Obedience class

I decided to take Blue for a refresher course of Obedience as when our pup comes I have heard that training can slip a little for the older dog and wanted to keep on top of things and also thought that it will be great to just have some Blue and me time

Anyway we went for the first time last night and we were all in our line and I was right next to a dog aggressive staffordshire bull terrior who kept going for any dog that caught his eye!

He was wearing a harness with lead and a lead that went around his nose which his handler had hold of too, but the dog was so strong that when it lunged at another the lead on it's nose came right off!!! it was all very scarey and I felt so tense next to this dog that I didn't really enjoy the class But being my first time there I didn't want to make a fuss

Now I know that this dog needs to be socialised in order for it to get over this aggression and I've no problem with that, but would you agree with me that this dog should at least wear a muzzle for the saftey of others??????

If the dog is that dangerous then it should be muzzled. But on the other hand being muzzled might make it worse (although it cant bite). I have to muzzle Star when I go to the vet and sometimes is makes her more stressed. Its a catch 22 situation. I have been in it with Star with the vet

How many dogs are in the class

Hi Carole

There were ten dogs including mine in the class

This dog really shouldn't be in an obedience class and certainly not lined up so close to the other dogs. It needs work on an individual level and perhaps a rehabilitation class.

Thats just what I was going to suggest one on one or a smaller class for problem dogs.

hi Justpetdogs!

Yes I agree - also, I think if I was there I'd have moved away as I wouldn't oput Rocky at Risk - I'm so cheeky... remb I took Rocky to the vets a few days ago? well as soon as we got in the waiting room a medium sized 'girl' dog went fro Rocky (he was good as gold tho) I took him to the side and said quite loudly to him " shes a nasty betty isnt she" I bet her owner wanted to kill me! lol

Dog classes and being in the vet brings out the worst in some dogs.

Yes I agree with you that I think this dog should not have been there and so I've decided to change classes - I dont think my heart could have stood another lesson!!!!!!

Azz - I only wish I could be more like you and speak up for myself and for Blue but I'm just not like that and I feel quite guilty now that I put Blue in a position where he could have been hurt!!!!

I'm doing the right thing by him now though and hopefully I'll have better luck at the next class. We have our induction tomorrow so I'll let you all know how we get on

Thankyou for your replys

In a class situation, it's not really the owner's fault that the dog was lunging out. Ultimately, it is the instructor's responsibility to ensure that all dogs and humans are physically safe and mentally/emotionally unstressed. And I hope that instructor has some decent insurance.

I would have a quiet word with the trainer before the next class on the phone or ask to meet in person, and say firmly you do not feel at ease and more important you WILL NOT put your dog at risk!
Then see what happens if there is no improvment then leave the class and find another.

You are going to Obedience, to improve your relationship with your dog as much as anyhting you say in your post and you have a puppy coming the last thing you want is your Dog getting stressed or "peed off" at another dog do you.

Karen ( who is not backward in coming forward where my dog is concerned)