My daughter and I took Charlie back to dog classes last night which did not go well at all. He immediately became stressed, drooling, crying, barking and generally frightened and could not cope at all. Too many dogs in the class and approaching him from all directions which he did not like. We took him out in the end with Ray the trainer to walk him around to calm him down. We all had a big chat and agreed that this was not the right environment for him as he was very stressed. Ray told us that he had seen this in rescue dogs before. However, he was very impressed with the progress we told him Charlie had and was making and said that it would be better for Charlie to continue as we are as he did not want our good work to be put at risk for the sake of dog classes. We were all disappointed, but feel this is the best thing for him. It was a very upsetting hour and a half for Charlie, Grace and I, but Charlie was very relieved to arrive home to Hattie and a lovely chew to help make things better. We tried again . Helen x
Re: Dog Classes definitely NOT for Charlie Well done you for both trying, and also doing the best thing for Charlie by taking the decision that classes aren't for him at the moment - maybe sometime in the future. I guess it just underlines the difference between the progress you are making in a more controlled environment (which sounds fantastic), and the scary big wide world! I"m sure he'll get there - certainly if effort put in is anything to go by.
Re: Dog Classes definitely NOT for Charlie Classes arent for every dog Helen , shame Charlie got so upset, but you know which route to take now, the one best for your boy, well done
Re: Dog Classes definitely NOT for Charlie Thank you Sersi and Kate, been feeling terrible as everyone always goes on about dog classes and how they are a must. We took him for 3 months when we first adopted him and the same thing happened every week, so we left it and to be honest we were so caught up in trying to sort him out we didn't go back for about a year until Monday, and nothing had changed. Maybe if I had just stuck at it he would be OK with them now and then again maybe not. Helen x
Re: Dog Classes definitely NOT for Charlie You know what Helen - I dont think it matters a jot HOW Charlie learns to walk at heel and to come when called. All that matters is that he DOES learn it - which thanks to your hard work, he is . Who knows what happened to him in the past - all you can tell is that he is worried and frightened by the obedience class situation, so of course you have to take him out again. You are doing the right thing for him - and each dog is very different.
Re: Dog Classes definitely NOT for Charlie Thank you Karen so much. My New Years resolution was - not to feel guilty about the things I don't do and the things I do, failed miserably already! I just don't want to fail Charlie like everyone else in his life has, but I think I need to stop worrying, as hopefully it will all come together in the end. Helen xxx
Re: Dog Classes definitely NOT for Charlie Poor Charlie, glad he had his lovely Hattie to go home to! Cuillin doesn't cope well with classes either, she loves being around other dogs but as she got older and developed her Ninnyness she started to get a bit reactive in class- when she sat her Good Citizenship bronze test she was absolutely petrified of a couple of the dogs in the class, I think that's why she did so well on the day, she didnt take her eyes off me, she was put between an enormous Akita and a GSD (she's quite scared of GSDs) for the heel bit of the test and she has never stuck so close to me bless her....she had quite a few barking fits (after the test bit thankfully!) and generally got a bit stressed so I decided not to put her into any more general obedience classes. I think she would benefit from a small class situation that was actually orientated towards dogs with reactivity issues, still trying to find one near me, but she copes better with training on her own - outside in the park so there are other dogs around for distraction is good, and not so intense for her...so I guess as others have said not all dogs will suit all classes...and you are doing great with Charlie anyway!
Re: Dog Classes definitely NOT for Charlie Thanks Debsie, well done Cuillin she did well under those circumstances. Charlie didn't like the biggest Rottie I have ever seen and his equally terrifying owner! I wish there were small classes too for dogs like Charlie but I can't find one here either, they just seem to be jam packed and with very big dogs which is a recipe for confrontation. Poor boy was trying to back out of his collar, mouthing the lead and Grace's hand every time it another dog moved - real terror. :'( I think Charlie prefers his one to one's too, nothing wrong with the personal touch!! Helen x
Re: Dog Classes definitely NOT for Charlie Helen , I know without a shadow of a doubt that classes would not suit Sam , he is very sociable but would find it too hard to concentrate in a large class . He meets his friends a couple of times a week in a local play field but for training , I take him to a quieter field where we both enjoy reinforcing his recall, his sit and stay and general retrieving , same at the woods we visit most days . We have to remember that they are all so different , some thrive in classes and do well, but for others, its all too much and as Labs are sensitive creatures , it can do more harm than good to put them under pressure . You have worked wonders with Charlie, just keep on doing what suits you both x
Re: Dog Classes definitely NOT for Charlie Thank you so much Kate, we are going to stick with what is working. I felt it was doing more harm which is why we left, so glad I did. It was more about the socialising, but as he meets and greets other dogs, puppies without issue I am sure that's good enough. When he has finished his recall training and can be let off lead he will have more opportunity to play with other dogs which will do him good. Hattie went to the same class and thrived to a point where Ray said we could show her, horses for course I guess. I learn something new every day and value all the support given to me. Kate many thanks as always. Helen xx
