Dog Classes 30-45 minutes! - Page 1

Most of the clubs around me offer 1 hour sessions.  Our personal training classes last a minimum of 1 hour but usually go over if there are any questions or problems.  30 minutes seems pretty short to me! I would hope that would be 1 dog and 1 trainer only not a group class.
amy

Hello, No unfortunately, this is the concern, they are Group Classes.  Maybe there are just 2 or 3 in the Class, but I doubt it.


Regards,
Vixen

Busy people with demanding careers, that can truly afford a big expensive dog, generally can not set aside more than an hour or two a week to work with a professional outside thier home.  Is it enough time to get dog to SchH1  level? No way, but its better than nothing.  Don't knock these people, EVER.  They need to start somewhere.  If the dog is just a pet, an hour a week is more than enough, espcially if they practice simple stuff regularly.  Also they may like it and get more serious with the next dog.  Clubs need casual members that don't train more than an hour or two a week.  Without them the next generation (thier kids!), won't have any exposure to the sport (this includes all venues and clubs, not just schutzhund ).

Momosgarage, Not sure I fully understand the meaning of your Message.  The reference is regarding the Instructors (who train the Members) who are only allowing limited time to help the Owners and dogs to learn and progress. 

Equally, there are many demands  on many busy  people in today's world - but we all need to recognise our personal responsibilities and aims, and therefore organise accordingly.

Neither do I understand the term: "just a pet" - if they share our lives they are pets.  I sometimes wonder if this term is presumed by some to seem or sound weak.  However, dogs can learn and be taught a working requirement, whatever that may be.  Again, interest, aim, requirement, commitment and focus in learning and teaching falls at the feet of the Owner, and a good Instructor to inspire, encourage and guide.

Remembering too that Dog Owners generally become more interested and keen to continue, when they see improvement and progression.
Simply 'Treading water' is not going to inspire an Owner and will certainly not help the dog!

So a Group Class for less than an hour a week, is sadly selling short of giving Members time to build up understanding and ability.  There is more to training than merely exercises - developing respect betweeen Owner and dog working together is highly important.


Regards,
Vixen

I would hesitate to judge anyone's method of training without first going to see for myself. I subscribe to the theory that no training is better than bad training... So, if it is good training for 45 minutes twice a week... Go for it, and hopefully each session leaves the dogs and handlers wanting more. ;-)

Doesn't seem like too short a time when you really need to train a dog for 3-4 minutes at a time...

Actually, I think it takes a very short time to teach a smart dog, anything. It is the conditioning and maintenance of this, that changes outcomes.