After our last puppy class I overheard the trainer commenting to another puppy parent that my pup is difficult in class because we waited too long to begin. Apollo is 16 weeks and definitely a high energy dog. And while he may not have been in formal classes until just a couple of weeks ago, I have been diligently working with him at home. Her comment makes me wonder if she view my pup as a "difficult distraction" and what, if anything I should do about it. Thoughts?
I would say: bite your lip and pretend you didn't hear it. It is her job as trainer to work with all the dogs in her class. If she genuinely feels your pup is a problem for others, and she can't manage that, then it is up to her to approach you. Meanwhile, she needs to give your puppy the best possible training experience that she can. I can imagine that you feel riled by the implied criticism that "you waited to long". Oooooo yes that would make me spit. But you don't have to let it get to you. She is entitled to her opinion, but you don't need to accept it! You know you didn't wait too long, you know you've been working on things at home, so just be confident in yourself on that. Personally I had a poor experience at puppy classes, and others on this forum have had great experiences - it really does depend on the class. I would say that you should go to each class aiming to get as much learning out of it as possible for you and your boy, but don't feel obliged to meet anyone else's "expectations" and don't let anyone's opinion or behaviour wind you up. It is about you and your puppy, and your trainer can no doubt offer you a lot of valuable stuff, so go get it! Welcome to the forum.... from me and my (not-very-well-trained-but-very-very-happy) big yellow boy Pongo!
If she truly feels that's the case then she should have had that conversation with you, not someone else. It could be true that you have some things to overcome, that's why you are in the class in the first place. @Rosie offers some good ideas, Maybe broach the subject with the trainer to ask if there is remedial work you can do at home or just to discuss your goals.
I think I would be looking for a new trainer as she certainly isn't professional if she speaks about one client to another in a class. It is never too late to start a dog in training class and any good trainer should be able to cope. Apollo, love the name by the way, is still a baby as far as learning goes and puppies can be big and bouncy and easily distracted. If Apollo is becoming too excited or having trouble to focus why isn't she erecting a pen with some towels/blankets around him to help him settle and focus - that can works wonders. To my mind it's not up to you to try to do anything if he is being a distraction, it's up to her as the trainer. That's what you are paying for, her skills and knowledge to help train and manage your young bouncy pup. Sorry if it sounds as if I'm having a rant about trainers, but some just make me so cross
I wouldn't be expecting a trainer to make comments like that about you to another class member. But I agree that it's best to grit your teeth and ignore it, if you're still getting something out of the class. It's not your trainer's job to train your dog (that's your job) but it is the trainer's job to train you to train your dog. So they should be setting up exercises to help your dog, and the other dogs, learn to cope with the distractions of class and to still pay attention to their handlers even though there are other dogs and people around. That's the main advantage of a group class, I think. At my dog club we have separate classes for dogs starting dog club at under 6 months of age. All dogs under 6 months (ie puppies!) attend the same class. At 16 weeks your pup would be totally normal and would fit right in and would not be an unusual age to start a group class at all. There's a separate class for dogs starting dog club who are 6 months or older - so a number of people don't start group classes till then for a wide range of reasons.
Thank you all for your feedback. I think we'll give it one more week...maybe exercise him a little more, give him a little lunch before class and see if that curbs his enthusiasm a little. I do agree that she is there to teach and support me as I train my pup-maybe I can find a way to open up a dialogue as to whether a different class/group would be a better fit for his personality.
Hi Alayna...bet that's made you feel a bit rotten ,it's hurtful knowing someone is talking about you behind your back.Sometimes it's taken out of context though or repeated with a different tone/emphasis so I'd be sucking it up and carrying on if you are finding it a beneficial class.Honestly I can say my first lot of obedience classes at 5 months were embarrassing and felt pointless whilst I was there...but I took things away and practised on my own and with friends....at 8/9 months we went back and did them again and the distractions I dreaded first time round were great opportunities to practice with second time round. If Apollo gets really overexcited and is being the class clown don't feel shy to leave for a few minutes,give him a break and come back when you have regrouped.I wish I'd have done that ,I might have retained a small amount of dignity then ::
A little exercise before class might help or it may make him over tired. He's only a baby so be prepared for it to go either way I would save his lunch for class to gain his attention, maybe put some in a Kong for any breaks in class. Above all don't be afraid to say if you think he's had enough and needs some time to chill or move away from the others your trainer should support you in managing your crazy, gorgeous pup
I agree that not feeding your dog is generally a good idea to get their attention and keep them focussed but I found with Homer he is a lot better with a full tummy and can actually focus what I'm asking him rather than trying to rip my pocket open standing on my head. Likewise, exercise may calm him down or hyp him up. Homer had to have a run before he did agility. So trial and error, I suppose, is all the advice I can add.
I would have a quiet word with the trainer and say that I'd heard her comment about your pup being difficult in class and ask her how she can help you to help your puppy. She should of had the conversation with you not the other person, it's not professional and definitely doesn't give you guidance to help you. 16 weeks is still very young, it sounds like you've been working hard training your puppy and now he is in this new environment you need support to help him concentrate and settle, which the trainer should be helping you with not talking behind your back.
I think having a quiet chat with the trainer would be good. I would say you overheard her comment and would like to discuss it as you were offended/upset by what was said. I think the air needs to be cleared for you to get the best out of your lessons and not be going in worrying about what might be said. We didn't start lessons until Harley was 15 weeks old as there wasn't any spaces available before this time. I did find the smaller dogs appeared to be more settled, but they were usually on their owners laps and being held to restrict their movements. I never fed Harley before lessons as I found food a good motivator. At times when we were sat down listening to the instructor I rubbed some cheese around the rim of a Kong and let her have it. It really helped to keep her attention on something and helped keep her calm. I hope all goes well for you.
I would be furious if I heard a trainer discussing my puppy with another owner, I would have to say something and couln't bite my lip. This is most unprofessional and rude, you are afterall paying for a service. The trainer should help you not talk about you. I took my first dog Hattie to puppy classes at the same age as Apollo and had nothing but 100% help and commitment from our lovely trainer. Take some high value treats with you, I used to cut sausages up in to tiny pieces for training, worked a treat! Good luck and don't let anyone make you feel down about training your dog as you are doing a great job. xx
I think that was very unprofessional, and although I would go back, I would probably not be very tolerant of any other "transgressions" by the trainer. If I was feeling brave, I would probably go to the trainer and innocently ask "whether he thought my pup was a bit disruptive and whether he thought it was because we started late" His reaction to that would probably make me decide whether to stay or not.
I would have a quiet word with the trainer, I tried Monty in a beginners class which included puppies when he was 11 months old - we got him as a rescue at 9 months. Fortunately we had a good understanding trainer, we took the spot in the corner and he jumped all over me and became the class 'nightmare' but we persevered and did what we could and she helped by explaining his breeding lab springer made him very hyper. Being around the other dogs just blew his mind but everyone could see we were trying as much as possible, very trying most of the time... You have paid for your class the same as all the others so use it for training which is why you are there, try feeding not feeding exercise no exercise and see if any made any difference, unfortunately it made no difference to Monty which ever way we tried it. Enjoy it and get as much out of it as possible.
Today's training went much better. I took Apollo's lunch with me and treated him nearly constantly-which kept his attention on me for most of the time. Great moment when trainer started teaching "look"-something we have worked on a lot at home and on walks-he really excelled. Trainer and I were able to talk a little before class and I think she and I will be able to finish the class. I am feeling a lot more optimistic. Thank you all so much! This forum was just what I needed for a little reassurance and validation. You're the best!
Brilliant Apollo, that showed your Trainer not to judge so quickly and to do her job. Well done on your training x
Brilliantly done Appollo and Alayna, great team work. It sounds like you handled the situation with regards to the trainers comments really well.
exactly @Daisiemoo - we are at training because we need training. There's no point taking a perfect dog with nothing to learn.
Alayna, I had a rough start to our puppy class also. But I am sticking with it and we will finish in a couple of weeks. I go each week with a plan to learn one thing and just keep building relationship with my Thurman. I won't be going back, but I can say I am learning. And that is what class is for. It is sad that class is not fun for me or anyone attending. I believe training can be fun and should be celebrated. But that is my personality and I can not ask my teacher to shift her personality... Keep going, it is worth it.
