Hannah graduated the puppy class around two weeks ago. She was in class with a lab and a pitbull. The pitbull was around 40 pounds. The trainer did not let them get close to one another. We each had portions of the room to ourselves. There was one class that we let them meet each other. The trainer was close by and the dogs got along beautifully. We learned the proper way to introduce dogs to each other. I think that the class was a great opportunity for socialization plus Hannah learned a lot.:) |
We started in the puppy class, but it was too basic for us too, and they offered to give us our money back too, but we opted to enroll him in the trick training class. It was lots of fun, and even though Joey was the smallest dog in the class, he didn't seem to be in danger, because the other dogs weren't puppies, but well-mannered older dogs. Sometimes I think a large puppy can cause more problems than an older dog, just because puppies are so clumsy. I think training of any kind is really good for Yorkies, because their independent nature can be a real challenge at times, and training helps reinforce who's in charge. I mean sometimes, I actually feel like I'm in charge! |
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All other big dogs she encountered were ok. She had no problem walking right up to them. The lab, on the other hand, she would growl at and be defensive to. She and the pug were friends to the end. She was also ok when the trainer's collie came to visit. |
Bandit loved his puppy class at PetSmart! I'm starting them with my new puppy on Thursday. I was concerned with the size difference at first, but they are all on leash, and it seemed that the larger dogs played with each other on one side and the smaller on the other side. They learned to socialized with dogs of all sizes, but when they played it was with a dog of similiar size. |
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I think it really depends on the instructor. But you should do what makes you feel comfortable. I took my JRT to Petco puppy classes years ago and had a horrible experience. We were basically asked to leave because he wouldn't stop barking. But I have taken Cooper to two rounds of puppy classes with a private company and was very happy. The instructor was great and made sure that all the dogs were safe. We had several labradoodles in the class and she made sure that all the dogs kept their distance until Cooper felt comfortable. Good luck! |
Oh wow this thread is old, I forgot I even started it... LOL. I ended up canceling the classes and teaching Jackson myself. He now knows sit, stay, down, come, shake, high-five, roll over, "Bang bang!", dance and fetch! lol. I'm glad I taught him on my own - I saved $100-some bucks and I feel like I got to bond with him better. It was a good experience. In the future, I think I'd like to take him to a Tricks Training class to teach him even more. |
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I know you cancelled the class, but the fact that it turned out the way it did, you are better off. All trainers have different approaches, but when classes usually only last an hour or less, manners would be more important to learn than playing in my book. |
You want a class with mixed dog sizes. So dogs will learn that they come in all sizes shapes and forms. from small to large to prick eared and no tailes and on and on. Great soicalization. IF the trainer knows his or her stuff no aggressive dog will be in class or will get pulled so an accident does not happen. IF the trainer knows her stuff no dog will always be on the bottom or the class get split so that the ones needsing a gentler play are with themselves and the ones needing rough are on their own. There is no reason that your puppy can not scooped up and sit in your arms and watch from a safe place. JL |
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Brittany - glad you got your money back...sounds like he's doing quite well!! |
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If you feel like your dog would be unsafe just always be next to him/her and modify training procedures, they are very understanding, I was told it would be better to have Brady on a leash and collar, but I would not bugde and said he will be on a harness. He did just fine! Pick a trainer you feel comfortable with and it is ok for yorkies to be around big dogs, most big dogs are nice! |
When Laya was a puppy we did two classes at petsmart. One trainer was awesome, and the other one was a joke. I was a nervous wreck having laya in with big dogs. She was the only small dog in the class. She was way smaller than the other dogs. But most of the training is done with leads on and I just refused the play part where they all get to play and mingle at the end of class. Even the trainer told me to just pick her up because she was just too small and she was afraid she would get sat on. We learned a lot from the one trainer and not much at all from the other. |
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I took my yorkie as well as two other dogs to those classes and we really enjoyed them. He learned a lot and the danger command has helped on several occasions when someone opened the door and he darted out. As soon as he hear the danger word no matter what else is going on he will come straight to you. I highly recommend those classes!! |
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