Training Classes

A. When a pet guardian should consider NOT taking group classes (Private sessions with a highly skilled trainer might be in order in certain cases)  

1). The dog is very new to the home. Give the dog a little time to settle in  

2). The dog is very fearful   

       a) Still uncomfortable in her own skin  

       b). Afraid to go outside  

       c). hates riding in vehicles  

3). The dog is stronger than the guardian and a danger to others (other humans or other dogs)  

  

B. Before signing up for a class  

Read both of Leslie McDevitt's  Control Unleashed books a couple of times, read a little bit on learning theory, and read something along the lines of Clothier's "Bones Would Rain From the Sky"  

Decide on your training philosophy, goals, etc..  

  

C. Before paying for a class  

Talk to the instructor.  Ask lots of questions to determine:  

1). The trainer's level of expertise  

2). The trainer's knowledge of learning theory   

3). Class requirements i.e. equipment 

      A. If equipment required is not what you would use, then don't take the class  

4). The trainer's philosophy and approach to training  

       A). If the trainer's philosophy and approach isn't in line with yours, then just make sure that you will be allowed to do your own thing during class. If that is not allowed, then consider not taking the class  

Attend a couple of classes to see how sessions are run. If you see things that you don't agree with, then consider not taking the class. Or once again, ensure that you will not be required to do the things you don't agree with.  

If a trainer is annoyed with or too busy for your questions and/or does not let you observe a couple of classes before paying (or at least partial sessions), then do not sign up for his or her class.  

  

D. Consider quitting a class if:  

1). You discover that the instructor wants different things for your dog than what you want; and the instructor won't let you do your own thing  

AThe instructor tries to make you use certain types of equipment or techniques that you'd rather not use  

2). There is a danger to your dog (mentally or physically)  

   a). aggressive or highly reactive dogs who aren't well controlled by their parents  

   b). Intrusive or non attentive people who insist on coming over to say hi or letting their dog come over to say hi   

3). There is a danger than the trainer will hurt or scare your dog  

4). If your dog doesn’t like it there for whatever reason  

5). If your dog is stressed or reactive and there aren't any ways to make him/her more comfortable.    

Note: don't let the fact that you spent money on a class be a deciding factor on when to quit.  It's better to loose 100 dollars now rather than spend several hundred dollars later to fix behavioral problems that arose as a result of a bad class environment.  

  

E. Making your dog more comfortable and/or more safe in a mediocre class. Some of these may or may not be possible  

1). Work on your reflexes at home so you can be quick if you need to be during class  

• Be prepared to stop an oncoming dog before he or she gets to your dog  
• Body block  
• Treat/toy toss  
• If your dog isn't comfortable with strange humans, be prepared to body block or use the "stop" hand gesture on humans who insist they are "good with dogs"                                                                                                                                                                                                 

2). Arrive early. Play a few games by yourself before others arrive.  Right before others arrive, set up your area using partitions or dividers. If the training facility doesn't have any, bring your own.  Use something lightweight and portable like this folding pet gate  and/or bring a soft crate. Bring a mat as well.  

3). If possible, try to sit close to an exit but far from the entrance that others will be using as they come in.  Be prepared to slip out if there is any danger   

A). Set yourself up inside the gates and/or crate, then engage your dog as the other dogs come in - use treats/toys Control Unleashed games, etc.. (practice the engagement during boring times so you will be ready for class).  Be ready to body block or toss a toy or treat if a dog or human gets too close to your dog.   

B). Don't let dogs or humans approach the crate if you use one - your dog might feel trapped.  

If your dog will have a hard time engaging with you, consider covering the crate as dogs come in.  This may or may not work.  Some dogs might get more frustrated if hey can hear and smell but  not see - so be careful. You  might try something that reduces visual stimulation but doesn't eliminate visuals completely.  

4). If you are not allowed to come early, then you might need to be a little late.  Don't bunch up at the door when everyone is going in at the same time.  Wait at a comfortable distance (for your dog) away from everyone until all have filed in, then you can go in. Keep your dog engaged with you as you walk in. Control Unleashed or Pattern Games might be helpful here. 

5). When class starts, don't feel like you have to do the same thing the class is doing.  If the class is working on something that is difficult or stressful for your dog, then try something else that might be easier for your dog.  Set him/her up for success.
   

6). During down times when the instructor is talking, engage your dog, or put him/her in the crate or on a mat with toys/food, chewies, etc..  

7). Be prepared to take a break and go outside or leave early if your dog becomes increasingly uncomfortable.   

8). Do not hand your leash to an instructor unless you are positive that he or she won't do anything painful or scary to your dog.  Don't hand your leash to an instructor if you dog is uncomfortable.

9). If you stay until the end of class, don't leave at the same time as everyone else, lest you wind up bunched up at the door. Wait in a corner with pup inside the crate and or partitioned area until everyone leaves, then make your exit. (Note: this could take a while. I've waited over an hour for folks to finish their conversations at doorways)   

  

F. Be your dog's advocate 

If a trainer is insistent that you do things that make you or your dog uncomfortable, just remind yourself that you are are paying the trainer and not the other way around.  It doesn't matter if the trainer is the expert. The only thing that matters is keeping your dog comfortable and safe. And remember that you know your dog better than anyone else.   

  

G. Evaluate  

When deciding whether or not to continue training, in addition to observing your dog in class, also observe your companion outside of class. If your pup all of  a sudden seems more snappy towards siblings, or more reactive to dogs when on walks, or more afraid of thunder, or starts having potty accidents, etc..consider stress from class could be spilling over into other areas. Quit the class or work on ways to make class less stressful and/or more fun if this happens.  

  

H. You can't fix a scared dog by scaring the dog  

If you have a dog who is fearful of people or other dogs, don't make the dog face his/her fears.  Stay below threshold. More details in the Control Unleashed books and DVDs.   

More on hiring a trainer here 

Tell us about your training class experiences in the comments section  below
 
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