Advice please - Unsure about training class after 3 months...

This is quite long, sorry! I am trying to learn/use positive training methods, I will raise my voice if I have to but I am not a fan of forcing dog into position etc; more have lots of patience and let woofer work it out.

We've been taking Bentley to class on Saturdays since February ish. He is now 7 months and got 'promoted' to dog class from puppy class last week
The thing is, 'Dog Class' was really different and I have been quite upset ever since Saturday and I am in two minds about whether to take him again....
There were some beautiful dogs in my group; Pointer, Golden Retriever, Hungarian Visla, BC, (red?) Setter...and then my little Jack Russell.
Anyway, I have been having issues (many many issues with everything but that's another story! ) with barking, esp at other dogs The trainer took Bentley and walked him toward the VERY excitable GR and as he got right in front, he turned sharply and walked away. Bentley looked a little confused and had his ears back looking all sad. The trainer did this 3 times which wound the GR up until it barked right in Bentley's face and he ran away. He then clung to my legs as best he could for the rest of the session. I don't see how that will make him bark less?
The other thing that's made me think that maybe it isn't for us was practising 'Stay' which we haven't practised enough outside of the house and is certainly not a learned behaviour. When Bentley followed me, I was told it's because I didn't use the right tone of voice (apparently like he's put muddy paw prints on the sofa so I guess that's angry??) and that I had to lead him back to posistion and jerk the lead When I said ' he's not staying cos we haven't practised enough' he said 'this is how he'll learn, don't worry, you won't hurt him' ....
And when the Pointer wouldn't do down, he was yanked down by his owner so that his nose hit the floor The trainer even said at one point; this is negative reinforcement......

When Bentley and I got home he had a little snooze. When he woke up I tried to play with him and he wasn't bothered so I thought we'd go for a walk in the woods. He would not respond to a single command not even sit. So I chose to end the walk (kind of as a 'eat your greens, get desert' but mainly cos he ran across the road which is a bit dangerous really) He wasn't very well behaved on Sunday and I really feel like I've been on a trust building exercise all week. Is it just coincidence (puppy version of terrible twos) or do you think he was 'upset' from class?

Class is on Saturday mornings so I have Friday to decide whether or not to go back. OH is away (94 days to go ) and he doesn't really understand the positive training thing that I'm trying to introduce but said that I should do whatever I think is right. My neighbour thinks I should go again this week just to make sure but tbh I don't think I can cope with another week like the one we just had (lots of tears! Think it may have been easier to have had a baby instead!)

What do you think? Should I not go back? The guy that does the class is lovely and really likes Bentley which makes me want to go, esp for socialising as well. And the puppy class worked wonders for him, he was used as example pup a couple of times to show loose lead walking We have started to make our way through '100 ways to train the perfect dog' (amongst others) which is making me think very differently about training.
Any advice gratefully received; I am soooooo stressed about it it's unreal!

Honestly? If you're uncomfortable and your dog is unhappy, get out NOW and don't put yourself through the stress.

Recently I signed up for a new class for Dahlia and I. They used much more forceful methods than I was comfortable with (they made me drag my fearful dog into the part of the room that she was scared of, among other things). I went to the second class intending to just do positive stuff and ended up walking out after 10 minutes. It was the best decision I've made.

Recently there was a post on Dog Star Daily about this: http://www.dogstardaily.com/blogs/st...ur-dog-trainer

If reading about my experience is at all helpful, I made a post on my blog about it: http://www.dogtransports.com/2010/04...s-learned.html

YOU are the only one who can be your dog's advocate. Stand up for him if you're uncomfortable.

I am sorry I have no real advice about Training Classes as I have never used one. But I do have experience of JRT's they can be determined little characters and it is quite possible that he was fed up with training in general and just wanted a break. Which doesn't help I know when it looks like he won't do anything even sit.
I don't know if your training class are promoting ''rewards'' ie a tipbit when he has done something, but thats also a good thing if he is food orientated.

Personally I think if your upset about classes that will definately not help Bentley as dogs pick up volumes from our moods and he will pick up that your unhappy.....unhappy you will in time make him unhappy.
Are there other training classes around you where you could go, if not have you thought about speaking to your current trainer and letting them know that you find some of the methods/handling of other dogs stressful.

Personally I would tell them about my concerns if thier attitude is negative towards you then try another training class elsewhere.

All the best

AWFUL class, please dont go back

I dont have experience in this but would suggest that if you are unhappy with the class and concerned about it then it is not going to do you or your dog any good.

Is it possible to do decent training just on your own?

i wouldnt go back if i were you, if you are upset about it then it must have been horrible to have been there and on saturday it will probably be the same.

Sounds like a horrible class
Training should be fun and motivational for you and your dog
If you felt rubbish then the class IS rubbish - and sounds all wrong for any dog
You know your dog and sounds like you were v correct - if he hasnt been trained enough to 100% know what is wanted then tone of voice means nothing - infact if you get upset voice dogs often want to creep towards you for some comfort (Or in Mias case say 'well training is no fun now so stuff you - Im off to see if someone else is more fun'
Classes are great - if they are good

If not you are much better doing it yourself!

Trust your instincts.....the fact you are writing this thread speaks volumes...good luck in continuing your training with Bentley in a happy and positive way! You sound like you know what to do in your heart of hearts.

some of these dog trainers are out of touch to be honest, we walked out of ours and never went back due to constant negative advice, felt more like i had purchased a problem than a puppy, do not give up on classes though as your vets or friends as word of mouth is normally the best way. Working from a book is good but you do need to train around other dogs still as say recall for example can be great when in the back garden but it really needs to be tested in a field with temptations present (long line if needed).
I would not go back, gut feeling is nearly always right.

I wouldn't go back if I was in your shoes.

It sounds very negative. And winding other dogs up for training purposes sounds very odd.

All the training classes I have stuck with have been full of happy voices, clear commands, me quietly shrieking with joy, lots of treats and fun, wags, wiggles and smiles between me and my dog. We didn't necessarily interact with the other dogs there, but my girl learnt to trust being around other dogs and that she doesn't need to protect me from them, instead 'look at me'(the best command in the world!) and we can have fun and treats.

And the girl I took was quite a naughty, aggressive, strong willed big Akita in a small class for 'large breeds with aggressive problems' She loved it and always left with a smile and a very proud mummy. She is a lot better since the classes.

NEVER encountered any negative vibes!

I'm sure you will find a better class in your area that you are happier with