Anyone Who Lives In Melbourne

[iheartmorrison]

They are just worried that I won't be able to handle myself or Morrison in a class where things are more out in the open, worried that I want to jump in the deep end straight away.

My head is comming up with all these scenarioes:

what if I do book the classes - will it be enough to get him socialised, keep his behaviour under control. what If the classes do turn out to be helpful?

I don't want to leave it to late but I don't want to do this if I'm not happy. I hate this feeling - I swear I'm stressing over it.

It is my first time raising a pup, so I want him to have the best start that I can give him.

[Erny]

They are just worried that I won't be able to handle myself or Morrison in a class where things are more out in the open, worried that I want to jump in the deep end straight away.

My head is comming up with all these scenarioes:

what if I do book the classes - will it be enough to get him socialised, keep his behaviour under control. what If the classes do turn out to be helpful?

I don't want to leave it to late but I don't want to do this if I'm not happy. I hate this feeling - I swear I'm stressing over it.

It is my first time raising a pup, so I want him to have the best start that I can give him.

Book in for the intro session with Four Paws. There's no obligation if you do - you can decide from there. You've asked for recommendations and I think I've made mine more than clear .

The rest is up to you, i_heart.

ETA: I don't think I understand your line of thinking in the part I've highlighted above. The classes will turn out to be helpful and the classes will help you with adding to socialisation and showing you how to do it. You also do things during the week and at other times too, but the classes will at least show you how to do it and you'll have access to people who have experience and knowledge of pups/dogs and canine behaviour behind them.

And what if you don't book the classes ......................

Take the next step, i_heart and go. You could have gone to them this morning and if you had, you'd have seen/heard the info you need from their info session, so you'd be one step further ahead already.

ETA: If you're unable to learn (with the help of the instructors) how to handle your pup "out in the open" (they'll be on leads) ..... how are you going to manage out and about at other times?

Edited April 24, 2010 by Erny

[Snout Girl]

I can recommend 4 paws- have been attending the past year with my 2 of dogs.

Trish and her husband are both lovely.

There are some fantastic instructors there who always ask you how you are going etc.

As for class sizes, they are a little on the large size, but the instructors are skilled enough to get around to everyone and help them.

if you have specific problems, they always make the time for you if you stay after class with questions.

they were an enormous help when it came to sally's 'biting'.

Edited as I forgot how many dogs I have

Edited April 24, 2010 by bertandsally

[Nekhbet]

I do private consults only, and I do a dog obedience school on a saturday at Elcho Park near Lara. I do travel

[iheartmorrison]

They would prefer that I did the classes at Best Freinds, I think the price is one of the main factors for them. I know that being out in the open would be helpful - it's just them that i have to convince.

My mum and I were arguing about it today, her argument was that it would be better to be in that smaller class, sister agreed. I pointed out that space would be great, like if he acts up and needs to calm downvaway from the rest of the group (Gee I'm stubourn), and then I said I'd think about the five week course. I'm still (cautiously) thinking about it. She also pointed out that he might be too small - he is the size of a Shih Tzu but his features are clearly that of a Pomeranian, so I don't think he's too small for a class like four paws.

Being around different breeds won't just be good for him, It will be good for me too. As a child I used to be weary of dogs i didn't know, and I'm so glad that I got over it -after being around a freind's Jack russel terrier ( Im pretty sure that's the breed). Now I will be the one to handle Morrison, when he's being naughty.

My mum and dad aren't consistent with him, and lave it all up to me. I know he's mine, but my dad did agree to take him in. I'd live it if they'd help train him with me.

Thanks for the advice, and sorry for the ranting.