Obedience Class - wwYTd?

[abbie's mom]

I've wanted to see if Abigail has what it takes to be a therapy dog; but, she must complete this course. We're three classes into an 8 week course. I trust / respect the trainer - she worked with attack dogs in the military. Hard to 'see' that, as she's just this itty bitty petite little thing This trainer rescues all kinds of dogs, and has pix of other Yorkies with whom she has worked. I feel blessed that our community has her. My problem is that each session has me in knots. Abigail is the smallest dog, and her very presence seems to upset the larger breeds. And, we are talking LARGER breeds (GSD, Labs, Husky mix). Now, Ms Abigail is (of course ) the perfect little lady - no barking or snapping at other dogs. I must say I've been truly amazed at her demeanor when we're away from the house. She's a completely different animal than the one that won't even let us watch animal shows on TV! I am so proud of her. Anyway....back to my point. She got really scared in class yesterday, as two of the larger dogs had lots of negative energy going on between themselves. She asked to be picked up, but that's a class "no-no" , Trainer says if I pick her up, it will reinforce that I think there is danger (well..."helllllooo!" lol), and she needs to deal with other dogs/people. At one point, she was so scared, she refused to move. The trainer took over. I was almost in tears from the stress. Abbie trusts me not to let anything hurt her. I would just die if one of the other dogs got loose and we were another YT statistic . When we get home from classes, she's so worn out, and I'm so stressed I can hardly move. I guess I just need some opinions from other Yorkie owners if y'all think I'm asking too much from her, and I needed to just write out my feelings, I guess. The trainer is very impressed with her - considering she's in a room full of dogs that seem to want nothing more than to get to her .

[Judy in Waco]

That's a tough one. I have no advice to offer, just consolation. I'm proud of her for doing so well under those conditions.

[paddys mom]

I know its really hard not to worry about our babies when they are around bigger dogs. But I have found that when I get all anxious and worried it sort of feeds the negativity to the dogs. Paddy gets more anxious b/c he wants to protect me and that can cause problems. So i think if you try to just be calm and not think about bad things happening she'll be fine and stay calm. Especially since she seems fine as it is. Paddy gets a little freaked sometimes at his training class but if we ignore his pleas for being picked up he gets over it.

But if you really find you can't stop stressing over it, maybe look for a small dog training class so you won't be as worried about the size of the other dogs.

Good luck with it. I am sure your baby will do fine!

[7TimesBlessed]

Hi Abbies Mom.....I feel your pain!...lol....I'll just tell you my experience.....during the summer I took Truffles at about 5 months old to an outdoor class that was entirely German Shepherds of all sizes (the class was through the GS club but I was told they allow all breeds so didn't expect this)...when I showed up every one of the Shepherds looked at me like I brought them a "Snack".....it was only an orientation class and the instructor took precautions w my pup but my stomach was in knots the entire time....several of the other owners said their dog loves little dogs and they would put them at a "down" and let Truffles come up to them....and every single one took a snap at him!.....my conclusion was not only was it not fair to my pup but the bigger dogs might see her as a rabbit or some small prey and it wasn't fair to them either ..........I emailed the instructor basically what I just said and she was very understanding.....since then Truffles went to agility class where there were other bigger dogs but it was more controlled and we were more relaxed w the situation and it went fine and Thurs we just started obedience where they are all under one yr but all sizes and during orientation I felt very comfortable w everything....(even though Truffles was not like your behaved little girl and did the "snapping thing" w several bigger dogs but they are showing me I have to keep giving him a firm "No")......I don't want to be over protective because I know they have to get used to big dogs but at the same time I don't want to take unnecessary chances either....I think classes are supposed to be both educational AND fun and if that is not your experience I would stop going, relay your feelings to the instructor and look for another class........and when you find one that you are comfortable with you will be happy you did!....w me I was so upset I couldnt' even concentrate on what the instructor was saying ....I was just keeping my guard up the entire time!.....I went through all this w my yorkie Millee and she's done pet therapy now for years and now I also want Truffles in Pet therapy....even though I agree w your instructor about picking up your pup to protect her too much ( I always was reprimanded for doing this w millee) I still believe you have to follow your instincts too..........to this day millee still snaps at bigger dogs on first mtg to let them know she is in charge then is okay w them but I guess that's my fault.......anyway I hope this helps and I wish you well..........I'm sure your little girl has what it takes to be in PT!!

[saphire]

Ada, my story is a bit long, sorry. When our two were about a year old we took them to obedience classes. Their "teacher" was wonderful, had trained in the U.K as well as here. The first few classes were great, just us and a few other little dogs. CoCo was the star of the class and Coffee wasn't bad either
Anyway for one reason or another , the others dropped out. So we were moved to the next class, G.S, Bull Terrier,Lab. and two Part Wolves!!! Yes! Well all was fine for a while, although like you, Kevin and I were nervous. The trainer was fantastic and had complete control over all the dogs AND their owners. She even took the whole class to a farm once a month to train with two Siberian Wolves. It was wonderful to see my tiny CoCo with these BIG wolves!

Anyway, one day a lady brings her yorkie to class ( this chap was scared of other dogs and she thought this would be good for him.) She and I were chatting and letting our boys get acquainted when one of the GS got out of the training area, ran straight up to the other yorkie, took him in his mouth and shook him!!! I screamed, the other lady froze, Coffee wanted to run away. I don't actually remember exactly what I did, but they say I FOUGHT off that Shepard!!! He dropped the yorkie, he seemed ok. We continued class, BUT, Kevin and I NEVER went back.

I am still friends with the trainer, and she understood my fears. We have never taken them to any other training, I have just tried to train them myself. They are very well behaved little darlings. I have also thought of making them therapy dogs, but just haven't got around to see whats available here, as far as training goes. We take them with us to visit my aunt in an old age home, and all the old people there love them. They get tons of kisses from CoCo and Coffee is so patient with them.

Phew, this is long. I would find a place that only has little dogs if I were you.

Good luck my friend. Lovies to Abie.

Sheilagh

[cdawnfine]

Hi,

I am not sure how it works where you are but in NJ you do not have to take the class just pass the test. I am sure if you explain your anxiety to the instructor they will tell you what you need to pass the class, and you can practice at home. All that stress is not good for you or your Yorkie.

[7TimesBlessed]

HI Abbie's Mom..........I was just wondering how your class was going and if you are still in it............I started my chihuahua Bella in agility this afternoon and Truffles my biewer in obedience tonight (orientation was last week)...he still does that snapping thing sometimes w the other dogs and I'm hoping I can nip that one in the bud soon!...I just love obedience classes ....it's where I find out that all the things that I thought were cute and endearing turn out to be bad behaviour.......lol.........I hope all is going well.......I hope you continue to pursue the therapy certification....I know Abigail would cheer up a whole lot of people!!!!

[yoyo27]

I don't know if your dog has a chance any other time to be around larger dogs but it might help to let her be around some. Like does a neighbor had a large dog, or you could take her out and about a large dog when you take her to petsmart or where ever you go. We have a large dog so mine are not scared even if the dog acts tough. Zoie had a class with alot of larger dogs and she was the social bug in the class. Then they all before long was including and welcoming everyone like a bunch of school kids. That was when she had a class in obiedence. She was the smallest at 2.5lbs She is now 3.5 but she looked awlful funny in that class and I wasn't sure. She out did the biggest part of the whole class. Maybe you are scared and she feels that from you. Good Luck. Changes classes if it doesn't get better.

[abbie's mom]

Originally Posted by saphire

I screamed, the other lady froze, Coffee wanted to run away. I don't actually remember exactly what I did, but they say I FOUGHT off that Shepard!!! He dropped the yorkie, he seemed ok. We continued class, BUT, Kevin and I NEVER went back.

Sheilagh, what a horrific thing to witness. I don't doubt for a minute that you DID fight off that Shepard! Sounds just like something my brave friend would do. Abigail is positively faint thinking of her Coffee being so close to such a scene. (She sends comforting *licks*)

Originally Posted by 7TimesBlessed

HI Abbie's Mom..........I was just wondering how your class was going and if you are still in it............I started my chihuahua Bella in agility this afternoon and Truffles my biewer in obedience tonight (orientation was last week)...he still does that snapping thing sometimes w the other dogs and I'm hoping I can nip that one in the bud soon!...I just love obedience classes ....it's where I find out that all the things that I thought were cute and endearing turn out to be bad behaviour.......lol.........I hope all is going well.......I hope you continue to pursue the therapy certification....I know Abigail would cheer up a whole lot of people!!!!

Hi - thanks for checking on us! Please let us know how Bella and Truffles progress! I am genuinely interested.

I want to thank everyone who responded - I truly value your opinions and the personal experiences. I haven't revisited this thread, because I've been mulling over just what to do. I talked to the trainer, and she already knew I was thinking of pulling Abigail out. Though she understands, she encouraged me to try it one more time. So, we'll be going back to this class tomorrow, and see how it goes. If I'm still insecure, then we'll drop out. The instructor did say she sees potential in Abigail for therapy, and since therapy training is her heart, when she sees that quality in a dog, she wants to help make it happen. The only other small dog class is a puppy class; but, it's at a time that I can't go. I don't want to leave the impression that I don't want Abbie around larger breeds at all. I just don't think it's fair when she's overwhelmed by 5 or 6 and two or three of them are giving off negative energy at any given time. Anyway, the instructor offered to come to the house to finish Abigail's training if nothing else works out. I think that's very generous of her, as she works full time, and has a full schedule of training classes too. We paid up front, so I know that it's not a $$ thing.

We're supposed to get snow tomorrow! Enough that Abigail and Mo can play in it!

[AprilLove]

Ada, if it is making you that stressed, then Abigaile can sense that. I think I too, would look for a class with smaller furries in it. Maybe the trainer is good, but I feel the same as you, my babies trust me to protect them, and if a trainer says something I don't agree with, then I will go elsewhere to protect my babies.

[abbie's mom]

Hello everyone,

Well, we had icky weather; but, Abigail and I made the class today. I must say I did feel some better, as the owners seemed to have a better handle on their dogs. However, Abbie was distracted. Couldn't seem to concentrate for making sure she knew the whereabouts of each dog, and at one point actually did some growling and barking of her own! VERY unusual for her - she never makes a peep when she's out of her territory (home). Not sure exactly how to interpret this new development. Is she warning the others off out of fear, or is she now comfortable enough to set boundaries of her own? At any rate, I decided we'll continue.

Hey....we have SNOW! I do hope it continues through the night, so Abigail can experience her first snow!

Hi MaryKay - great photo of Miss AprilLove!

[lopresm]

I too attend obedience class with large dogs present. If fact, Remi is the smallest of the group.

I always watch what is going on and as soon as any other dogs start any kind of eye contact, etc., I move to another part of the room. Most of the time the trouble begins when a new dog enters the class and at this point is not considered part of the pack.

There was one instance when a handler was not paying attention and was not being a good handler. Her dog freed himself from her and ran over to start trouble with another dog. Although I know that picking the dog up is reinforcing fear, etc., I picked up Remi before he knew what was going on, "just in case"!

During these classes I never take anything for granted and I keep a close watch on all the dogs around Remi, especially in any off lead activities.

Good luck with your training. We find it lots of fun and we hope one day to compete in Rally Obedience.

[AprilLove]

Originally Posted by abbie's mom

Hello everyone,

Well, we had icky weather; but, Abigail and I made the class today. I must say I did feel some better, as the owners seemed to have a better handle on their dogs. However, Abbie was distracted. Couldn't seem to concentrate for making sure she knew the whereabouts of each dog, and at one point actually did some growling and barking of her own! VERY unusual for her - she never makes a peep when she's out of her territory (home). Not sure exactly how to interpret this new development. Is she warning the others off out of fear, or is she now comfortable enough to set boundaries of her own? At any rate, I decided we'll continue.

Hey....we have SNOW! I do hope it continues through the night, so Abigail can experience her first snow!

Hi MaryKay - great photo of Miss AprilLove!

Hi Adda
You know if you get enough snow, you just have to post pics of Abby playing in it

[abbie's mom]

Originally Posted by AprilLove

Hi Adda
You know if you get enough snow, you just have to post pics of Abby playing in it

...yep, yep, yep....that's th' plan!

[7TimesBlessed]

I agree w everyone.......ya just gotta watch your doggie cause dogs are still dogs and they can be unpredictable.....I would esp pay attention to the ones who can't keep their eyes off her!..........so YOU were the one who wished for this snow!!!....we got a foot yesterday and another foot today and it is 10 degrees at this moment...........hard to snap a picture when your fingers can't move....lol!