Last night first training class for my puppy. It went well, a little slow to start off while everyone was organized but not bad. We learned the sit command, which Blondie has known for a month or more now. But picked up a few tips which was good. Also she socialized really for the first time with other dogs her age. There was one dog that liked playing rough. His owners said he had two older dogs at home that he played rough with so he was used to it. Another dog was playing rough with this one but not quite so rough. One other dog was kind of mellow and hung around and had some fun. Last dog was very shy and ran behind his owners legs. At first Blondie kind of trotted away from the rough playing dog and tucked her tail visibly. She appeared uncomfortable/nervous/bit scared, but not scared to death. At the end of play time, she was play barking at the rough dog and jumping toward him, not trotting away with tail between legs. I was a happy dog father at that point. SHe was still a bit nervous but improved after a short 5 - 10 minutes. I was worried as when she sees the neighbor dog, she lays down and rolls over very very submissively. She also started urinating when seeing this other dog. This dog is very small, slightly smaller than her, but is much older. Its not clear to me why she is so submissive. She also rolls submissively at another dog in the area. I figured she was going to do this at class and was happy she did not. I dont understand it, but I guess this is good. All in all, a good night though the instructor did say he could tell Blondie was going to be the troublemaker of the class. Oh oh..
Re: First training class [quote author=Dan.NY link=topic=6510.msg86921#msg86921 date=1402412212] All in all, a good night though the instructor did say he could tell Blondie was going to be the troublemaker of the class. Oh oh.. [/quote] Oooh!!! No, I bet she is going to be lovely. The rolling over and being submissive to other, older dogs is a very good social skill for a puppy to have. She can obviously distinguish between older dogs, who might be dangerous to her, and puppies, with whom she can play on an even footing. Sounds very good to me, nice bit of socialization going on!
Re: First training class Glad to hear it went well, and she is getting out meeting other puppies and dogs (so important when they are young). I very much doubt you are the first lab owner to be told your dog is going to be a handful! ;D. I think labs are often over friendly, over enthusiastic, not the best at concentrating when there are other puppies to play with...they do grow up! Although at 15 months, I'm still waiting to see any signs of that! ;D
Re: First training class Tomorrow is Cooper's first class (Puppy "K")....Cooper is 14 weeks today.....I'm keeping my fingers crossed! Hope he can play with the other pup's for a few minutes before the class begins....he is well socialized with people of all ages but not with dogs.....he will be fine but wish me luck!
Re: First training class [quote author=JulieT link=topic=6510.msg87026#msg87026 date=1402431215] I very much doubt you are the first lab owner to be told your dog is going to be a handful! ;D. I think labs are often over friendly, over enthusiastic, not the best at concentrating when there are other puppies to play with...they do grow up! Although at 15 months, I'm still waiting to see any signs of that! ;D [/quote] Totally feeling your pain Julie!! ;D ;D ;D ;D
Re: First training class There is a cunning plot underway. They show you the cute little bundle of fluff puppy of about 8 weeks. Then they show you the dignified, stable easy going adult dog. What they don't show you is frantic, boisterous, ball of energy you have to negotiate in between. They hide them
Re: First training class [quote author=Mollly link=topic=6510.msg87184#msg87184 date=1402477987] There is a cunning plot underway. They show you the cute little bundle of fluff puppy of about 8 weeks. Then they show you the dignified, stable easy going adult dog. What they don't show you is frantic, boisterous, ball of energy you have to negotiate in between. They hide them [/quote] That is very true!!!
