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Beginner Puppy Training Class disaster.. Hi all! I may be overreacting... BUT I am very protective of my Ella. We went for our first puppy training class tonight at the Local "Dog Trainer's Workshop". Needless to say I think it was a disaster. Ella was the SMALLEST dog there with the biggest attitude, don't get me wrong I know that all Yorkie think they are big stuff. The owner of the Dog training workshop jerked Ella around, put a pinch collar on her(I only like harnesses because I have heard of the collapsed trachea in yorkies) and basically treated her like a rag doll. My question to you guys is IS THIS NORMAL and I am overreacting?! I have already paid $85 for this six week course. The main things I wanted her to get out of the course were to stop barking so much and to sit and come when called... Should I just do this at home myself??? She even picked her up by her neck and pinched her mouth. Can someone a little more experienced please give me some advice as to whether I am overreacting or if this was just cruel?! I have never been to a training class for dogs. Ella is my first small dog. Thanks :) |
WOW! Has the trainer had much experience with small dogs? I agree with you - I only use a harness, unless I am sh0wing in an obedience trial and them I use a loose collar. So, that being said I only train with a harness. Jerking the dog around will not help it learn what you are trying to teach. I strongly recommen that you find a local AKC club and ask about a trainer they recommend. There are several training methods, but you need to let the teacher know you do not jerk your dog and your little Yorkie is too small for chock/spiced collar. There are training clubs tht would help you and your pup. |
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Definately look elsewhere or train yourself. I've always trained my pups myself. It's not hard to do if you make the time and are consistent and praise them. There are plenty of books on training as well as videos. Read and watch them all and chose the methods you agree with. To me it's alot like parenting....there are many ways to raise kids...but some methods get the desired result by building up their self-esteem & some break them by breaking it down. I don't want a neurotic dog anymore than I'd want neurotic kids...so I personally prefer methods that use positive reinforcement. |
Um- NO. That's completely ridiculous. I would also demand a refund. Some have mixed views about prong collars but I would NEVER put one on a Yorkie. And there's a certain way to use it, you can't just put it on and pull the dog around. Look for positive reinforcement trainers. Do not continue taking the course and probably scar your pup for life. |
That trainer sounds like someone who hasn't had much experience with small dogs. I wouldn't return to that class and demand a refund. Yorkies learn best from positive reinforcement, what that trainer is teaching is the bad behavior = punishment and good behavior = nothing bad happens. It's not a good way to learn. Try searching through your local humane society for a trainer and call ahead to find out what method the trainer uses. |
I googled a few places that may be near you; Dog Training Greenville SC Dog Training - The Puppy Nanny's Place - Simpsonville, SC |
A pinch collar ? :eek: :thumbdown:thumbdown:thumbdown:thumbdown:thumbdown :thumbdown:thumbdown |
wow... I probably would have gone Ninja momma on that trainer!! The trainer that did Nala's classes treated her differently than she did the other dogs. (Nala was the only small dog.) Nala responded very well in her classes. No collar, only a harness! Every time we see the trainer Nala will sit in front of her for a treat. :D It was a great experience for us and I learned so much from the trainer. |
Nooooo....that trainer has NO common sense. I couldnt trust her judgement or techniques |
Nope, the trainer is NOT normal. If it takes a pinch collar to control a 7 pound Yorkie, then there is obviously something wrong with the method. Good luck in your search for a new trainer. |
Thanks for all the feedback!! And esp. thanks to Britster.. I talked to the Puppy Nanny this morning and am going to go sit in on a training session tomorrow morning. Now...I have to go to the place we originally went and ask for a refund....I think I will DEMAND ONE!!:mad: You guys are so helpful and I really appreciate it:) |
I concur. Drop the trainer. What an idiot. |
Definitely run in the other direction from that trainer. I am so glad Brit gave you other alternatives! Good luck! |
Totally not normal and not okay! Hope that you can drop that class and get your money back! I can't even wrap my head around the fact that a "trainer" would even think about using a pinch collar on your baby! She obviously has no clue about small dogs! When I brought Parker to his first puppy classes he was barely 3lbs in a very diverse group with lots of much bigger dogs, and my trainer adjusted everything she taught so that Parker would be able to learn while still being SAFE! Good luck! |
that is horrible. i took Cedric and he was the smallest and was not happy with all the biggies around him. we took a chair and put him up on it so at play time the dogs could sniff him but he felt lest threatened by then. the trainer never once handled my dog for any reason. she wants you to do the process so you learn how to continue working with your dog at home. i would find a new trainer and damand your money back. sounds like that trainer needs a valium and i would never let her touch my baby again. good luck and sorry you had that experience. |
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