Elaine I'm glad it went well for you today. I have to say I thought the trainer was a nice guy....BUT
The fact that he didn't think he should be assessing her seperately given the problems you have outlined on here, causes me more, not less concern. She has nipped 2 strangers and therefore needs work on that and on being out and about. He can't possibly see that in a class situation on a field where is 'teaching' 20+people. It's impossible. From what I saw of the dog aggressive dog yesterday, the handler was given absolutely no extra support or help in the class situation and was left to manage a lunging dog on her own (a dog that was only on a slip lead....) Whilst he spoke to you at the start of the class (which he does with all newbies for those that don't know the class...)it is during the class that is important for interaction between the trainers and handlers IMO.

20+people in a class, with just one trainer...is just far too many IME people need a ratio of 1 to 4 or 1 to 5 in order to get anything decent from it. There is a difference between managing a class and teaching a class and the dogs/handlers.

Yes, he could have made money from you by coming out to you....but look at how much money he made in an hour today for doing really very little. As I say Elaine I am pleased that you feel it benefitted you all today that's great. I think he seems a great, caring man...I just feel that classes like this are not particularly beneficial. I wonder how many different types of classes you've been to that are smaller and more reward based, with fewer numbers and more support?

I am genuinely chuffed though that you felt it helped today and that you feel it will help to improve things with Poppy. I can only comment on what I saw and how it compares to other classes I've participated in. I was saddened yesterday if I'm honest as I was quite excited about going...
I am pleased it helped you, everyone is different, every dog is different...every handler/dog relationship is different and what is great for one person isn't for another. Hopefully poppy will go from strength to strength for you.

Now that would be a class worth going to

It was. Which is what I mean when I say I have been spoilt. In my first lot of classes (pet ones) there were 2 trainers and one helper to a class of 8...... In my assistance dog puppy classes there were 2/3 professionals plus a helper normally and 10/12 pups.....but the puppy handlers were all pretty experienced. Go an incredible amount of support and one to one assistance there as well. If more than 12 turned up the class was split.

Yes you have been very lucky.
We have recently moved from lower class with trainer and two helpers and 8 dogs to next class with 14 dogs and one trainer. I can't decide whether to carry on or to opt for 1-to-1 training instead. I know a very good trainer nearby. But as I said it is useful for my dog to learn that she can be outside with other dogs and still listen to me.

I suppose it depends on the other dogs in the class and the other handlers...and how you and your dogs respond to that. With only one trainer it is very hard to give immediate one to one help if people need it.
I think you also have to think about why you are going to classes. If it is just to get your dog to focus on you,could that be done in the park for lots less money?
Puppy classes of course can be vital...but then if you are confident in training and socialising your dog yourself do you need extra help with training regularly?
I don't know your circumstances at all, but if you are not feeling happy with the class change and numbers then perhaps it is time to move on? If your dog is well behaved and you are happy to continue the training you may not need 1 to 1.


I have realised I want to have fun training my dog. I don't want a dog that walks to heel all the time and does a distant down stay for no reason other than I can get him to do it. I want a happy companion who knows his manners and who I can take anywhere. BUT I also like being out with other dogs and other dog people....having fun and I suppose that is what I am looking for out of a class...which I certainly didn't get yesterday.

It's hard....

Didn't think so
Know exactly what you mean ...

Ailsa, there is a high probability that your son knows more than the adult trainers at this class

A friend of mine once raced after a gundog trainer who was going to "correct" her dog (flatcoat) by shaking him by the jowls when he "ran in" - a common method apparently but she was having none of it. I think everyone was really surprised at the way she showed she was no way going to take this treatment of her boy! Later she was showing them how to target to hand - tee hee! I think they all kind of respected her after that.

Great, that's the main thing, that he was Ok
I think she should give up her day job.....LOL....and just do dog classes myself

Yes!! Yes, yes, yes! I think every dog owner deserves a good well run class - OK even in the best of classes things may go a bit awry due to the fact we are working with living animals (the owners as well as the dogs, LOL ) but on the whole every dog and owner should feel welcome, comfortable pretty much (allowing for natural shyness, personality etc) and trusting of the trainer to do the best for their own particular dog and situation. IMO! Anything less is just plain wrong these days.

I personally feel that there are many owners (and dogs) who are being short changed because they simply don't know anything different. And really good classes are not that common.

Wys
xx

I think you are right about my son Wys....he has grown up listening to me rabbit on endlessly.....

Yes...a certain lady has said she doesn't have time for more classes, so I agree it's time for her to give up the day job!!! Mind you at the same time there is the idea floating that some like minded dog people assemble from time to time to do fun stuff with dogs... I shall have to harrass her further!

You are again totally right....great classes are in the minority it would seem. I have seen a lot in the last year...and yes, I have been totally spoilt with the classes that I have attended. They have set an exceptionally high benchmark for quality and anything less..well I just don't want to go. I want to have fun and I want Cosmo to have fun and I want it to be an environment where I feel safe enough to let my son handle Cosmo and enjoy it. I did with you know who and it was actually requested by her partner in crime that my son go back because she was impressed with his approach.
I totally agree that there are a lot of dog owners out there being short changed. Such a shame...as people want to have fun with well behaved dogs.

I used to do competition obedience with my previous dogs many years ago ... before other things in life took over! So I thought perhaps I might like to join a club to do this again.
Getting my dog to focus in the park when there are other dogs running and playing is virtually impossible except at a distance. Working her with dogs close by but under control is a step on the way to getting her attention away from other dogs.
I had been very pleased with the training and it was a disappointment to find it was different in the higher class.

Could you perhaps talk to the trainers and express your concerns?
Is it an APDT class?
Perhaps there is one in your area that would be better for now?

No it isn't an APDT class. There are a couple of training classes somewhat further away that I am checking out at the moment and there is a very good APDT trainer that I know so could get 1-to-1 sessions if I wish.
To be truthful I am wondering if I want to go down the competition obedience road just now. I have my hands full working on her recall with other dogs around. I almost dare not say it but there is a bit of improvement this last week in that she will come back if the other dog stops running around whereas before she would just hover out of reach. Thank goodness for pigs ears! I cut them into bits and she loves them!