, Gypsy is in puppy classes and has 2 more classes left, her basic obedience starts august 7th and runs for 6 weeks, then her advance training starts in October as long as she passes basic

[spoiledbabies3]

Kim...If it helps Deja is going through her "barking" stage also. My trainer has recommended complete avoidance when she does this behavior so as not to encourage her. Believe me, she gets louder before she calms down, but ultimately she gets the idea that she is NOT getting the attention she is demanding. She is velcroed to me the entire time she is doing this behavior...and she is not fond of being on a leash right next to mommy. Once she has quieted for a few minutes, I will encourage her "quiet, good behavior". This has helped as she is demonstrating the "barking" less frequently. We have been experiencing this behavior about 2-3 weeks now. She is basically trying to assert herself to figure out her place in the pack...there are 4 in this household (3 rotties and 1 boxer). Sometimes I think I'm losing my mind! I've also noticed that when she sees her reflection she is barking at it also, but I haven't had a chance to discuss this one with my trainer as yet...I will ask her next Saturday in class. But if anyone out there has suggestions...I am open to any and every-thing. Good luck Kim...

[GypsysMom]

Yep Gypsy has saw her reflection and barks she is always in a play mode I cant help but giggle to myself because dogs are silly and then today with her barking at the cartoon horse on tv and then checking behind the tv for the rest of the horse.. its a chain reaction in my house usually its lady then chopper then gypsy it takes time to quiet them all