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linm · 06-26-2007, 06:41 AM

I would also speak up in favour of Obedience Training. I had a Min-Pin for 17 years. We had done a lot of Obedience Training with her when she was little. In her last years, she became deaf. We were able to communicate with her using the hand-signals she had learned as a baby in Obedience Training! I don't think she even knew she had gone deaf! She was always welcomed in Friend's houses because she was so well-behaved and had no issues with other dogs, neither fear nor aggression (although she would stand her ground if challenged!)

Now, I have 2 new Yorkies, one a year old, the other is 4 years old. I enrolled them in Obedience class and off we went. Well, this class used the old method of jerking on their leads and using a Martingale collar. The one year old was OK, but the 4 year old did not react well. To top it off, she coughs occasionally and the Martingale made her cough whenever I used it. The space for training was small and they crammed 10 dogs into it so that they couldn't move without bumping each other. We dropped out after only 1 session.

I did some investigating and found another place that believes in the Positive Method of Training. I went to a class as an Observer and was impressed by how they worked and the space used. Now, I have registered my 2 to start classes there in July.

My advice: definitely do the Training! But do your research. Talk to the Trainers, see the space they use, find out how many dogs per class, and then go watch a class! If possible, talk to someone who has taken classes at the same place, get their opinion, and watch their dog!

06-26-2007, 06:41 AM	#14
linm Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2007 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 130	I would also speak up in favour of Obedience Training. I had a Min-Pin for 17 years. We had done a lot of Obedience Training with her when she was little. In her last years, she became deaf. We were able to communicate with her using the hand-signals she had learned as a baby in Obedience Training! I don't think she even knew she had gone deaf! She was always welcomed in Friend's houses because she was so well-behaved and had no issues with other dogs, neither fear nor aggression (although she would stand her ground if challenged!) Now, I have 2 new Yorkies, one a year old, the other is 4 years old. I enrolled them in Obedience class and off we went. Well, this class used the old method of jerking on their leads and using a Martingale collar. The one year old was OK, but the 4 year old did not react well. To top it off, she coughs occasionally and the Martingale made her cough whenever I used it. The space for training was small and they crammed 10 dogs into it so that they couldn't move without bumping each other. We dropped out after only 1 session. I did some investigating and found another place that believes in the Positive Method of Training. I went to a class as an Observer and was impressed by how they worked and the space used. Now, I have registered my 2 to start classes there in July. My advice: definitely do the Training! But do your research. Talk to the Trainers, see the space they use, find out how many dogs per class, and then go watch a class! If possible, talk to someone who has taken classes at the same place, get their opinion, and watch their dog!