What are dog obedience classes like?
I’m starting an obedience class with my dog for the first time, and I was just wondering what you really do in it; what’s it like? I know what you’re taught and everything, but I just wanted to know how they teach it to you, etc. Everytime I try to find out on google they only give me ‘does your dog need training? Come here and sign up!’
October 3rd, 2010 at 10:13 pm
It depends on the trainer what you will experience in class. Some trainers are positive reinforcement only, some only use negative reinforcement. I would suggest a trainer that uses a combination of the two. Encouraging good habits, while (nicely) discouraging bad habits. I have found this is the fastest way to get the job done.
October 3rd, 2010 at 11:01 pm
If it is a positive reinforcement training class, then it is usually fun. I’m going through one now and my dog is catching on fast. The trainer demonstrates the command and then you do it. As long as you work with your dog everyday, your dog should be at the top of the class!
October 3rd, 2010 at 11:34 pm
Its going to vary depending on how the instructor likes to teach. I would suggest you go watch a class first.
October 4th, 2010 at 12:32 am
well, we use clicker training.
its great for socializing as long as your dog is UTD on shots.
they teach you to teach your dog these things.
look for clicker trainers.
October 4th, 2010 at 1:12 am
it’s hard to say “how” they teach you, since everyone has their own training techniques. Some use purely positive, some are correction based and others are somewhere in the middle.
A good trainer does not use a “One Size Fits All” approach to training dogs. What may be to firm for one dog, may be just right for another. Other dogs may need you to be a cheerleader and other need quiet praise. So it will really depend on your dogs personality.
Ideally, before you joined the class, you should have sat in on the class, watched the instructor, watch the students and their dogs. Do the students and dogs look like their having fun? Do they look frustrated? Are some dogs shutting down? Does the instructor have an assistant? Is she physically abusive to any dog (this would be a red flat to run)
Bring a lot of treats with you, a clicker if you have one, wear proper shoes like sneakers. Don’t put to much pressure on yourself or on your dog. The first class of the session is always stressful and overwhelming, but stick with it and have fun.
One more thing, make sure you practice during the week. Also, never train when your frustrated/angry and if you find yourself getting frustrated, that it seems like your dog is “just not getting it”, then stop and finish off with an exercise, that you know your dog knows how to do.
October 4th, 2010 at 1:23 am
A beginner class usually teaches: Sit, down, stay, leave it, greeting without jumping up on people, walking well on a lead (which may or may not be Heel), how to deal with mouthing and “Go to Place”. Just the basics to get your through life day to day with a dog.
How they get there is another matter. Some use positive reinforcement, some PR plus corrections, some are all negative. Observe the class before you join it so you know if you like the trainer and her methods.
The class is really about teaching YOU, not the dog. They teach you how to train your dog,and observe how you are interacting with the dog and give you tips to do better. The most important part is to practice, practice, practice at home. If there are several people in your home, they ALL need to come to class and you should take turns with the dog. This ensures that you are all using the same commands and hand signals and not confusing the heck out of your dog.
In most of them, they will demonstrate a command with one dog, then you all give it a try. There may be 8 dogs there or so, so you will be in a large room win a big circle, usually.