Can I Pick Your Brains :-)

[mumof4girls]

Thank you Seita I saw them online, I will contact them as I'd rather be around agility people so I can familiarise ( sp long morning lol) him and make friends myself as I plan on staying with the club .. I wish Jane Harper was closer as I have heard many good things ..

You are spot on the money with the Oxley club being pretty much the same as Val Bonney's classes. You might like to try out the Agility Dog Club of Queensland (http://www.adcq.com.au/index.php?act=viewDoc&docId=12) as I'm pretty sure they run a basic beginners course which doesn't really touch on agility, it's more of a basic obedience type course. They may be more helpful for you and as you want to get into agility then you're already in the right place!

[Sparassidae]

Craig Murray - http://www.dogschool.com.au/

I'd strongly recommend against this trainer. He might be a great trainer, but he takes the easy/short way regardless of whether it is the best way.

[Staff'n'Toller]

Sounds as though you're doing the right thing. :)

I have pulled out of class during those types of exercises and had to answer questions as to why I did by a rather miffed trainer. Still, I don't like confrontation and I find it difficult.

But, I can't see any positive purpose it serves other than to increase the pressure for all dogs, and then they receive an aversive when they break positions. I've pulled out of the 'all walk together into the circle' exercise and witnessed a dog turn to it's neighbour and bite him on the nose.

I've also seen a GSD totally wig out due to the proximity of the other dogs.

It's not a natural way for dogs to meet or socialise, particularly if they are on lead and feel trapped. There is nothing useful about it IMHO.

You should be applauded for recognising your dog is not okay , not something I would have noticed myself as a first time dog owner.

Be assertive and keep trying until you find a club you feel comfortable with. Don't be afraid to step out of exercises in the future and the trainer should be fine with it or modify it for you if they are worth their salt. I never want anyone in my classes to be made to do stuff they are not happy doing. :)

Edited August 10, 2012 by Staff'n'Toller

[mumof4girls]

Thank you Staff'n'toller it's hard asserting your concerns when you have no real idea other than a feeling lol , it's fine to question but you don't have anything other than I just know he isn't comfortable doing this to go on.. I just couldn't fathem also why they need to do this close work especily when you hear lots of snapping going on, but the owners are mostly older, old school tough, I'm probably the only one that has felt uneasy maybe.. Anyway onward and upward I'm checking out the agility club this weekend and can't wait :-)

[Smartypaws]

Thank you Seita I saw them online, I will contact them as I'd rather be around agility people so I can familiarise ( sp long morning lol) him and make friends myself as I plan on staying with the club .. I wish Jane Harper was closer as I have heard many good things ..

You are spot on the money with the Oxley club being pretty much the same as Val Bonney's classes. You might like to try out the Agility Dog Club of Queensland (http://www.adcq.com.au/index.php?act=viewDoc&docId=12) as I'm pretty sure they run a basic beginners course which doesn't really touch on agility, it's more of a basic obedience type course. They may be more helpful for you and as you want to get into agility then you're already in the right place!

Hi. We did the ADCQ basic course and then continued to train at the club. The basic course teaches basic obedience and foundation agility skills, as well as team work with your dog. Includes instruction on shaping, targetting and pivot boxes. I highly recommend the course and club. Good Luck!