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olgap · 07-20-2006, 08:52 AM

Hello all. Have spent the last few days reading many of your posts about the joys and tribulations of yorkie-dom and feel much better knowing I am not alone! My current issue is with the Obediance Classes I started with our local parks and rec. There were about 20 dogs of all sizes and ages (several very large, strong dogs).My little Chico is 7 1/2 mos old and weighs 7 1/2 pounds and was the smallest (and most wild) dog there. Chico's biggest problem is lunging at anything that moves. He wants to bark at the dogs, pull towards them, let the smell him and turn over on his back. During class, he could not stop trying to chase the other dogs during any of the active drills. He could do the sit, stay, down etc, just fine until the dogs were asked to heel, come, etc. The only instruction I got from the teacher/helpers was to yank on the choke chain over and over again(chain was required for the class-sorry) After the last class, I was practically in tears knowing that it had to hurt him, but also realizing that he simply could NOT stop chasing. Sooo, I'm not going back! I will also call the teacher and share my concerns the needs of small dogs. I'll keep working with him on our daily walks (with a halter), and do more treat and positive training.
By the way, this is a very smart dog! He can sit, stay, speak, roll over, down, and can "go get" his different toys by name! He also "smiles" when greeting people. Thanks for listening!!

07-20-2006, 08:52 AM	#1
olgap Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Southern CA Posts: 131	Obediance School Dropout Hello all. Have spent the last few days reading many of your posts about the joys and tribulations of yorkie-dom and feel much better knowing I am not alone! My current issue is with the Obediance Classes I started with our local parks and rec. There were about 20 dogs of all sizes and ages (several very large, strong dogs).My little Chico is 7 1/2 mos old and weighs 7 1/2 pounds and was the smallest (and most wild) dog there. Chico's biggest problem is lunging at anything that moves. He wants to bark at the dogs, pull towards them, let the smell him and turn over on his back. During class, he could not stop trying to chase the other dogs during any of the active drills. He could do the sit, stay, down etc, just fine until the dogs were asked to heel, come, etc. The only instruction I got from the teacher/helpers was to yank on the choke chain over and over again(chain was required for the class-sorry) After the last class, I was practically in tears knowing that it had to hurt him, but also realizing that he simply could NOT stop chasing. Sooo, I'm not going back! I will also call the teacher and share my concerns the needs of small dogs. I'll keep working with him on our daily walks (with a halter), and do more treat and positive training. By the way, this is a very smart dog! He can sit, stay, speak, roll over, down, and can "go get" his different toys by name! He also "smiles" when greeting people. Thanks for listening!!