Is It Possible To Change Classes At Obedience?

[pie]

I started basic obedience training with Kyzer, who is 5 months old, and have done two classes so far.

The first week, there were only 5 beginner dogs, so we were all in a class together. The next smallest dog in the class was a 7 month old GR which was still at least 4 times bigger than kyzer.

The other dogs kept lunging at Kyzer which i was not happy about, because i really do not want him to be dog aggressive, and he is already starting to show signs.

The second week, there were 19 beginners, and a lot of the new beginners had little puppies kyzer's size, but because i was there the first week, i had to stay in the same group with 4 new big dogs, and the little puppies had a seperate class with a different instructor.

During the class, the trainer told everyone to bring the dogs in to "meet" each other, I hung back for a bit because i did not like the idea, the other big dogs got in a fight. I was very glad I had not taken him into the group.

She is a GSD trainer usually and she doesn't seem to even want to help me or kyzer with training.

I really want Kyzer to be well socialised and not have bad experiences just yet, i realise he will have to learn to be with big dogs too, but i don'yt think this is a good group of big dogs for him to meet. They were snarly and were lunging at each other.

A GSD came and stood over him before training, and kyzer froze up, and nipped him on the mouth. I do not want this to be happening, and really want to get him comfortable around dogs.

He is fine with the four dogs he regularly socialises with including a GSD.

Anyway, being a beginner i just wanted to see if my feelings are right, and if he would be better in the other class or not? Am i being too finicky? Has anyone had a similar experience? I really want to enjoy doing obedience, but this woman and this situation is making me dread it.

Any other tips or pointers are welcome also.

TIA

[helen]

I think it depends on the club. I know the local club here will let you change classes if you are not happy, just explain to the instructor why and hopefully they will switch you

[pie]

Yeah, I think I'll do that next week, thanks Helen.

[MonElite]

YOu can at my club, with no problems whatsoever.

[kamuzz]

Whereabouts are you - maybe some one could recommend a different club if it comes to that?

[TNT]

at my club the dogs arent actively encouraged to socialize during a session- work time is work time- when we are on the field its work time and only socialization as such is weaving and such and learning not to lear at other dogs. If owners want to socialize their dogs- ie play etc- then its up to the owners during the breaks to do this.

Our club only has a beginners intake at the start of every month- then only one group per class- and trainers change every session- but if I were in your situation- id ask to swap! even in a class I was told you have the right to move your dog if you feel a nearby owner/dog is having a bad affect on you or your dog- if they dont let you swap- id look at changing clubs!

[pie]

Thanks for your replies

I was quite shocked when she said for everyone to bring their dogs into the middle and meet, it was in the middle of the class, I didn't think they did that at obedience classes.

I will try and change classes, i personally think it would be better in a class with small dogs like mine, he might be less jumpy.

Next dog I get will be big - I'm sick of having to bend right down to give treats ;)

[BC]

I'm picky with what instructors I have and what dogs I am next to so I change classes/places accordingly.

If the 2 instructors I like are taking the class below, I even go in the lower class. These instructors support me as I do some things a little different and some other instructors dont like it, or question me about everything I am doing, so I prefer not to go with them.

If there is a dog next to me that I dont have much confidence in, I change spots in the line or circle.

Speak to the instructor and let them know your concerns, and you should be able to change classes or not do excersices you dont feel comfortable with.

[dogdude]

There will always be an instructor or handler in class that you won't like. Its up to you to manage your dogs socialisation, you are entitled to say no to group meetings or other dogs approaching yours. Its best if you just put in all the homework and move into the more advanced (and better behaved) classes.

Believe it or not, many instructors are ignorant of small breeds because the same methods they teach their large dogs with, dont often work on the little ones. It is easier to just pretend they are not there.

Purchase some books with small dog techniques in them to move along quickly in your training.

[bloss344]

If there are other available classes there shouldn't be a problem changing. My club is quite clear if you don't get on with your Instructor or don't like their training methods, or any other reasonable reason, they are happy to accomodate. Training should be fun, positive and constructive not stressful.

When the dog's are new to each other I prefer the quick "meet and greet". Just a brief 1 or 2 second greeting one dog at a time.

[pie]

Believe it or not, many instructors are ignorant of small breeds because the same methods they teach their large dogs with, dont often work on the little ones. It is easier to just pretend they are not there.

Purchase some books with small dog techniques in them to move along quickly in your training.

I had suspected this, she does give kyzer a rather filthy look ;)

Thanks for the tips, i might look for some books, methods that work on large dogs don't work on him because he is so small and springy when you try to lure him to a drop or something he just springs up - luckily he already knows drop.

[pie]

Just thought I'd update -

Had obedience classes last night, my instructor was not there, i asked another instructor if i could change classes, she said no, because they don't allow classes with all small dogs or all big dogs (despite Kyzer being the only small dog in the group).

I explained i wasn't happy because the other dogs were very aggressive. She told me the only way he will get used to big dogs is to be aroud them. I understood that, but didn't feel comfortable with those particular big dogs.

As it turned out, there were more beginners this week so they made another new class and they put us in there.

I'm really happy in this class, the instructor is nice and helpful, and there is a staffy puppy, a sheltie, a belgian shepherd, a rotty, and 2 goldens. The oldest dog, the Sheltie, is 11 months, and none of them are dog aggressive.

The owner of the belgian shepherd mentioned that she was in the same class as me last week, and also requested to change, she too hung back when the instructor called for everyone to come in to let their dogs meet because she did not want her dog to be attacked.

I'm happy now, and am looking forward to training next Monday!

So overall, a good result.

[helen]

Glad to hear things have worked out so well