Our first obedience class...
 Bailey barks at everything, Eevee won't pay attention to anything that isn't Bailey and she piddled all over TWICE because she's so darn nervous, Eevee barks when Bailey barks, and we're all hot and tired! Oh, and Jacob got yelled at by a lady with a tiny poodle to "Get back!!" because Bailey got a little too close. He wasn't too happy about that, because she yelled at him like he's a dog too  Sigh. Eevee didn't even want to sit in class, even though she will at home. Bailey did pretty well once she got over the whole barking thing. Jacob is considering staying home next time if his mom will take Bailey, because he's so mad about getting yelled at. (The lady who yelled at him wasn't even doing what we were instructed to do, we were all working on sit and she was heeling...) It gets better, right?  On the bright side, I got to meet two really pretty saint bernards. |
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| It was just the first class--it should get better for you. How many people are in your class? There were times in our first training class that I felt that Murphy was the worst student. We are doing something right now that is really working well. After Puppy Kindergarten --the trainer suggested that we skip level 1 summer session because the facility is not air conditioned and Murphy is so young. I did not want to not train the whole summer so she found a private trainer that would come to my home once a week. The benefit has been that she has been able to work with all three of the dogs and focus on Murphy. Since they live together she has shown me several things to do when they distract each other. It is going well and we will go back to 'class' in the fall. Just a thought for you since you are training two at once. You will probably find that things will settle down in your class as you progress.  |
| It gets waaaaaay better! The two of them should come around. Be glad you weren't in a class like mine where we had a constant dog fight in the ring next to us for like three weeks. For three classes, no one could hear the instructor. It was so bad tha I tried to complain. I say tried because when I did say something, I was told 'well, that's why the dogs come here.' I wanted to punch the guy! Keep at it and PRACTICE EVERY CHANCE YOU CAN! Vance |
One of the things I did was to take the dogs for a long walk before class. That way they are not over the top and "sometimes" listen  |
| There are eight in the class, including us, plus two instructors. There's a toy poodle, a min pin, two young labs (a yellow one and a brown one), and the two saint bernards, then there's us. The place has a lot of fans and an air conditioner, so it's not that hot. I don't think taking walks before we go would help since Eevee gets tired out during the class. It might help Bailey though, so I'll keep it in mind. We are going to practice every day before dinner! We're gonna practice inside until they understand what we want them to do, then try it outside because once they are outside of the fence they start getting distracted by things, like they would in class. |
| Keep at it! Having class with all the distractions is the true benefit...as it is the real world (distractions), not the perfectly controlled world where they are isolated and no distractions. If I had a dime for every person that tells me "they do this great at home" I'd be a wealthy person!! Having Bailey a bit tired would be beneficial. If she too wound up and ready to explode she won't (or can't) listen. Eventually you will get to the point where she should listen no matter what; but until you get a foundation, it will go better for human and her if she has the edge worn off 1st. |
| Yes, it will get better. Hang in there. The more you practice at home, the faster it will happen that your two will be the stars of the obedience class. In the beginning while you are working the dogs at home, you might want to try several very short (5-10 min.) sessions rather than one long session. And always try to keep it FUN for both you and the dog! I'd forgive the lady with the Poodle. She's probably stressed out and just trying to protect her dog. Just give her some extra space. Linda Zimmerman & Hudson, Chloe & Kristy |
| Sounds like they do a lot of reacting to each other in class. Have you considered taking them one at a time? I know it's a pain in the patoot, and will take more time out of your schedule, but it might be a nice way to have them build confidence on their own, as well as give each of them some one-on-one time with you. It might be especially beneficial for Eevee, so she learns that she doesn't always have to rely on Bailey to tell her how to interpret her world. Just a thought. Laurie and Oscar |
| Well, to take them to separate classes, I'd have to wait eight weeks, and they wouldn't be trained in time for the sheep-in. I can get Eevee to stop focusing on Bailey if I take her all the way to the other end of the room. I do train them separately at home. Hopefully they will get better with all the distractions over time. |
| "Hang in there" just keep repeating that throughout the eight weeks. Charm was the most misbehaved in the beginning but she was also the most social. She just wanted to play and make friends. It was easier for me once I realized that. I tired her before class also and she went to class hungry, so treats were a focus. And then, one day, just like everyone said,  She got it!!! |
| Training class test tomorrow-think I may have to wash my hair and miss it!!!!! No we will do this!!x |
Sprox's mum wrote: Training class test tomorrow-think I may have to wash my hair and miss it!!!!! No we will do this!!x Yes you will! Good luck!Kristine |
Oscar's Mom wrote: Sounds like they do a lot of reacting to each other in class. Have you considered taking them one at a time? I know it's a pain in the patoot, and will take more time out of your schedule, but it might be a nice way to have them build confidence on their own, as well as give each of them some one-on-one time with you. It might be especially beneficial for Eevee, so she learns that she doesn't always have to rely on Bailey to tell her how to interpret her world. Just a thought. Laurie and Oscar And a good one. Understand the problem with availability of classes, but it really helps a lot to split two housemates up, so perhaps down the road....? They tend to really surprise you. What's sheep-in? Is there a competition you're getting ready for? A test? Kristine |
Mad Dog wrote: Oscar's Mom wrote: Sounds like they do a lot of reacting to each other in class. Have you considered taking them one at a time? I know it's a pain in the patoot, and will take more time out of your schedule, but it might be a nice way to have them build confidence on their own, as well as give each of them some one-on-one time with you. It might be especially beneficial for Eevee, so she learns that she doesn't always have to rely on Bailey to tell her how to interpret her world. Just a thought. Laurie and Oscar And a good one. Understand the problem with availability of classes, but it really helps a lot to split two housemates up, so perhaps down the road....? They tend to really surprise you. What's sheep-in? Is there a competition you're getting ready for? A test? Kristine The sheep-in is a sheepie gathering in Dayton OH this September! There is a thread about it here somewhere on the forum. I would like the dogs to behave at least a little by then. That's why the classes are important for us, I need the dogs to listen to me with other dogs and people and excitement around. |
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