Comments on: I know this sound ridiculous,but were you nervous about taking your dog to puppy training classes?

By: Amanda S

Amanda S — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:50:58 +0000

I am in my third class this week with my puppy. My first class was awful, my dog dug a hole a foot deep while I was trying to listen to the instructor, then tried to chase a bug, twisted his leash between my legs, and the next thing I knew, I was chewing on dirt… My dog was super embarrassing, but these classes HAVE definately helped! Now my dog can sit, lay down, shake, and almost hold a 3 minute stay for the whole time, but it just takes practice. Our instructor told us never to just give up and let him/her win, you MUST be the alpha dog and show your dog who’s boss. Never hit them, that brings on fear, and you don’t want fear, you want respect. Being the alpha dog makes your dog respect you, and that is really what a good dog starts with. Most puppies are totally nutty, and mine is the perfect example, but it just takes time, and patience!! Keep working on it, and KEEP GOING TO CLASS! LISTENING to the teacher will help you more than anything. I think the teacher doesn’t teach the dogs, instead she instructs THE OWNERS how to teach thier own dogs. Stand tall when you tell your dog something, don’t bend down in thier face, b/c that makes them think, Let’s play!. Smile when you are happy and are happy with thier behavior, speak with an elevated happy tone, but when you’re mad b/c of thier behavior, make a mad face, have a very stern firm voice, and don’t give in! I hope this helps! Good Luck!!!!

By: sniffydogs

sniffydogs — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 14:32:51 +0000

Puppy classes are a scream! Your pup sounds like it will be the most well-trained there. Relax. Visit with the other owners. Accidents happen, that’s what paper towels are for. Bless your heart for actually taking your puppy to obedience classes.

By: Heavenly20

Heavenly20 — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 11:11:03 +0000

Dont worry most people are nervous about taking there pup to training classes,but it’s a very rewarding time if you pick the right class.Not only does it help socilise your pup but it also helps you as the owner learn basic control.A good training class should have no more then 10 pups in a single class,they should all be friendly and within the same age group.Training should be reward based with a generally relaxed atmosphere.You also have to feel comfortable in your trainer,confident enough to ask for help if your having problems.No one expects a pup to be able to hold themselves for very long,and most when excited do *** themselves,which a good trainer doesn’t worry about.My dog attended puppy party’s and training classes when she was little and we both enjoyed the expeirience.Good luck.

By: Gwynnie

Gwynnie — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 17:13:28 +0000

All I can say is I think we get nervous because we think if the puppy/dog doesn’t behave and act accordingly, WE aren’t doing our jobs. So, just believe YOU can do it, because if U can do it, your puppy will follow along. IT’LL BE FUN!!! And if your puppy gets a little side track, so be it, just do it again.
GOOD LUCK!!

By: Peanut butter Jelly Time!!!!

Peanut butter Jelly Time!!!! — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 23:00:12 +0000

I know exactly how your feeling, my pup was a nightmare, i thought everyone would look down at me, but when i got there the trainer just said look its not the first naughty dog shes seen and it wont be the last. youve got nothing to worry about everything will be fine.
good luck with your puppy.
hope i helped

By: Loki_Wolfchild

Loki_Wolfchild — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 08:19:03 +0000

LOL! As someone who has both attended and taught many puppy classes, I can tell you that you have nothing to worry about!

Puppies running amok, accidentally pottying, and generally being puppies is par for the course. Think of a pre-school class…

If you have a good instructor, with lots of positive methods (treats, man, treats), your puppy will get the hang of things in no time. It’s also a general rule that dogs — especially in the beginning — don’t perform as well at class as they do in their normal environment (i.e. at home). That’s where the *truly* important training will take place.

All of the people in your class are probably just as worried as you — and none of you should take it too seriously. Just pay attention to the methods, ask questions if you don’t understand, and have fun!

Puppy Free Time (off leash socialization periods, part of any puppy class) is my favorite. The pups have a great time!

Good luck!

By: nutshell

nutshell — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 18:49:04 +0000

Yes I was nervous also but believe me pups are pups and there will be worse than yours there . They are brilliant places to go if they are run properly , you should get loads of advice ,meet new friends and should really enjoy it . Well done for looking into this and going , hope you find it usefull and enjoy yourself …xxx

By: texas_angel_wattitude

texas_angel_wattitude — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 06:01:39 +0000

I have taken 3 dogs to puppy training courses. The first one was an alaskian malmute whose instinct was to attack anything smaller then herself so I was scared she’d kill something or atleast injure it even though she was around other dogs at home. I then took my brittany spaniel who we call ***** head, Im sure you can imagine why to class as well as my large black lab pup who at 16 weeks of age weighed 43 pounds. Anyhow none of them got much more then I was able to teach them at home. Its expected that dogs will have accidents on the floor dont worry abuot that and yes it will be distracted by its new environment but he’ll get use to it.. Im never taking another dog was a waste of money in my opinion.

By: drvns2001

drvns2001 — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 03:21:27 +0000

oh you dont wrry bout a thing, they are pups not humans, they are not expected to be disciplined, thats the reason they go to training class anyway, believe me, you will see pups which will make you think yours is an angel!!! I am jus gonna go tday for my 2 class and in the first, i met pups which were absolutely uncontrollable, jus dont wrry and have fun!!

By: icy_tempest

icy_tempest — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 02:47:45 +0000

LOL…yes, I felt the same way you did. But you’re doing the right thing, so go in with a positive attitude and make the most of it. Like kids, sometimes during the classes they are going to embarrass you and sometimes they are going to make you proud, but in the end it’s worth it. Besides, at some point, every puppy there is going to embarrass their owners during the class so you won’t be the only one. My pup was a bit slow and didn’t seem to catch on to ANYTHING. But when she did, I was so proud of her.

Good luck!!