Not yet, but I was able to speak with one of the assistants who did not think there would be an issue since she sometimes has show dogs in her classes that do things differently. (Such as not teaching sits.)

I plan on speaking to her directly tomorrow and trying to have a full conversation with her rather than trying to keep her attention before class.

you should be questioning the trainers basic philosophy on her approach to training dogs . if you agree on that , then you can talk about the methods she uses to support that .

then talk to her clients .

 Quote: ian bunbury

you should be questioning the trainers basic philosophy on her approach to training dogs . if you agree on that , then you can talk about the methods she uses to support that .

then talk to her clients .

She has trained dogs for AKC obedience and for therapy dog training. Most of her training focuses on slowing dogs down and calming them and this class in particular focuses primarily on socialization, but it's mostly the more conventional idea of socialization where you want a friendly dog that will play with anyone, dog or human.

I know one of her clients from work who has also worked with her to train her dogs for therapy work. She really likes the approach and I do think it works well for dogs that are naturally more easygoing and outgoing and dogs that will be doing therapy work or work where they need to interact on a friendly basis with lots of strangers and strange dogs.

She is open to the idea of us doing our own thing during the class when necessary, but clearly does think we're on the wrong track as far as our ideas of how to handle socialization and nipping. I was considering going to this week's class, which is only the second in an 8 week class and seeing how it goes. If I don't think it is compatible with what we want or our dog's temperment, I can always stop at any time.

I have noticed him becoming more confident lately, but it's hard to tell exactly what is influencing the improvement more, our shift in socialization tactics, his maturing, or the class.

It only takes one time of getting bullied or attacked to end up with an aggression/insecurity issue for the rest of the dog life.

I would stay FAR away from a class that focuses on "socialization". A puppy free for all is the normal result. Even for the average pet owner they are a bad idea. It teaches pup to quite happily ignore the owner and to seek interaction somewhere else.

Some places do a puppy class where for the last 10 minutes the pups are allowed to run around. You could simply leave before the pups are let go.

If you decide to go I suggest you read this classic: http://www.suzanneclothier.com/the-articles/he-just-wants-say-hi

 Quote: Karen Tunkel

Most of her training focuses on slowing dogs down and calming them

That's also known as drive suppression.

So...

Tonight was Sam's last night in puppy class.

It started with being pressured to knee him in the chest, recommended to spary him in the face with lemon juice and devolved to him being so focused on yrying to play with the other puppies that I could not get hus attention.

We left before "puppy playtime" and will not be going back.

You know something is wrong when your gut tells you. Even worse, I felt like I was being treated like I'd never had a dog before, talked down to and pressured to do things that were against my gut. When I refused I was basically told my dog would end up out of control.

So much for the "positive" training class! Lol!

On the bright side, Sam has opened up a lot more and gained more confidence. I think we got what we needed out of it. I'm going to spend more time on marker training and with the Schutzhund club.

Are you getting your money back? Sounds like the class was mis-represented.

Unfortunately "positive" seems to mean anything other than a leash correction to some people. The same trainer who was uncomfortable with me using a plastic prong collar on my dog was recommending the use of a rattle can. The same PetSmart trainer who insisted on no correction collars in their "all positive reinforcement" class was following an aggressive terrier with a spray bottle filled with vinegar water the next week.

If it was a PetCo/PetSmart trainer you might call the corporate line. That kind of training is inappropriate for puppies and not part of their training curriculum.

any time you run into a trainer with a " this is THE ( only ) way we will be training " our dogs attitude , you know you are dealing with either ( a ) someone with little experience , or ( b ) someone with a lot of experience doing it ONE way .

either one should be approached with caution , and probably not trusted to train your dog .

I feel I got my money's worth and what I wanted out of the class, even if it wasn't quite what the trainer wanted me to get. This was a private class organized by a coworker, so I don't feel it's worth the $90 to try to get a refund.

I feel I got a lot out of the class in my own way. My dog is now much more confident around other dogs and people and I can work on regaining his focus more now. I also practiced standing up for him and following my own gut when it comes to his training and I feel more confident now that I'm not going to allow myself to be pressured by others. He's my dog and my responsibility. I wouldn't just hand my kids over to someone else to be raised and follow along blindly behind, so I shouldn't do that with my dog, either.

I don't think any permanent damage was done and that the overall effect was a net gain, but I'm glad I'm stopping it now before he got too far from the path I want for him.

"I would stay FAR away from a class that focuses on "socialization". A puppy free for all is the normal result. Even for the average pet owner they are a bad idea."


"It started with being pressured to knee him in the chest, recommended to spary him in the face with lemon juice, and devolved to him being so focused on yrying to play with the other puppies that I could not get hus attention. "

Yes, you did right by leaving.

I would make known my reasons,though, regardless of whether I sought a refund. None of this "class" is what it purported to be. JMO.