I have posted about perhaps joining a new class with a different trainer and I have finally taken the leap. We have been with the same trainer since Harleys first puppy socialisation class. The new class is about 2 minutes away from our home versus the 45min one way drive for the other. So that was a no brainer. It is a very establised and well known dog club and the trainer has been very very nice in the registration steps. So Saturday (yesterday) was our first class. We have to do home obedience again before we can do any other classes at the club. And I am glad we are doing it because even though I was concerned because this club is a competitive one and is far more serious than my pervious group I have already noticed a few differences in the training. The group was a nice mix, from a labdrapoodle, 2 GR pups and a few BC's. Some dogs are far more advanced and some less, the trainer is very attentive and spends time with each and every dog. Previously our training focusd more on the dogs that struggled and even though I know she was keeping an eye on us, it was really nice to have individual attention during each exercise too. Harley was great. I was nervous and she could clearly sense that, so combined with my anxiety, it being a brand new venue and many new dogs and people she was a super dog. DH came with to be water boy and moral support but from next week I will resume on my own. Harls was so tired after class and unfortunately we have another unpleasant BC in the class who snarled and went for Harley. Unfortunately she retaliated, briefly and responded when I asked for her attention - she was on lead. But after the class and the whole evening she was a bit sheepish and timid. I definitely did not reprimand her in any way but I think interactions like that really have an impact on her, she is really not used to it in any way and she is a sensitive dog. So she stuck to me like a barnacle and recieved lots of love, cuddles and attention to reassure her that she is the best dog. Fortunately the trainer in this class is very quick to respond and immediately ordered the BC owner to the far end of the class and to remain there. The BC is no problem, unless it is near other dogs. So, we will see. I love the fact that the class is so close to use and the facilities are super. I was the ONLY person in the class using a clicker. It is so part of my work with Harley that I didn't even notice that I am the only one. And I understand that you can use vocal markers but it is SO much easier with a clicker. And no one in the class seems like they are heading for competition.
Hopefully this new class will be just what you hope! The trainer sounds pretty much on the ball. Good girl Harley, looking forward to more updates!
Thanks @Karen. Something we did that I thought was a nice idea but I haven't done before is a "collar grabbing exercise". You gently (at first) grab the dogs collar and then treat. Obviously I click and treat. The idea is that there may be a time that you, or perhaps the vet has to roughly take the dogs collar and the dog may bite you. We have always been VERY hands on with Harley's harness and collar, meaning that we are always rubbing and touching Harley, but I have never had a the need to grab her and like I said there is a very big mix of dog breeds in the class. I started by sliding my hand under Harley's collar. She isn't phased by any movement like that and progressed to sliding my hand under and closing my fist to tighten the collar space a bit. She was great and relazed throughout the whole exercise. We were asked to demonstrate the exercise because Harley was so great. It seems like the trainer is willing to allow leeway for those, like me who want to be gentle but she didn't permit anyone to be rough at all. Some people gave more of a pull but I was thinking that if their dogs haven't been made accustomed to their collars being touched it may be important training.
That's great @Harley Quinn , good that you are happy with new class. I too have found a class that suits, although opposite to yourself I have much further to go, but it's worth it, lots of work getting them to focus on the handler and being calm around other dogs. Lets hope it continues well for both of us!
Sounds a good class and very handy being so near to you. I’ve a feeling that Susan Garrett has a collar grab game in one of her courses.
Good for you finding a new class. Shame about the BC but the trainer handled it well. I like the idea of collar grabbing as you never know when you will have to do this in an emergency. Good girl Harley x
