This is a placeholder text
Group text
by roxydog on 23 December 2011 - 22:12
Hi,
I got my second gsd early this year. He's 20 months now and playful and really up for learning....if I was good enough to actually do it.
So, I took myself and Max off to a training class, on the first night as I entered the trainers yard his GSD came out and attacked Max and myself. Max came between me and the other GSD, and they snarled and growled at each other, I froze as I knew the trainer couldn't be too far away. The whole thing didn't last long but it really shook me up. When then trainer appeared he just said I was lucky his gate was open as otherwise his GSD would have bitten me.
The class was good but Max was agitated and I couldn't take anything in. When we went to socialise the dogs at the end of the class Max growled at the other dogs and the trainer told me to back away from the others. So, it was like we were in the bold corner.
Now, when I meet another dog Max growls at them, which he never did before.
I phoned the trainer as I was unable to make the next class and he said I was better off not coming to any more classes and perhaps we would benefit from private lessons with him.
Now I'm back in the same place of trying to teach the dog myself, which i'm not great at and have no confidence to go back to a class. That's if i can even find another trainer.
I got my second gsd early this year. He's 20 months now and playful and really up for learning....if I was good enough to actually do it.
So, I took myself and Max off to a training class, on the first night as I entered the trainers yard his GSD came out and attacked Max and myself. Max came between me and the other GSD, and they snarled and growled at each other, I froze as I knew the trainer couldn't be too far away. The whole thing didn't last long but it really shook me up. When then trainer appeared he just said I was lucky his gate was open as otherwise his GSD would have bitten me.
The class was good but Max was agitated and I couldn't take anything in. When we went to socialise the dogs at the end of the class Max growled at the other dogs and the trainer told me to back away from the others. So, it was like we were in the bold corner.
Now, when I meet another dog Max growls at them, which he never did before.
I phoned the trainer as I was unable to make the next class and he said I was better off not coming to any more classes and perhaps we would benefit from private lessons with him.
Now I'm back in the same place of trying to teach the dog myself, which i'm not great at and have no confidence to go back to a class. That's if i can even find another trainer.
by Jyl on 23 December 2011 - 23:12
Where do you live? There are several experienced people on this forum that would be able to steer you in the right dirrection towards a competent trainer.
Reading things like this irritates me, as this sounds like something that the so called TRAINER could have prevented. He knew you, and the other people for that matter. were coming over for the group class. He should have had his dog locked up!
Sorry this happened to you.
Reading things like this irritates me, as this sounds like something that the so called TRAINER could have prevented. He knew you, and the other people for that matter. were coming over for the group class. He should have had his dog locked up!
Sorry this happened to you.
by Two Moons on 24 December 2011 - 00:12
roxy,
the greeting you recieved the first time should have been a wake up moment.
BAD TRAINER.
This is your second GSD this year?
Not sure what your looking for.
Moons.
the greeting you recieved the first time should have been a wake up moment.
BAD TRAINER.
This is your second GSD this year?
Not sure what your looking for.
Moons.
by Nans gsd on 24 December 2011 - 02:12
Definitely do not go back there. You need to find another trainer, and someone to recommend them; I would go private lessons for a couple of times and see how it goes. By that experience for your dog you have opened up trouble for him and yourself. Wait for a referral from someone on this forum. And I do not recommend you do your own training especially if you are not experienced. Not at this point; maybe later, maybe not. Best of luck Nan
by muttlover25 on 24 December 2011 - 03:12
Definately look for a more experience trainer. He set up your dog for failure and what a shame that your dog now feels threatened by other dogs. He should have kept his dog contained and he sounds like a total idiot mentioning that your lucky the gate was open that the dog would have attacked you? NO control of his dog just a bad situation waiting to happen. You need a trainer that can work with you and your dog building his confidence again. I would ask to see their classes ahead of time, talk to the students and see what they are saying about their trainer. Best of luck and hope you can find a reputable trainer!
Amy
Amy
by trixx on 24 December 2011 - 03:12
oh boy , this trainer reminds me of a trainer i went to like 4 years ago, he was just outs side of Madison , wi.
well you should run the other way, there are always good trainers out there.
i think if you get your boy around dogs that are non threating , he will be fine.
he just needs to trust again.
i train my own dogs, but i learn from going to dog classes, but i am very good on controling my dogs and never had any problems.
if any one knows a good trainer here in wisconsin for SCH i am looking.
dont give up.
by Jenni78 on 24 December 2011 - 05:12
Oh, mylanta. Who expects people over and doesn't put away a dog who would act like that? Good grief. I would think a dog belonging to a trainer would behave with a little more restraint and indifference. I am not a professional trainer w/people coming and going, but if someone shows up at my house with a dog, my dogs act NORMAL.
I'm quite sure you don't need this guy's "help." Even if he has good book knowledge of dog training, his common sense leaves WAY too much to be desired.
I'm quite sure you don't need this guy's "help." Even if he has good book knowledge of dog training, his common sense leaves WAY too much to be desired.
by sonora on 24 December 2011 - 05:12
Hi Roxydog ,
What is it you want to train for, is it Obedience?
Why not try doing it yourself ,
I'm sure members on this board can help and guide you.
I create awareness in all my new students of the following :-
1) Before you start training,you must build a bond with your dog.by spending time with your dog.
2) You must become the leader of your team.Your body language must show confidence.When you reprimand, use a firm, low(harsh) voice
and when you praise use your sweet voice, with a lot of touch and reward with a treat.
you want to condition the dog to your tone of voice.
3) When training , the praise(treat) or Reprimand must be given within 2 seconds
of the dogs response to your instruction.
This is for the dog to associate your praise or reprimand with his reaction(response) to your command.
4) find a treat or toy that your dog loves.
5) Levels of rewards :- a) lowest level -verble praise -the dog shows interest but the drive is low.
b)Next higher level -Touch -the dog shows interest with a slighty higher drive.
c)Next higher level -Food (treats) -the dog shows interest with high drive -controll could be difficult for beginers
d)Highest level - Toys (ball,tug etc.)-the dog shows interest with very high drive.-controll could be difficult for beginers
6)Make the dog addicted to your rewards - the more he likes it ,the better the response and realibility .
There's two games I show my students a) The come game-where you hold the treat low and call your dog.
when he comes and touches your hand you reward him.
b) The watch game - where you say watch and when he looks at you
you reward him.Then you demand more and only reward
when he looks into your eyes.
Once your dog knows these two games you can start heeling by turning on the spot in a clock wise direction,
and rewarding the dog for staying by your side and looking up at you. And once he knows this you can start moving in a small circle.
This is my way of getting started,others may have their way. I'm sure they will come forward to help you.
A very Merry Christmas to All.
by hexe on 24 December 2011 - 07:12
Yep, as everyone's already suggested, you need to find a different trainer--and there's no way in hell I'd give THIS clown another dime for 'private lessons' (which I'm sure he charges more for than he does for group classes...perhaps there's a method to his madness?) if he doesn't even know to keep his dog confined when he's expecting a class to arrive. He said YOU were lucky his gate was open??? Wrong--this JACKHOLE was the lucky one, that you and Max didn't get bitten and sue him for everything he owns.. Jenni's right--his kind of 'help' you can do without, and he's already 'helped' Max too much as it is. He really should refund your money for the class, since HE told you not to come back, frankly.
Given that Max had this bad experience once already, plan out your next venture more intensely--once you'd found out who else offers training classes in a reasonable proximity to you, contact each place and tell them you'd like to come *observe* a class, without Max, before you commit any money and time them. Watch how they run their classes, and how the dogs and handlers seem to be faring... After the class ends, and after the instructor is finished speaking with any of the students, ask the instructor questions as to whether they limit the class size, or if have additional trainers present to keep the ratio of dogs to instructors at a level where everyone is getting some individual attention from the trainer(s). Any trainer that will not permit you to observe a class that's in progress is one I would avoid like the plague--granted, having an observer present on the first night of a new class isn't ideal in some respects, because it's usually very hectic, but on the other hand you'll get to really see how the trainer is going to wrangle a mass of people and dogs that probably have NO prior training experience into a functional group that is primed and receptive to learning--and you can tell a lot about the trainer from the dynamic that's established on that first night the class is working with their dogs (some trainers have a 'no dogs' first class, with the handlers coming in to meet and the trainer can familiarize them with training collars and equipment, what exercises will be worked on, poll the group to identify specific problems that the handlers need to work on with their dogs and so forth--you're better off observing the first class that involves working the dogs, though).
If you'll mention the general area of where you're located, someone here will probably be able to give some suggestions as to trainers in that locale. You might also try checking with the veterinary clinics in your area, as well as dog groomers and boarding kennel operators--they'r often also good sources of referrals for basic obedience training classes. In the meantime, since Max has taken to being reactive when around other dogs, pick up a copy of Patricia McConnell's books, "Feisty Fido" and (your library probably has it, and if you want your own copy, it's pretty inexpensive--less than $10.00, http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/ ). McConnell has a doctorate in zoology, is a board-certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, and Adjunct Associate Professor of zoology at Univ. of WI-Madison, and a dog trainer who founded Dog's Best Friend Training, Ltd., which offers both group obedience classes as well as individual behavioral problem-solving sessions in the Madison, WI area (McConnell has since sold the training and behavioral consultation business to her former Training Director, and trained the behavioral consultant on staff there).
If you're so inclined, you might find McConnell's blog interesting reading--she's one of the few experts in the field of canine behavior who publishes an inter-active blog in which she discusses training and behavioral challenges she encounters in her own dogs as well as other's, and who reads and responds to readers' commentary on her entries...it's more of a forum for those interested in canine behavioral modification than just a run-of-the-mill blog. (No, I don't have any financial interest in her site or her, and I only met her in passing at a seminar where she was a speaker many, many moons past...I just find her to be rational, real-world and to have good instincts.) http://www.theotherendoftheleash.com/
Given that Max had this bad experience once already, plan out your next venture more intensely--once you'd found out who else offers training classes in a reasonable proximity to you, contact each place and tell them you'd like to come *observe* a class, without Max, before you commit any money and time them. Watch how they run their classes, and how the dogs and handlers seem to be faring... After the class ends, and after the instructor is finished speaking with any of the students, ask the instructor questions as to whether they limit the class size, or if have additional trainers present to keep the ratio of dogs to instructors at a level where everyone is getting some individual attention from the trainer(s). Any trainer that will not permit you to observe a class that's in progress is one I would avoid like the plague--granted, having an observer present on the first night of a new class isn't ideal in some respects, because it's usually very hectic, but on the other hand you'll get to really see how the trainer is going to wrangle a mass of people and dogs that probably have NO prior training experience into a functional group that is primed and receptive to learning--and you can tell a lot about the trainer from the dynamic that's established on that first night the class is working with their dogs (some trainers have a 'no dogs' first class, with the handlers coming in to meet and the trainer can familiarize them with training collars and equipment, what exercises will be worked on, poll the group to identify specific problems that the handlers need to work on with their dogs and so forth--you're better off observing the first class that involves working the dogs, though).
If you'll mention the general area of where you're located, someone here will probably be able to give some suggestions as to trainers in that locale. You might also try checking with the veterinary clinics in your area, as well as dog groomers and boarding kennel operators--they'r often also good sources of referrals for basic obedience training classes. In the meantime, since Max has taken to being reactive when around other dogs, pick up a copy of Patricia McConnell's books, "Feisty Fido" and (your library probably has it, and if you want your own copy, it's pretty inexpensive--less than $10.00, http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/ ). McConnell has a doctorate in zoology, is a board-certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, and Adjunct Associate Professor of zoology at Univ. of WI-Madison, and a dog trainer who founded Dog's Best Friend Training, Ltd., which offers both group obedience classes as well as individual behavioral problem-solving sessions in the Madison, WI area (McConnell has since sold the training and behavioral consultation business to her former Training Director, and trained the behavioral consultant on staff there).
If you're so inclined, you might find McConnell's blog interesting reading--she's one of the few experts in the field of canine behavior who publishes an inter-active blog in which she discusses training and behavioral challenges she encounters in her own dogs as well as other's, and who reads and responds to readers' commentary on her entries...it's more of a forum for those interested in canine behavioral modification than just a run-of-the-mill blog. (No, I don't have any financial interest in her site or her, and I only met her in passing at a seminar where she was a speaker many, many moons past...I just find her to be rational, real-world and to have good instincts.) http://www.theotherendoftheleash.com/
by roxydog on 24 December 2011 - 20:12
Hi,
Thank you all very much for the replies.
I don't want much from a class only to understand my dog, keep him happy, and socaialise him safely. The trainer said he must have forgotten to lock his gate and that's how his dog got out. He did a handlers only class on the first night which I found great and still use the info he gave us.
It's mainly meeting other people and thier dogs i'd like to be good with. I have 2 other dogs and they all get on great.
So in short, structured play and a calm happy dog for my own company and not competition is waht I'm focused on.
Two Moons..just to claryify Max is my second gsd in total, not this year, I didn't phrase it correctly.
Sonora and Hexe thank you very much for your advice.
Roxy
Thank you all very much for the replies.
I don't want much from a class only to understand my dog, keep him happy, and socaialise him safely. The trainer said he must have forgotten to lock his gate and that's how his dog got out. He did a handlers only class on the first night which I found great and still use the info he gave us.
It's mainly meeting other people and thier dogs i'd like to be good with. I have 2 other dogs and they all get on great.
So in short, structured play and a calm happy dog for my own company and not competition is waht I'm focused on.
Two Moons..just to claryify Max is my second gsd in total, not this year, I didn't phrase it correctly.
Sonora and Hexe thank you very much for your advice.
Roxy
Contact information Disclaimer Privacy Statement Copyright Information Terms of Service Cookie policy ↑ Back to top