when training classes aren't needed

[RottnKid1]

Training classes, with an excellent instructor, are extremely important. They teach the owner how to train their dog, allow a dog to learn to work with distraction and provide much needed socialization. The number of courses you go to depends on you and your dog. I would, at the least, go to a beginners course and then go to a more advanced obedience course where your dog can learn to work with distractions. Much depends on the owner's training experience. Working with your dog in other situations where there are distractions is also important - not just in the controlled environment of an obedience course.

Socialization is a life-long necessity just as training is. Take your dog to as many places with you as you can so he can experience everything possible - crowded sidewalks, noisy fans at sporting events, automatic doors, elevators, people in wheelchairs, people who have mental & speech disabilities, parades, cities where the dog will see and hear lots of traffic, dog shows/events, 4-H shows/fairs where your dog can become accustomed to animals other than dogs - horses, rabbits, sheep, cattle, etc. Many 4-H shows are held at fairgrounds where there are also amusement rides. Also, take your dog to the vet's office several times a year, just to visit and maybe get weighed. Take your dog to parks/playgrounds where he can see children at play, running around and yelling in excitement. Visit friends/relatives with babies and small children so your pup can learn how to interact properly with them. The list goes on and on. As I stated, socialization is a life-long thing - you can't just do it for the first few months of your pup's life.

[ April 02, 2001: Message edited by: RottnKid1 ]

[lunarrose]

RottnKid1 covered it well. Even at almost two I find we are still refining the training. Just when I think I have taken her to many differant places I find one that get a reaction I had not planed on . Like shopping carts. I ahd not taken her to the market because she cann't go in. But I took some and was going to wait out side with her in the car. She really hated the carts. So guess where we send time :D I think training if you want your dog to go places with you always happens.

[Chloesmom]

mssmith,

We took Chloe through puppy kindergarten and then basic obedience. Both classes were individual, just us and the trainer. (Chloe was being socialized in puppy daycare). The basic obedience was 2 weeks of full day with the trainer who then trained us. We did both classes before Chloe was a year. We unfortunately don't practice all our commands every day but when we do, she remembers them without fail. We hope to get her good canine citizen certification at some point but that's down the road. I think the amount of training depends on how your dog behaves as it grows up and you settle into a routine. Compared to when she was a pup, Chloe is extremely mellow these days.

[Dale Green Young]

You start training your dog - any dog - the minute you meet him/her. Whenyou adopt/purchase a dog, you begin training him the minute the collar goes on and you have to walk him to the car.

Formal classes are a perfect opportunity to bond with your new dog. It gives you a basis for a relationship, establishes pack structure, and gives you a third parties view of your progress with your dog. It gives the dog needed socialization, especially when it involves obeying a command in a situation where other things are more enticing (having your dog DOWN when two other dogs are brawling, or having your dog come when someone spilled their bag of hot dogs or another dog is in heat).

It also depends on what you want out of your dog, what you intend ot do at home, and what you expect from your dog. I fyou expect your dog to obey you when you tell it something, then you train every day,and you keep going to class. If you expect to do any level of work (obedience, tracking, agility) you keep going to class. If you expect to have a couch partner but don't want to have him jump all over your guests,you keep working.

I own all three types of these dogs.
My oldest bitch (with her CGC) has never gone to class. She was abused and people shy,a nd got her exposure to people through outings and her trust for me in these situations. She is also moderately displastic, and has a difficult time and could not last through a 60 minute class.

My old doberman was never trained by my husband (before we got married) as a result, my daughter started training him when he was 8. He now has his CGC, and competes in Jr. Obedience with her.

My rottXpit was dog aggressive. He has been through five rounds of basic obedience, and has done agility (but small dogs look too much like cats and he really IS a cat killer). He is no longer dog aggressive, and in fact is quite social with other dogs. He does lots of parlor tricks.

My T - a rescued rott - has his CGC, TDI, TT, and his first leg of his CD. Also he has started tracking. We go to classes every Monday, go to run throughs, fun matches, tracking seminars, etc. He is by far the most obedient of the four dogs, and by far the most social. *THIS* is what I want in a dog that I own. The other three are house dogs, and happy being that way. TY is the dog I want.

[Michael C.]

I don't think socialization is something you set a time limit on. It is really a way of life. Just taking your dog where ever you go (where allowed). When I walk across the street to talk to the neighbors, I take the dog with me. When I go to my parents, I take the dog. I don't know where you live, but we live in a huge neighborhood and we get alot of socialization just going for walks.

[WorkinDogz]

In my opinion...there are 3 courses that would benefit the "average" pet that you are looking for mssmith.

Puppy Kindergarten, Beginning Obedience and Advanced Basic Obedience.

If I had my way; every single family pet would have to complete these 3 courses...and I'm willing to bet far fewer problems would surface between dog and owner...and the dog would be a more respected and responsible member of society.

Obedience isn't just for "show dogs" or working dogs...it's something ALL DOGS need.

[ April 02, 2001: Message edited by: WorkinDogz ]

[Judi W]

I would also urge you to continue formal classes through the dog's adolescense. Behavior changes as a dog enters adulthood and that is where many get into difficulties. They assume that because the dog knows and is willing to follow commands at an early age, they are finished. Approaching adulthood often changes the willingness for compliance and also how they relate to other dogs and people, so you want them to have adult doggy social skills.

[mssmith]

hello,

just wanted to ask when and how long should you start training your rott or any dog for that matter?

i know training is a life long process with you and your dog but how long are actual classes neccessary?

and about socialization, besides classes(how long should this be also) how can an owner improve h/her dog's socialization?

thanks for the help

[luvarott]

How much training for a Rottweiler???
Joan Klem's advice is that if every Rottweiler was trialed thru CD and trained thru CDX we would have few, if any, more media scares about the breed.......
A CD (Companion Dog) title is composed of heeling (on and off leash in a controlled environment), sit, down , stay, come.....this is done under distraction ie.not in your backyard :) Pretty minimum stuff to have good control of a large breed dog.......
Puppies start training as soon as they are born, whether you think you are training or not, they are learning!! How long you train is up to how much you practice/ how well you practice/ and how smart both you and the dog are. Puppies should be trained with gentle, motivational methods only....

[Dale Green Young]

>> A CD (Companion Dog) title is composed of heeling (on and off leash in a controlled environment), sit, down , stay,
come.....this is done under distraction ie.not in your backyard Pretty minimum stuff to have good control of a
large breed dog.......<<


LOL
We just got our first leg of our CD on Saturday. Boy this is harder than I thought (but a lot of it has to do with MY being nervous and the dog knowing it). The requirements are very basic, and its only nerve-wracking when you know you have to do certain specific movements or you lose points . But that's a different subject.

For rescue dogs, we require a minimum of Level 1 obedience, and encourage Level 1 & 2. For puppies (adopted under 16 wks) we require a minimum of Puppy K and Level 1. We regularly offer CGC testing and encourage our adoptors to go further with their dogs.

Never ever waste the opportunitiy to take your dog somewhere or teach him something new. We go to the pet store frequently just for the opportunity to heel down an aisle with spilled dog food or around a corner where another dog has marked.

[Chloesmom]

mssmith,

You can start socializing your pup in places like petsmart (once the basic vaccinations are complete) to meet other people and dogs in a pet friendly atmosphere. When the weather gets nice there are public parks to visit and play in. Our neighborhood happens to be full of dogs and Chloe gets to play with her friends on occasion. The more you are out with your pup, the more people you will attract. Rottie pups are a people magnet!

[Mojave's Mom]

Originally posted by Judi W:
<STRONG>I would also urge you to continue formal classes through the dog's adolescense. Behavior changes as a dog enters adulthood and that is where many get into difficulties. They assume that because the dog knows and is willing to follow commands at an early age, they are finished. Approaching adulthood often changes the willingness for compliance and also how they relate to other dogs and people, so you want them to have adult doggy social skills.</STRONG>

I couldn't agree more. I ran into this situation with Mojave. We went through puppy, basic, and advanced and then quit. Although we continued training at home, three months later I was back in class. He went through MANY difficult stages that we were able to get through nicely with the help of my trainer, both inside and outside of class. Because we continued, he's doing so well, we're just gonna keep going until we get his CD!

:D

[Lora Lee]

I am always willing to go to class, learning is neverending!! I believe our dogs, being so smart, have a continuous desire to learn. And it's fun :)

Go as many times as you can, he'll love it!! :) :)

[ April 03, 2001: Message edited by: Lora Lee ]