Tense about tomorrow training

[alessadry]

I am starting school to become a dog trainer and am really tense about bringing my 2 year old Petra. There will be professional instructors judging her training and I must admit, I am anxious in nature (don't tell me not to be, I can't keep it under control!). I am also worried about Petra feeling my tension and perhaps becoming aggressive. I was once tense with my male Rottie at the vet's office and I guess he felt it and started growling at everybody that came near me.

Can this happen to her too tomorrow?

My next problem is that people in this training class asked how her temperament was, and I told them she is very good and loves people, yet today she barked at a couple of my classmates as they got too close to my car. I was not there with her, my parents were. Yet, this morning when I was with her my trainer said hello to her and she was all wagging and greeting her from the car. Can this be because she feels more likely to bark to people when she is not with me?

I really want her to be social as she normally is but am afraid if she feels my anxiety plus must consider the fact that for this weeks she is staying in an apartment in the city (first time away this long from her brother) which has caused her to bark more than usual because of odd noises such as people talking in the stairwell and so forth.

This is totally not her usual environment and I am afraid she will act anxious tomorrow at training. When I take her out to and we cross the busy streets and traffic she will not accept treats because she is nervous.

On the other hand, today a little dog at training was growling, but of course, since it was a little bitty dog, nobody minded. It also barked and threatened to bite another dog and people were laughing. I am sure if my dog did that they would have taken it really seriously. I have waited so long to make this dream of becoming a dog trainer come true, and really want to look good.

[jayneliz]

Good luck in class tomorrow and kudos to you for pursuing something you enjoy.

I know when I first started training, I'd crap myself when one of my student's trialed their dog. There was just something about that judge being in the ring that made everyone nervous! And... dogs being the way they are, they inevitably picked up on emotions.

The biggest thing I can tell you is that if your dog DOES misbehave in class, that you address it immediately and appropriately. No dog is 100% every minute of every day. Even the people who are training you had issues when they trained their own dogs, probably with client dogs along the way, too. If they are decent humans/trainers/instructors, they know that.

One of the things I've realized here with the recent death of my SIL, is that there really isn't too much in my immediate world that's worth getting twisted over.

And if you fall down - you just get up.

[alessadry]

Thank you for your kind words! I will keep your advice in mind. It's just that when you have wanted so much to achieve something if anxiety gets in the way it just seems like it can make every thing crumble down.

However, my anxiety often makes me achieve better results at times, so I was wondering if dogs who pick up on the anxiety of their owners may at times make them perform better as well? Or is it always negative, like protecting owners?

[jayneliz]

You know your dog best, but I'd imagine if you go into it looking at anxiety as being a way to channel good results, the dog will too.

And remember, everything will not "crumble down" if you don't do well tomorrow. It's a class and you're there to learn. Part of learning can include less than stellar performances and even failing.

I'd imagine you'll do just fine, but if you don't, you'll learn from it and be a better trainer for it happening.

(All of the above said while I am sitting with my arse parked in a chair at my PC and NOT when I'm in the ring or when one of my students is!!! LOLOL!)

[rencook]

Just relax as much as possible, I took my girl with me through training school as well-and she wasen't great-but I learned so much having to work her through her issues.
You're at the school to learn-and if your going to have a career in dog training, you'll be dealing with problem dogs all the time-how better to learn than to have a not-so-perfect dog to start with!!
We had one girl in my class who's dog was perfect-nice temperment-easy dog to train. They kept having her work with all the other dogs so she could get more experience!!
Petra will feel your anxiety-so even if you are anxious-do your best to "act" relaxed. Also, remember-she will be stressed learning new things-so be ready for that.
My time at training school was the hardest, most stressful time in my life. But it was the most rewarding, best thing I have EVER done in my life!!!
What school are you going to?
The best advice I have for you is to enjoy every moment-its been years since I graduated, but I still remember all those great(and not so great) times, and it always makes me smile and realize I do what I do because I love it.
Good Luck and have fun!!!

[harleychik66]

Famous words...stay calm. Easier said than done sometimes. Right.

You and your two have went through quite a few huge changes recently. It's understandable that Petra is still a bit unsure. Perhaps before class take a few minutes and explain some of your reservation and apprehensions to the teacher.

You're not making excuses, just stating the facts. I'm sure if your teacher knows how serious you are, hard hard you have worked and the current issues and why she will be more understandable in giving Petra and you some time to relax and feel comfortable. She or he may even have some good tips or pointers to help Petra's transition.

I'm sure the two of you will do fine. You have been so dedicated to both Petra and Kaiser that I'm sure you will work through all these issues as well.

Good luck.

[alessadry]

Thank you all for your kind words! They mean a world to me right now! Petra did fine yesterday, but is acting aggressive towards some other dogs ( this is another thread). But this is expected because I never socialized her at dog parks or found her a play mate other than her brother. Will see how it goes. Everybody seems to love her so far, of course though it is annoying for some dog owners to keep their dogs away from her though.