obedience classes

[fergie11]

I took Fergie to a new teacher - one who has come highly recommended from numerous people. Anyway, we went for our first intermediate obedience class. I told her that she had already passed "pre-novice" classes, and has passed both her CGC and her TDI tests. I want to teach her some fun stuff that we could use in our Therapy visits.
Our first class we started out with sit. We moved on to stay - stay for 30 seconds. I told her she'd stay long enough for me to drink a couple of beers - longer than 30 seconds. Not even a smile. She then used Fergie for examples to teach a couple of other things in class. Our goal at graduation is for them to sit and stay for 2 minutes. In our TDI she had to sit and stay for 3 minutes.

Am I nuts or should I be paying money for this? (or should she pay me?) Hopefully, she was just trying to see what level our dogs were at - only 3 in class - and next week we will have some more challenges.

Any comments.

[fergie11]

Oops - I meant 20 hours a year (not week).

[fergie11]

Ha - isn't that the truth. I'm sure I wouldn't get my money back though so I might as well go. I will go back to my old instructors in fall. I really like them and they were half the cost. I also found out I can join the dog club here and volunteer for just 20 hours a week and you get your classes for free - no matter how many you take. I know, hit me in the head with a 2x4. They don't have any classes in summer and I didn't want that lull. I'll let you know how Tuesday goes.

[Adina P]

I look forward to hearing about class 2. If it doesn't get better...I would not be able to hang in there unless I was allowed to use the class time to work on more challenging things using the other dogs as distractions. Did this trainer not share any class description or any kind of overall plan for what was in store or what else they were going to teach? For me just the fact that the stay grad requirement was EASIER than my dog could already do...well...that would make me quit and go work my dog in more difficult places doing more difficult things.

Practice makes permanent...but if you can practice the same things for FREE...I like free =)

[fergie11]

Sue try using a stick of somesort to try to push Wilson's butt around at first. I think it's a movement that they just don't understand what you're asking. I had a hard time with that too and now I haven't practiced that for awhile. I'll have to try that somemore.

[Sue & Willy Babe]

I agree with all the other comments you should be teaching the class. Wilson is now in Pre-Novice class I missed one week because of vacation, and last night I could not get those quarter turns, I can do the right side today pretty well, but the left I am having trouble with, my neighbor went through Pre-Novice so I just might have to ask him for help. I really need to be more consistent too SO with the summer off I will be making a better committment for consistency.

[fergie11]

Thanks, Allyson - that's funny.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Maybe you should talk to those people with the $8,400 LD and see what they think! How do they get those dogs to a level 4?

[Jeri]

Maybe you should stick it out and when you are done find out about how you could teach a class. You are pretty amazing with what you teach your dogs.Bring your doggies to visit me and practice on Sam and Mandi.

[fergie11]

Yah, Karen, that's what I should do, but I'm really really bad at confrontation about anything. I'd feel I'd be questioning her ability. The class was $135 for 6 classes though. I think I'll go next week and see what happens. The other 2 in the class are not close to where Fergie is. Actually, I shouldn't say that, that's not fair. They are very active dogs. Fergie is a very calm dog - her temperament is amazing - (her sister, Lucy, is another story). I will do the classes - Adrianne is right about there never being enough practice. I just hope we learn something new for my $135.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

At what level are the other 2 in the class? I would probably stick with the class - never enough practice if nothing else unless you both will be bored.

I found that after the PK, Puppy Basic and then Off Leash Class, there really isn't much that is offered other than Agility, Rally and that kind of class. I need to find soemone that will do a refresher for both of us. Since I have not be good on consistency, we need the refresher.