I have another question. One of the huge obstacles in working on Ambers reactivity is that locally here we don't really have anybody with a calm enough dog that can do training set-ups with us. When I work with her, it is seeing random dogs on the street or our forays to the dog park when we can get a run to ourselves. We have the opportunity to get into a class with a BAT certified trainer, which will give set-ups and networking for set-ups in my area.
Amber and I took a "reactive" dog class a couple of years ago, and to my untrained eye it was not as advertised, I wasn't allowed to talk to Amber at all, there was no structure, it was just basically put your dog behind a wall and give it non-stop treats. The dogs were screened first to see if they were reactive, half the people dropped out after the second lesson, all but two of us by the third.
So that class left a bad taste in my mouth.
After that long intro to the question (sorry ), what questions should I ask before signing on? This would be seven classes but its about two hours away and would be a whole Saturday commitment. Are there warning signs to heed, specific methods to avoid. Amber is doing well, but I think she could do even better with reliable set-ups.

I highly suggest finding something online that outlines BAT or even purchasing/borrowing the book (I've got the PDF version) if you aren't aware of the fine detail that is involved. It's not rocket science, but it is a waste of money if this trainer has no idea what they're doing.
I can't think of specific questions to ask. Anyone can read about how to do it and regurgitate the information to you and sound professional. The challenge is to watch a session in person and see if the trainer really knows what it's all about or if they're blowing smoke.

Samantha, I've been using BAT with Amber for quite awhile now, have the info on it. The purpose of the class would be to give us safe set-ups to progress. Because my last experience with a class wasn't, in my opinion great, I was wondering what questions could be asked (in general) for a training class to ensure the person knows what they are doing. Amber has come quite a long way and I don't want us to go backwards.

Jodi, have you actually spoken to the instructor of the class you are interested in? That is where I would start. I would contact that person and ask for a detailed explanation of what to expect in each class over the seven weeks: What kinds of exercises will you start with in the first class, and what kinds of things will you be doing by the seventh class?

You're already familiar with BAT, and you say the instructor is certified, so you don't have to spend a lot of time asking about theory; I would be more interested in what the class is going to look like when you are there. How will the dogs be physically positioned in the room, what kinds of "set-ups" will the instructor work on? How many dogs are expected to be in the class, how big is the working area, indoors, outdoors, etc.?

I had a similar experience years ago with a class like the one you described: All the dogs behind individual curtains, feed the dog constantly to keep it distracted. I wouldn't want to repeat another class just like that one. So in light of what it's going to cost you in time and gas money, the instructor should be happy to spend twenty minutes or so on the phone with you, explaining the details of how it's going to work. And a conversation, even over the phone, can help you get a feel for the person's overall attitude and demeanor. (You may even want to ask for references.)

Thank you, Samantha, and Cheri, I've had contact with the trainer via email, and was holding off on calling until I had an idea of what to ask. I'll probably write these questions down so I don't forget. I like the idea of watching a class in person. Just another quick question, with my previous class experience where we weren't allowed to talk to the dogs, which I guess I have a different philosophy is there ever a valid reason, (with the exception of hand signals, etc) where you would not speak to a dog during training. I don't mean constant chatter but praise, marking etc. I guess a clicker would be another exception.

In other disciplines, there are times when the dog's performance must be evaluated without influence of the handler. Sometimes the level of a dog's reactivity is affected by handler input. I can't speak for the trainer in that first reactivity class, but that might be a possibility.

I agree with Duane above that there are sometimes situations that require no input from the handler. But in the context of taking a training class where you go once a week for seven weeks, I would be a little suspicious of a "no talking to your dog" rule and would want further explanation if that is the case. This is another thing to discuss with your potential instructor. Whether he/she allows a clicker is another thing to ask about.

Of course, constant chatter is at the other end of the spectrum and is usually of no benefit to the dog. I think they often just tune us out when we carry on too much. I'm always reminded of the old Gary Larson cartoon, "Blah, blah, blah, Ginger."

Bottom line: Get as much information up front as possible so you can make an informed decision about the commitment you will have to make for this class. And definitely consider attending a class ahead of time, just as a spectator, if there is time, and if this is something they allow. (And I would be suspicious if they did not.)

Thanks again, I left a message today, and will probably open this topic so I don't forget anything.

I still stand firm that anyone can blow smoke up your butt, but seeing it in person is the make or break. This trainer may know how to smooth talk the best of the best into giving them their hard earned money, but it's easy to spot a phoney when you're staring right at them as they make mistakes.

Without casting any aspersions on the class in question (because I know nothing at all about it), I agree that I would not sign up for or take my dog to a class I hadn't seen in action.

JMO!


Also, I do a significant amount of work with reactive and fearful dogs. A class setup using any desensitizing protocol for this would have to done by someone with a lot of experience (and success) behind them.

I'd be even fussier upfront with this than with ob.


I would have to attend a session (a real one, with real current attendees).

It goes without saying, I hope, that you'll get references and check them. But while this is required, it's secondary, for me.



JMO!