BAD BAD Day at Dog Class

[Linda,Yankee & Finn]

I decided that Yankee needed more training before new puppy comes. He is (I thought) a pretty well behaved dog. I can walk him around the neighborhood without a leash and he listens very well. He just doesn't walk well ON the leash. The class is called Street Smarts and keeps your dog from being easily distracted in public.

Yankee's best friend Charlie Doodle is also in the same class. I was a little concerned that this might be distracting but we could work through it.

WHAT A DISASTER! There were about 9 dogs in this class. They all sat quietly beside their owners while the trainer talked. Not Yankee, he barked and whined through the whole class. He was so excited to see Charlie, that I couldn't get him to stop. The assistant trainers kept coming over and trying to distract him. Nothing worked so they took a divider and blocked his view of Charlie which meant him and I were in a corner by ourselves. I was so embarrassed! He still kept whining and barking. Then he started barking at me.

I couldn't do anything to get his attention to try any commands that he already knows. I didn't hear half of what was being said. Next week we go out in public to try stuff. I don't know if I want to go anymore. I was upset all the way home.

They did give me things to practice (a lot) during the week but what if it doesn't work? He may not get to see Charlie before next class because Charlie's Mom is having knee surgery. He usually sees him a few times a week. That means he will go crazy when he does see him again.

It sure opened my eyes about how well Yankee is trained. I'm always bragging about how good he is but I was so disappointed in him tonight.

[steve sklon]

we as human have bad days and so do dogs. Maybe it might have been wise to remove him from class for a while till he calmed down and then to have tried again. perhaps it might also be a good idea to take the dog for a nice long fast walk before class to drain some of the energy before hand.???? Mine are usually excellent while out walking yet Sunday mornin were excited and not paying attention. It was very windy and maybe the wind presented many scents to the dogs who got a bit overwhelmed??? Or maybe just a bad day,.???? Dont give up on the pooches.

[Linda,Yankee & Finn]

Now that I've had time to think about the situation (calmly) and talk to my friend from the class, I don't think the trainer handled things very well. She was rude and acted inappropriately. Things better be different this week or I will have a few words with her.
I will take Yankee out to play with Charley earlier in the day to make sure he is a little less excited to see him.

[Linda Karell]

Chervil can get very excited about other dogs, and now we're in a Freestyle class where the goal is to focus on the owner, not other dogs. What has helped enormously is really, really good treats (or a super-favorite toy, if Yankee isn't food driven). So she gets steak, smelly cheese, salmon treats, etc., in class, and only in class or in highly distracting situations. We use "medium or low value" treats for training practice at home. A good whiff of yummy food and she usually focuses right back on me. Maybe that might help. Good luck, and try not to be disappointed in him. It was a new experience, maybe it just wasn't his day to pay attention, and I think we love our doodles because they're so bloomin' giddy! Sometimes that equates to a frustrating public experience.

[GBK]

Aww, it will get better each time you guys train together. Don't really get the divider thing, the point is for them to learn that class is class not playtime. Kona has a couple best play pals in her class, and I love it when one walks in late and I see her head and eyes twitch, but she stays in her place. It took quite a few times before she understood class time was NOT play time. Good luck with your good boy Yankee, he will get it!

[Michele Barton]

I think it's horrible that the trainer put you in a corner, it must've made you feel like Dennis the Menace! Is that their idea of teaching Yankee not to be distracted??? By removing him from the distraction? I agree with Janie - get your money back.

[Janie]

It happens to eveyone at one time or other. Hold your head up high and go on to the next class... if the instructer shuts you in a corner again she may not be the trainer you want. Ask for a refund and find one that does her job and trains not hide you away.

[Lynne B]

It sounds like the trainers failed, not you and your dog- the purpose of the class is to teach dogs not to be distracted in public, but when your dog is distracted they put you in the corner...I think I would call the trainer and ask express your dissatisfaction. If I were the trainer, I would have turned your dog's excitement into a learning opportunity

[Jeri]

I am sure he is not the only one to get excited in a doggy class. I think it was a fluke all other 8 dogs were so quiet. Too bad the trainer did not stop the class and work with you to calm him other than put you in a corner. I commend you for staying. I probably would have left. Glad they gave you things to work on. I bet he will be the most improved in the class and just think how proud you will be of him. It is also a great way to socialize your dog. Maybe Charlie and Yankee should have some play time before school.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Kids ALWAYS find ways to make us humble. Try taking him to Starbucks or someplace that has outside seating and just sit, have a cup of coffee. Maybe a quick run before class - get rid of some energy?
I take Samantha to work with me and we USED to walk the every 10 yards to the front of the building to go in. Once she got over her 'fear' of the using the fire escape stairs I got lazy and we stopped walking onto the main street. Our last walk on the main street was like she never saw people walking into the bank, bagel store, etc. We now take a walk several times a week just to reminder the both of us what we should be doing.
I think that they 'forget' what we don't practice.

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

Isnt it just like them to mortify you in public like that! LOL! (I am sorry I know it is not funny...I just am laughing because it is sooo Murphy's Law) - and I totally can see it happening to me! And I can feel my face red and hot, turning deep red, isolated behind the divider with my problem child! hehe. And of course it feels like you are the only person and the spectacle.

Like moms of children who are acting up - always feel like they are the only one - and just want to cry! (Of course my children never acted up ..... I was always just the audience. - lol) ;o)