My poor baby is scared to death at dog training class..what to do?

[cinnamonmon]

Ive only been to 2 classes but things are not going well and Im not sure what to do. The class is in a large dog training facility and there are usually about 3rings of training going on. In our class there are 10 other dogs, of all sizes though most are smaller. In terms of what we are learning so far, basic commands, we are doing fine. Actually Cinammon knew these commands already, so if anything, it is a little boring. However, the main problem is Cinammon is so scared she cant focus for long on anything...she keeps trying to get out of the gate and climb up in my arms. She is a fairly submissive dog by nature, but is usually very friendly with other dogs...we have two others at home, so Im not sure why she is acting like this. Anyways, I wanted to just leave the class (it was almost over, anyways). It was clear that she was stressed. The instructor saw me holding her and scolded me (nicely) and told me to put the dog down and move to the far side of the ring. I did as I was told...but the rest of the class was miserable. Now I dread going back next week, though I paid $90 for it and cant afford to waste it. I would like to talk to the instructor, but she is not very approachable. Any suggestions
Laura

[lilstar63100]

in my experience with dog training.... it usually takes some dogs 3 or 4 weeks to come out of their shell and relax in new situations like that. usually if i have a nervous dog in one of my classes i try to encourage them to come visit the store (petsmart) on other days of the week when theyre not in a class surrounded by other dogs. sometimes that helps them get use to it. or maybe theres another class that has fewer dogs in it? that usually seems to help as well. hopefully you can talk to your instructor.

[Dan & Corinne]

My Jolie was the same way. I felt it was too much for her so I chose not to continue. I took what I learned the first two classes and did it myself.

It was so much better. I think just the sheer number of dogs, large dogs, unfamiliar place and mostly her temperment just wasn't right for her.

So she's not the best trained dog but she knows to sit, doesn't pull on the leash and she knows stay. I'm working on the down but Jolie is not the sharpest tool in the shed so I just have to keep at it.

Don't force your baby if she's that scared. You seem to be doing great on your own anyways!

[marcerella02]

sounds like a very unfriendly place to be. I'd go and ask for your money back. You said you've only been to two classes and I can't imagine why they woudln't give ti back to you. Tell them your dog is not doing well there and it stresses her out too much... Because it is one thing to have a dog that is upset AND have a trainer that recognizes that this and can help. I wouldn't quit going to classes all together but i would stop going to this one... find another store or someone else who can teach the class and can understand your dogs issues. There is no point going back if you are going back upset because your dog WILL pick that up and be even more upset. Good luck.. it can be tough.

[hha]

we had an obedience trainer come for the outside dogs, it was a 12 week course, if I'm not mistaken..every two weeks, he would come, show us what he wanted to do with them each time, then would give us typed out instructions, with pictures(of course, we kept that too)..sometimes, I think it helps, if you can find a trainer to come and do a one on one with your pup..check out www.alpha-dog.org
if you go to the gallery part and look at med. dogs, our golden and shepherd are on there(Kasey and Lexie)

[Yorkiekids]

The trainer should always be approachable, and be available to answer questions like this one. I'm sorry you're baby is so scared. Maybe he/she is afraid of the instructor too. LOL Sounds like a lot of stimulation for such a little one.

[pepper2004]

Your poor baby. I'm so sorry she is scare at class. If you continue maybe it would be better for someone else to take her. She picks up on your stress and it makes her even more stressed....and so on. I would be like you and want to comfort my baby. I think that instructor needs to re-new his\her classes!

[Izzy Princess]

Originally Posted by marcerella02

sounds like a very unfriendly place to be. I'd go and ask for your money back. You said you've only been to two classes and I can't imagine why they woudln't give ti back to you. Tell them your dog is not doing well there and it stresses her out too much... Because it is one thing to have a dog that is upset AND have a trainer that recognizes that this and can help. I wouldn't quit going to classes all together but i would stop going to this one... find another store or someone else who can teach the class and can understand your dogs issues. There is no point going back if you are going back upset because your dog WILL pick that up and be even more upset. Good luck.. it can be tough.

I totally agree - I think you have a problem here with the instructor - the instructor should NEVER talk to you or treat your Cinammon like that. You paid good money for these classes for THEM to helpl socialize and train your dog. Go the the owner and tell them the situation and get your money back right away and then find another training facility that cares about you and your baby. Izzy has been to two training sessions and we are going back to a third for CGC classes and when she sees that we are pulling into the facility and walking through the door to training class she gets all excited and happy - she wants to be there and that's how it should be for you and your baby. Good luck - be brave and talk to the owner and keep us posted on what happened.