Re: Dogs - sheesh!

Only training classes I have ever attended we were asked to not come back because our late Duncan was a lost cause. Wouldn't bother again TBH mine may not be best trained in the world or even that obedient but they are friendly and trained enough to bring a lot of fun and naughtiness to our lives. Never allow them to be a problem to other people is all I think is really necessary.

Re: Dogs - sheesh!

As soon as I got Floyd he went to puppy classes, yet he still has a go at certain dogs he dislikes! He's used to children and is always friendly but, I still wouldn't trust him alone with a child. We had a lovely collie x labrador, who was really soft but she bit my daughter's friend, the kid was twisting her ear around! You never know what kids will do, or grown ups either!

Re: Dogs - sheesh!

I'm never too sure about puppy classes from what I saw when we visited one when we got Betty earlier this year they don't exactly teach bite inhibition or how to play nicely, it was rough and tumble from the word go and having a teeny chi pup we didn't want to risk her getting trampled under foot and scared by the bigger pups. So never went again.

Re: Dogs - sheesh!

That was my impression too Julie. Many years ago, I had a German Shepherd and when he was about 2 months old, I took him along to a puppy party to help him learn to socialise with other dogs and be friendly. He was pounced on, nipped and bitten, pinned down by the other puppies and the woman running the party thought it was all amusing with my puppy squealing and cryng. After waiting for the owners of the other puppies to put a stop to their puppies excessive 'play' - and they didn't, I ferreted the lot off him, told the puppies off and went home never to return!

Learning to play is one thing but to allow that to continue was, for me, encouraging pack mentality on the softest animal within reach.

Re: Dogs - sheesh!

Glad it wasn't just me then

Re: Dogs - sheesh!

No, I'm sure it isn't just the two of us either

Re: Dogs - sheesh!

5 women in the park between them had 16 dogs,all off leads, no fighting or trouble some dogs played with others but ignored others, some stayed on their own, any new puppies were encouraged to join in, we didn't call it socialising then, it just taught the new puppies their place in the pack and ensured they didn't run off,cos they always stayed with the pack.
The only problem we did have was there is a small garden centre run by and for the mentally handicapped and none of the dogs would go near the teenagers, even when we gave the kids treats to offer the dogs, they wouldn't go near.

One of the owners was fined £3 by the local football team after her dog pinched their football.

Re: Dogs - sheesh!

Well Ladies, I'm sorry to hear about your time at Puppy Class. But all I can assume is ....it's either not a KC Registered Place where rules and regulations apply or it was something set up as a playtime. None of our Trainers would ever tell someone not to come back, we run 8 classes on a Wednesday, all the Trainers are highly qualified and train you and your dog properly to pass the Bronze, Silver then Gold Good Citizen Exams as laid down by the Kennel Club. We have dogs that also train for the Obedience Shows and a few have gone on to compete at Crufts in the past.

Re: Dogs - sheesh!

It wasn't just one place Duncan was too damaged was the opinion of the three trainers we saw, we also brought in a behaviourist recommended by the vet, she said very little could be done with him too.

So we had a hang on to the lead approach to walks in areas we wouldn't see other dogs and a crate I could carry him off the communal area so he couldn't bite any of the neighbours in the hallways etc.

Lovely dog in doors at home, just freaked out when he was outside.

Re: Dogs - sheesh!

The puppy classes we went to were very good, no fighting, biting etc, allowed. Everything we learned stood us in good stead, no pulling, chewing things, food manners etc. It was only a little class in a hall, but, the woman certainly knew what she was about. If you find a good one, they're invaluable. the only bad thing our dog has done is chew up one doll, taken a dislike to a couple of local dogs and barked at cats, which was cured with a clicker. I suppose we were lucky! I can recommend a Shi-tzu X yorkie (never can spell that word) to anyone wanting a good pet.