When we brought Yalom home we signed up for a puppy class nearby, which starts this week. One of the trainers came to visit us at home. Since then, and since learning more about training from research and this forum, something doesn't seem right about this class. Although they don't outright say they endorse dominance ideas, some of the things the trainer said, for example about the dog "losing respect" for us etc seem a little off. It was also mentioned about "growling like a dog" which I'm not sure about as I am obviously not a dog and more than likely can't growl like one. So my gut is to give this class a miss and try another one, even if there's a bit of a wait for it. Does anyone have any tips on finding a positive reinforcement only based class? Thanks!
Totally agree with you. Find another trainer. Look for the equipment used. Clickers, treat pouches, snuffle mats, balls in children's pool.
Follow your instincts. If it doesn't feel right, it's probably not right for you. You might find this article helpful in finding a new trainer https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/...tive-dog-training-is-not-always-what-it-seems
Yes, give this one a miss. Look for a trainer who is a member of an organisation like the IMDT, the APDT or the PPG. Or train without a class, following someone like Kikopup on youtube, or Absolute Dogs.
RuthElizabeth, are you in the US or UK? And how old is your puppy? I would say that whether you should go or not, depends on how confident and able you feel to 'hold your own' in this environment. If you feel secure in knowing not to use punishment and to protect your puppy should you see someone potentially about to do this, then you may find that the socialisation on offer now, outweighs waiting longer for this other class. Socialisation waits for no one... And if you feel able to steer your own way through, train the way you want to and just say 'no thanks' (or even pretend to listen but don't really!) to the other advice, then you may be fine. If you are at all unsure about the class, don't let the instructor take your puppy off you to demonstrate anything - think of an excuse beforehand - maybe say 'I think he needs the toilet actually' and go outside or 'He was just really unwell, so I'd rather we just sit quietly' or whatever.... Because before you know it, they may be out there in front of you, receiving 'leash corrections' from a stranger. The best way to suss out a class, is to go and watch before taking your puppy. Then you can really pay attention to the methods used and to what everyone is doing to their dogs and choose whether it's an environment you want to bring a puppy into.
Thanks everyone for your helpful replies. I will definitely look at those sites recommended to find an alternative. @Jo Laurens - thanks as ever for your detailed and thoughtful response! We're in the UK. He's 15 weeks yesterday, which I know is late. This class was the first with availability. I think my worry is I don't know how much I'll be able to hold my own. I've never had a dog from puppy age before, only rescues. My thoughts are to see if another nearby class with a reputable trainer has any spaces coming up (I'm waiting to hear back from her) and if not then I'll go to this one for the socialization aspects but just go with my gut and, as you say, not let the trainers demonstrate with him at all.
