I started Layla in puppy classes even though she is over 2 years old, because her only problem is that she is terrified of other dogs. I don't know why, because I tried to socialize her at lot when she was a baby, she played with my parents' dog and my grandma's dog and my friends' dogs. Then last year I started taking her to the dog park and she would get so scared she wouldn't move. I kept on it and took her every week but she was still terrified. So when I contacted this place about classes, they told me she would probably benefit from the puppy classes.
When we first got there, she sniffed at the other dogs, but as soon as they tried playing with her, she ran. She hid under the table for almost 20 minutes while all the other puppies were socializing and playing. We had to call them and give them treats when they came. She came the first time, but spit the treat out and wasn't interested for the rest of the class. She wouldn't come anymore when I called. I took her outside to pee and she just went and laid down against the fence.
Then we brought the dogs in on leashes and were doing sit, down, and stay, which I thought would be a good change because she has known those commands since she was a baby. I said "sit" and she wouldn't even look at me. She would stand there, or she would sniff the ground, but she would NOT sit. She refused. I felt so helpless. All the other little puppies were sitting and laying down on command, the owners were walking away and they'd just stay there. Layla just sniffed the floor and wouldn't even listen to my voice.
I was honestly so frustrated I felt like crying. I don't know what to do. I've tried so hard but it seems hopeless! Now that we're home again she will do anything I ask her to. Why is she so determined to ignore me whenever she wants???
