Dogs - did you take yours to training classes?
Poll: Dogs - did you take yours to training classes?
Total Members Polled: 23
Discussion
Took ours here
http://www.k9matters.co.uk/socialisation.php
In fact he's the brown and white staff cross on that page
Absolutely invaluable.
http://www.k9matters.co.uk/socialisation.php
In fact he's the brown and white staff cross on that page
Absolutely invaluable.
No. I am happy with the level of training I can get myself (except for recalls but we have independantly minded dogs - it is strange walking someone else's retriever/lab that spends the whole time watching you for commands!).
As Bex says it is VERY important to find a good one. Along with socialisation classes - a class where all puppies are allowed to run amok and bounce over each other can upset already nervous dogs.
As Bex says it is VERY important to find a good one. Along with socialisation classes - a class where all puppies are allowed to run amok and bounce over each other can upset already nervous dogs.
Dog training classes are to train the owner - they can be a waste of money if the owner thinks it is a miracle cure and they don't have to do anything other than attend the class.
For working dog breeds I'd suggest attending specific working dog classes, even if you don't intend to work your dog - dare I say it, the owners tend to have a better understanding of this.
For working dog breeds I'd suggest attending specific working dog classes, even if you don't intend to work your dog - dare I say it, the owners tend to have a better understanding of this.
therealpigdog said:
Dog training classes are to train the owner - they can be a waste of money if the owner thinks it is a miracle cure and they don't have to do anything other than attend the class.
For working dog breeds I'd suggest attending specific working dog classes, even if you don't intend to work your dog - dare I say it, the owners tend to have a better understanding of this.
+1 For working dog breeds I'd suggest attending specific working dog classes, even if you don't intend to work your dog - dare I say it, the owners tend to have a better understanding of this.
Waste of money if you know what you are doing, great value if you don't.
I've always had problem dogs (never aggressive ones) from rescue centres and always turned them around within a few months without the aid of classes.
My current dog, Staffy (can be a bloodly minded and stubborn breed), knew no commands, how to play or behave when we first had him. He'd run around the living room on the tops of the arm chairs/sofa, steal food of your plate as you are eating off the plate, and wee on the floor when he got over excited or nervous. Now he is well behaved, wees only outside and knows about a dozen commands. Just takes time, consistency and persistence.
As a first time dog owner I felt group training was massively useful maybe essential for me.
I found that our Border was able to get comfortable around other dogs, I leaned loads about behaviour of dogs learning and I was able to teach my dog in the manner in a manner that suited the breed.
Most importantly I actually quite enjoyed it and my little Ellie loved it too and if I were to get another dog I would indeed be going back.
I found that our Border was able to get comfortable around other dogs, I leaned loads about behaviour of dogs learning and I was able to teach my dog in the manner in a manner that suited the breed.
Most importantly I actually quite enjoyed it and my little Ellie loved it too and if I were to get another dog I would indeed be going back.
My last 2 out of 3 dogs have been rescues, Samoyed, we got at 9 months old, never been on a lead and was shut in a cage with cats for most of the time, had to carry him 1/2 mile when I first got him as he had no idea how to walk! Turned out to be the most loveable friendly dog (with humans, dogs & cats!) very obedient, so despite his bad early start never needed to go to training classes - Sadly passed away a year ago aged 12.
My current rescue is an Alaskan Malamute, we got him at 10 months old (now 15 months) according to the rescue centre he was going to be used as a bait dog for dog fights, now the breed has a reputation for being very strong minded, known to be quite destructive and a very domineering dog - I've yet to see any of these traits, again he is the most friendly, sociable dog and loves nothing more than curly up on the sofa on mine or the wife's lap, despite him weighing 45 kgs, mind you so does our English Mastiff and he's even heavier!
He never pulls when walking, a trait they are bred for, unless I put his running harness on, pretty much does anything he is told, except his recall is none existent and he has an extremely strong prey drive, so no off lead walk unless in an enclosed space. Again no need for training, as with all the dogs I've owned I provide them with plenty to keep their brains engaged, bored dogs are unhappy dogs, along with positive reinforcement for good behaviour i.e. reward for good behaviour, but never punish for bad.
I'm sure there a some great training classes out there, but I think a lot of new dog owners think that they are the solution to all a dogs behavioural problems, when 9/10 the problem is more likely closer to home - the owners themselves.
My current rescue is an Alaskan Malamute, we got him at 10 months old (now 15 months) according to the rescue centre he was going to be used as a bait dog for dog fights, now the breed has a reputation for being very strong minded, known to be quite destructive and a very domineering dog - I've yet to see any of these traits, again he is the most friendly, sociable dog and loves nothing more than curly up on the sofa on mine or the wife's lap, despite him weighing 45 kgs, mind you so does our English Mastiff and he's even heavier!
He never pulls when walking, a trait they are bred for, unless I put his running harness on, pretty much does anything he is told, except his recall is none existent and he has an extremely strong prey drive, so no off lead walk unless in an enclosed space. Again no need for training, as with all the dogs I've owned I provide them with plenty to keep their brains engaged, bored dogs are unhappy dogs, along with positive reinforcement for good behaviour i.e. reward for good behaviour, but never punish for bad.
I'm sure there a some great training classes out there, but I think a lot of new dog owners think that they are the solution to all a dogs behavioural problems, when 9/10 the problem is more likely closer to home - the owners themselves.
as has been said the classes are more about showing you how to train your dog so most of the dogs learning should actually be going on at home.
I took mine along to some group ones and it has helped a lot to bring her out of her shell and seeing other people with their dogs also showed me I was doing OK.
Have stopped going now that we have KC Good Citizen awards and the schools own awards so we can spend more time on canicross.
My current dog is the first one I have had to bring up and train and the stuff I learnt there has been a great help. If I get another I probably wont take it to classes as it will be a bit boring for me to do it all again and the pup would get plenty of socialisation at the canicross events/ training.
Would recommend them to any first time owner though.
I took mine along to some group ones and it has helped a lot to bring her out of her shell and seeing other people with their dogs also showed me I was doing OK.
Have stopped going now that we have KC Good Citizen awards and the schools own awards so we can spend more time on canicross.
My current dog is the first one I have had to bring up and train and the stuff I learnt there has been a great help. If I get another I probably wont take it to classes as it will be a bit boring for me to do it all again and the pup would get plenty of socialisation at the canicross events/ training.
Would recommend them to any first time owner though.
therealpigdog said:
Dog training classes are to train the owner - they can be a waste of money if the owner thinks it is a miracle cure and they don't have to do anything other than attend the class.
For working dog breeds I'd suggest attending specific working dog classes, even if you don't intend to work your dog - dare I say it, the owners tend to have a better understanding of this.
Precisely this!For working dog breeds I'd suggest attending specific working dog classes, even if you don't intend to work your dog - dare I say it, the owners tend to have a better understanding of this.
I took my pup to classes. He's of an intelligent working breed and was by far the smartest pup out of the 12 or so in the class. He had developed some undesirable traits such as attacking the lead when you put him back on whilst out on a walk. There is no off switch, once he starts he just goes hell for leather and there's pretty much no chance of making him stop until he gets bored. Between this and a few other traits has made me seriously regret getting a dog, there has been little pleasure in ownership over the last few weeks
I spoke with the breeder (and international judge / trainer) and he said bring him over. I reluctantly made the 240 mile round trip but didn't see how he could help. He put the dog on the lead, the dog went mental, but about 10 seconds later, he just sat down next to the breeder (his arms were still connected to his body and everything!) yet the breeder seemingly hadn't done anything or said anything. The way I interact with the dog when he does this and the way I stand is actually telling the dog to attack it and that it's playtime. I tried what the breeder told me, and sure enough, the dog attacked, but within a few seconds just sat down without telling him anything. Sorted! This and a few other issues all resolved or being on their way to resolution in just an hour! I have a friend who's a trainer (and competes in agility) and he's not been able to make any progress whatsoever for months now!
Dog ownership is now fun again having sorted these issues! While I had no intention of working him, we now make regular trips to the breeders and are doing Sport and Protection training with him. Are we thinking of working him or competing? Nope, not really. Is the training making him a 'better' dog? Yes! It's been worth every second of the ball breaking journeys. Not only do we have an intelligent dog that is obedient, we have a dog we are in full control of. There is a huge difference between a well trained dog and having control of a dog. Half an hour of intellectual stimulation wears him out more than walking him for hours on end. Being of a breed which instinctively guards and protects, we pretty much have an off switch for him now so he doesn't just pace up and down, he can relax and is a happier dog, he doesn't feel on duty the whole time. Had we not have been for specialist training, he'd be living in a dog shelter now!
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