We gave up with puppy class. It just wasn't for us and I felt we were paying to sit and keep Eric still.... which was an impossible task! So we contacted a local trainer who does 1:1 classes. He trains police dogs and assistance dogs so I reckon he can cope with a nutty chocolate Lab He came this morning for an hours session which lasted 2 and it was brilliant. We've learnt so much already! We've been left with homework and will have another session in about 2 weeks or whenever we feel we're ready. I'm actually looking forward to learning
So pleased to hear that you have found a trainer that you are happy to work with. Here in France I had no option of anything apart from 1:1 as classes are few and far between, as are trainers. Although we trained without other dogs around we could also focus on what I wanted to achieve which included lots of walking in town, meeting other dogs and joining our trainer's weekly walk. I know classes with my previous dog were a bit of a nightmare and I think he learnt more bad behaviour than good Look forward to hearing how your training goes
Glad it sounds as though the 1:1 training is going to suit you better ☺. Definitely worth giving up on the classes if you're not getting any benefit from them as you just end up stressed out by the end of the class! I remember that with Ella's puppy school. Trying to keep a puppy still and quiet for an hour isn't fun for anyone! Looking forward to hearing about your progress ☺
I found that classes involved a lot of sitting and watching other people and dogs ( not necessarily a bad thing), but we had a dumb owner who seemed afraid of their dog and much time was spent on them to the detriment of others. I learnt so much in a couple of 1 to 1 sessions. They won't solve your problems for you, but they will give you the tools to do the job.
So glad you have found. a good trainer . Classes are good, but sometimes having the personal touch that 1:1 offers is more beneficial. Please do let us know how you get on
so far so good we are working on recall and walking on a loose lead. He demonstrated and let us have a go while he was here and has left us with homework (practise practise practise) Eric is loving it. It's like a switch has gone on (for all of us)
It was good to here that you didn't get on with puppy classes to, Poppy and I are struggling at the moment. I thought it was us. We have a trainer who really doesn't like chocolate labs. if I here one more time " what do you expect she is a chocolate" I will scream. We spend all of our time away from the other dogs. Although pop's is bouncy she is a joy. We have paid up front, I think that when the 10 week course is up we will find a 1:1 Trainer. she can do all of the basics Sit Etc. But Wha t need help with they are uninterested in. So glad you found some one.It has spurred me on . Thank you
Sounds great jools! Good idea nicelibrarylady - nothing worse than a trainer who doesn't like your dog!
Tell her that her attitude towards your dog has made you completely uncomfortable, and you would like your money back, and leave. And even if you can't get your money back - leave. You don't need such a negative experience when dog training should be about having fun and enjoying spending time with your dog. I absolutely can't stand trainers that are insulting about dogs in their class. It's appalling behaviour. Why on earth would anyone hand over good money to listen to such rubbish....
I am feeling so much better. Poppy is the biggest in the class. last week she did so well and didn't get any praise from her. Its takes a lot of effort from pop's to keep all 4 paws on the floor and if we get a bottom woohoo. Poppy can do it at home, but now we need to do it out.
There's absolutely no need for any trainer to be derogatory about the dogs in class it's extremely rude! She'd get pretty short shrift from me too.
What a silly woman. I would tell her that, if she really believes that, then she obviously doesn't have a clue about dogs and isn't qualified enough to deserve my money or time. I think it must be very easy in a class environment to end up comparing your dog to all the others. Every dog finds different things more difficult. Sometimes, that bum touching the ground for a millisecond deserves more acknowledgement and praise than the next dog who can do backflips...
jools so glad you have found a good trainer. What a relief. niclibrarylady I'm fuming on your behalf how unbelievably rude. It's bad enough when general dog owners pass comment on walks but a trainer. I'd ask for my money back and have to tell her why. Good luck with your search for a new trainer.
You chaps & chapess' Are lovely. The one thing it has done. It has made me so determined that poppy will change her mind. My Girlie can do it.
I wouldn't waste me time and energy trying to persuade her differently. Perhaps us choccie owners should picket her lessons and show her what choccies can do .I would have to question the abilities of any trainer who makes a statement regarding the abilities of a dog based upon it's colour
