Training....Do We Need A New Group?

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I almost hate to even suggest another new group, but here goes.  After my experiences with Murphy over the past few weeks (and especially this weekend), I've found great advice and support from many of you here on DK.  I've been challenged with Murphy's training for many reasons, and most of those reasons related more to ME than to him.  I can't tell you how helpful it was for me to read your responses to my blog.  I had been feeling pretty bad about the "mistakes" I was making in my training approach, and you helped me get over myself and just move ahead with a renewed enthusiasm.  Last night I was thinking about the fact that there are probably many of us going through similar things.  It might be great if we had a "support group" where we could share our learnings, breakthroughs, frustrations, and just be there to pick each other up during the "training tough times".  There is an obedience group now, but it's for advanced or competition OB experiences.  Clearly, I'm not in that position with Murph.  There's also Puppy Madness, but this feels different to me because this is really all about training.  So, I'm wondering what everyone thinks of this idea.  Is there interest in forming this type of group or do you think the regular forum and blogs are adequate?  Obviously, Adina, your thoughts and ultimate approval are the key here. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I do think it might be helpful to have a place to discuss individual training problems, things related to particular situations or issues we have with our dogs, and not necessarily a whole training program or philosophy. It could be "Here is what worked for me" kind of thing rather than a particular method. It might also address some of the unique problems some of us have with adult rescue dogs' issues...i.e., training a dog with fear issues or other baggage, and of course, the whole "feeling sorry for them" syndrome that some of us struggle with on a regular basis.

[Adina P]

I think then we need separate groups for some of these things. There is training a dog to do stuff (and some has underlying philosophy that says doing this helps with 'issues' as a byproduct). Then there is talking about 'issues'. Then there is solving 'issues'.

I'll approve most any group that doesn't duplicate what other groups are already doing.

But I did want to address MY thoughts on the 'feeling sorry for them syndrome': I think the term 'baggage' should be banned :) Simply entertaining the thought of Baggage in a dog has effects of pulling their past into the present TOO much in my opinion. Dogs don't know they've missed out on romps, toys, and what not. They don't know they have fear issues...they just react to stuff based on history. But the present can change them.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I know that, and I also know the problem is in my head, not in Jack's. (I don't like the term "baggage" either, I just don't know what else to call it.) I have a strange dog. It frustrates and saddens me. I think this is what Jane means by this new group acting partly as a "support group": "Dear friends, help me to expect from this dog what I have expected from every other dog I've owned."
I let Jack get away with things I never would have tolerated from another dog. I admit it. I let him get away with things I wouldn't have tolerated from my kids. I admit it; I need help, lol.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Yup, that's exactly what I meant by support group.

[Adina P]

OK then I need clarification. Is it a training group or a support group for people dealing with issues? Or a support group for people trying to train their dogs? or a sharing our training stories group? Or some combo?

[Adina P]

It is hard to remember at times that as much as our dogs are members of our families, they are in fact CANINE members and not children. While I too refer to myself, at times, as 'mom' to Rosco....I think we can take that too far in conversation and then those words take over our perceptions. I am not the 'mom' of my dogs and they don't want a maternal figure from me. They don't want a maternal figure from their doggy mammas after weaning either.... We can love them as kids...but we need to remember what benefits them MOST is not mothering or being a 'child' or being merely a giant teddy bear for cuddles.

[BG and Gavin]

I know that I would like to read more posts like the one you made after your trip to the trainer. It was full of ah-ha momments for me. Gave me things to think about for up-coming walks with Gavin. Just felt like I learned a new "secret." I have also been wanting to get Gavin into a combined agility/OB class (so far the day it's offered does not work for me) but I would like to learn more about this type of thing. So if you build it, I will come.

[Jodi and Stella]

Great idea Jane! I have been experiencing some frustration with training Stella and developing good habits as a puppy. Just littlestuff but it would be awesome to have others insight and ideas. Just ordered a couple more books too, one by Dr. Sophia Yin and "the other end of the leash".

[Adina P]

The OB group isn't truly just for people competing...maybe I need to reword it. It is intended for anyone who wants to discuss Sit, Down, Stay, Heel, Come and higher level commands (such as OB competition things required at higher levels) because they want reliability from their dogs and/or want off leash reliability. Basically anyone who is interested in advanved OB meaning a dog who is actually obedient in virtually any circumstance and/or trying to refine their dogs performance (perfecting heeling position, getting straight sits, quicker sits, stuff that new puppy owners and those just wanting a little more manners aren't concerned with). So it isn't the place to discuss 'naughty' dog behaviors (digging, counter surfing, jumping on guests, or tricks or how to teach a dog to sit)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

But what about things like a dog who is reactive in certain situations when on leash?

[Adina P]

I guess it depends. If the issue is 'I try to walk my dog but it's hard sometimes because he'll lunge and pull at other dogs' then NO that would not be a topic for this group. However if you were doing heel work (literally teaching a formal heel) and weren't sure how/when to incorporate the distraction of other dogs then it WOULD be appropriate for the OB group.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

So I think what you're saying is the existing obedience group is fine for the types of issues/challenges that I was discussing in my blog post this weekend? Actually this also relates to Karen's question about potential reactive responses in various situations. I didn't get that at all from the description of that group, but I'm fine with using that existing group and just providing the clarification. I'm guessing that others had the same idea as me based on some of the responses we're already seeing.