Hello, I am pretty new to this site. However, I read so many posts/articles and cannot tell you how much help I have found here. Thurman turned five months yesterday and is doing great. He is our third Labrador (only one at this time). Both our prior dogs (Tucker & Thomas) were amazing too. Thurman has been especially blessed that I am not currently working, I wanted to give as much attention to him as possible. I have read two of Pippa's books and I believe the entire website (LOL). I have read a few other books and many youtube videos to learn as much as possible. I really wanted to do my very best this third time. =) I feel a little bad that I gave it only 50% on my prior dogs. So when I say Thurman is doing great, he really is and I give so much credit to clicker training. (Also, by 20 weeks he had met more than 300 people. We socialize everyday. No problem anywhere else...and he has been everywhere but on a plane.) Here is my question. I signed up for a puppy class in our community. Because I couldn't get in right away, I watched one of their final classes so I could start him at home...to get a head start. Well, he could pass the class "test" today with no problem. The first three classes were terrible. Thurman was loud and acted out in ways I have not seen. This is the only place he does this. I think he is now being rewarded for bad behavior. He barks and Teacher gives him a really yummy treat. He watches other dogs jump up on owner...same night he was doing that to me for the first time. Sorry so long...here is my question: Do you think it would be okay for me to go to the class to continue learning (there is always something for me to learn) but leave Thurman at home. This way I can drill him during the week the current homework assignment but not have the bad behavior. I would be grateful for your thoughts. And what you have found helpful with Puppy Classes. Kay
Thurman sounds lovely and looks it too from your avatar. I found puppy classes were very loud and used it very much as a training opportunity. I persisted in going every week and took Harley as found that it was good to teach her to settle around other dogs and to follow instructions around other dogs in a contained area. I used to take a Kong to every session to get her to settle whilst others were practising or the trainer was talking. She did try to take up barking as other dogs were doing it, but I ignored her then rewarded her heavily as soon as she was quiet. She soon learned that barking didn't work. I ask people not to give Harley treats unless I ask them / give them a treat for her. I've never had a dog before in my life so found classes useful. I learned a lot and some of it I continue to use now (she's 2.5 years old now). I know my trainer wouldn't let people come unless they had their dog, but I know not all trainers are the same. I hope this helps a bit
Hello there Getting your dog used to behaving around other dogs is a critical part of his training - to be honest, it's not a great deal of practical use your dog being able to follow all your cues in your quiet kitchen with no distractions. That said, if you are not getting good help at the puppy class getting your young Labrador to be able to concentrate around other dogs it might be doing more harm than good. Lot of very sociable young Labs struggle with puppy class, it is very, very challenging for them. I was glad I took my dog but it was many more months, and many more classes, before he could cope and learn. Next time, I'd still take a Lab puppy to puppy class but only try to work on getting attention etc. and I'd leave after 10, 20 minutes or whatever, rather than try to stay the whole hour when it was too much for my puppy. Best of luck with it!
Yes, an over sociable Labrador is a big part of the problem! Our wonderful, wonderful Labradors are very, very, sociable, that's why it's difficult to get them to stop being sociable, or 'acting out', and to work when surrounded by loads of fun puppies!
I would keep going to the class as all dogs need to lead to settle and/or focus on you around other dogs. My trainer always has some stair gate type barriers and blankets available to provide some screening for a dog that is struggling through stress or excitement.
I would second what Julie and Rosemary have said. Being sociable is one thing, being calm and capable of focusing on you is quite another and a very important skill for your dog to have.
I agree with what advice you have had already......practising around other dogs is crucial... I'm interested about your love of the letter T? You and all your dogs share that initial ....there's a story there.....
We went to class last night and had an okay time. I took the opportunity to drill the basics and strengthen Thurman's focus. This morning we went to our walk destination and exercised, played and socialized with four other really big dogs. Thurman again did excellent. I had all five dogs sit/stay/down with my clicker. It was so fun and I wish I would have taken photos.
My husbands name begins with T. Our first lab was born on my husbands birthday so his name began with a T...then our second fur baby had to have a T name. So, now our third lab fur baby had to have a T name. =) Photo: Thurman socializing in front of Starbucks at train station and bike/running path. Was a great adventure.
