How old to stop training?

At what age do folk stop taking their dogs to obedience training or is it something you should continue indefinitely?
We've been going three times a week for two years in September and actually I never expected us to still be there! We go mainly as we enjoy it but lately a few rules have changed which means things aren't quite as relaxed as they used to be - food and toys are now banned from the play pens and this is largely due to the fact that 3 of the dogs got into a big fight and one lost part of his ear. These dogs were big dogs - great Dane, rottie and a lab. Needless to say, it frightened my little heeler to bits (and me too if im honest ) and she is now reluctant to go in with the bigger dogs and if she does, she just submits to them all. It's such a shame as she used to have such fun having a good run round and that was one of our main reasons for continuing, so she had a safe place to socialise.
Maybe it's time for a change, focus on other things? I've just started with a clicker and am slowly reading through my guide book, perhaps I should focus more on this but still take her places where I know plenty of other dogs will be so she can still socialise.
Any thoughts or ideas greatly received, thanks

I would say as long as you are enjoying it keep training - but if you are not happy find a new place to train where you can relax and have fun. Fights happen now and again - but imo if those dogs were still all in the same class together after that much damage then I wouldnt be in that class


Find a fun clicker class

How old is your dog?

If you or your dog are no longer enjoying going where you go, then maybe look around. It should be fun for both of you.

I do clicker training at home, but I also love going to agility classes as it helps keep ME focused.

I only continue going to training as long as my dog and I are enjoying it and I can afford it. But to be honest Ollie was the first dog I ever took to a training class as before I always just trained my dogs at home. I did find the classes nice for socializing in a controlled manner.

From what you have said it doesn't sound like you and your dog are still enjoying the class, and for socializing it does not sound too controlled if the fight was that bad and the same dogs are still let loose together.

Maybe try to find a new training place, if you are happy with your dogs obedience and don't want to go further with that maybe try agility or another fun club to join.

Louie is having a break as I'm taking Pennie. But once she catches up with him (which seems to be sooner than I thought) then I will be alternating between the two each week. Louie will stop going when he stops learning

I was still training Twiggy in certain things until shortly before she died at 12, but that was in specific behaviours I was experimenting with for therapy work.

I am not sure I would put any dog of mine into a playpen with other dogs....................... well actually I am sure.

Socialisation, hmmmm well depends on what you mean by socialisation etc.

My dogs are 6, 6 and 7 and yet still go to classes for various things and they will continue to do so until either me or them are can no longer do it for whatever reason (illness, old age etc).

I like the class environment and the feedback and motivation it provides me with.

We run a fun dog training class & the emphasis is definitely based on fun. We have two dogs that have been coming from the beginning a couple of years ago & their owner & the dogs still enjoy coming. We teach the basics, but then also lots of stuff that the dogs enjoy, like running to a cone touching it & going down, next time running out & going round the cone & going down or just running out to the cone & back.

Some people come long enough to solve any problems & getting what they want to have a happy pet. Some just keep coming for the fun for the dogs & a good chat with the humans

Since posting yesterday, I've found a lady in Preston who I've emailed but am awaiting her reply. She is Deborah Gornall MBIPDT, KCAI (cd), APDT(0839) ADTB, PAACT, MIACE, City & Guilds, NVQ 3 (animal care). She offers clicker training and seminars and lots of fun sounding activities like barrel rolling(?), treiball, rally and agility. Who knows, maybe we may be able to go and try something different.... Has anybody heard of this trainer? Does anyone know what she's like?

She's just two, so I know continuing training is probably not a bad thing, but you're right, we have to have fun.

I was advised when I joined that it was so the dogs could play and interact although I have heard someone say they wouldn't put their dog in that situation as they would probably guard it like it was their territory.....

Maybe I didn't make myself too clear - we do still enjoy the classes but perhaps not the "playpen" anymore. The fight was caused by a guy throwing his toy for his dog and all the other dogs wanting it, I guess it happens but that's why the toys have been banned and food too (in the pens).

I suppose that's a good enough time to stop. Do they ever stop learning though????

I think that's why I still go, I like the motivation too and the fact you can get ideas/feedback off others as well.

Sounds good and fun too

Thank you to everyone for your replies; I'm certain we will continue training - its good for both of us - I can meet new people and Bailiie can make new doggie friends and we can have fun together learning new things, hopefully.

I know of her from the KC KCAI member site, but do not know her personally, sounds as though she knows a thing or two!