What do you want from a dog training class?

[Suzanne H]

Basically the next steps after puppy training.

Obedience beyond the sit and stay, etc and tips on common but annoying problems ie pulling and jumping up

Socialisation with other dogs to learn better manners and when to be calm and be less distracted.

To train myself!

[StuartW]

I see the purpose of the class to train us owners, and to give us the means and motivation to go away and train our dogs.

Tests and certificates, etc, can be a really good motivator for people (so long as they know about them ) Others are happy just to see positive changes in the dog.

A more individual approach would be really good I think.. for example, Doogle will sit down close when told to (i.e. the finish) but he doesn't get right in close - I've lost count the number of times I've done that routine with him but unless I'm standing near a wall he leaves a small gap between himself and my left leg. I'd really rather use my time at home with him to do other things now... we've no interest in training him to show standard so what he does is fine for me (no need for tips ). With smaller classes I think this more personalised approach would work.

Something I would be interested in would be an individual training record.. similar to the training records you get in most gyms.. with a list of the training routines so the owner can tick them off when he/she is satisfied with the results.. could also be used by the trainer to more formally assess a dog's progress perhaps?

Training materials would be good too.. e.g. printed cards with specific exercises, terminology, rationale for certain commands, etc, so these can be perused any time at home... oh.. and on-line videos of the specific routines! Just one dog, one owner, one trainer, one exercise per clip. A picture is worth a thousand words..

[linsey]

yep - that's the thing about tests and dogs...

your dog is always going to be a wee bit of an unknown quantity on any given day, because they could quite easily be having a "bad day" just the same as we all do sometimes!

but if the tests are a wee bit more relaxed and better organised* than the last one, then I reckon it would be OK cos if it doesn't work out then you can just laugh it off and try again another time.


* too many dogs and having to walk in circles for ages making the dogs really agitated and the handlers really stressed and a wee bit dizzy!
_________________
Dogs are the leaders of the planet.
If you saw two living creatures, one of them does a poo and the other carries it for him, who would YOU think was in charge?
- Laurence Billi

[Suzanne H]

Good point Stuart - the sheets we got back from puppy class were good for working at home.

[Ashley]

oh yip, im with Stuart on all his points too
_________________
Ashley with Holly & Murphy.
I hope to one day be as great as my dog thinks I am right now!!

[linsey]

[Phoebe]

I think a training class should be fun in the first place, cos dogs learn much better in a positive atmosphere (the handler probably too). Further the training should always be rewarding and faults should be ignored and not punished. I prefer training with a clicker. From my point of view punishment and the use of compulsive methods shouldn't be allowed in a trainings class anyway, same as shouting at dogs.
Certificates and test are a good idea, I was very proud when Sony got hers

Well, my personally choice is, to separate agility from obedience training, cos I think it's totally different even if the basic of agility is good obedience.
Who actually joined a proper agility training once will probably feel the same (Thanks Carol ).

Printed material is always a great idea, cos especially for me it's not always easy to understand everything in class.
_________________
"It is possible to live without a dog, but it is not worth it."
Heinz Rühmann

[Phoebe]

Oh I forgot about one thing. I think toys should also be used as a reward as well as treats.
To occupy the dogs during the trainer speaks it's also nice to give them a stuffed kong.
_________________
"It is possible to live without a dog, but it is not worth it."
Heinz Rühmann

[marcella]

Phoebe, you are correct, if the handler isn't happy then the dog won't be! It's important to make sure the handler enjoys the class too.
That's why John is asking this question, he wants to know so that he can do as much as he can to ensure people are getting out of his class what they hope for.

This time around he is in complete control of how the classes will be run. He will not have to abide by the 'majority' decision of a committee.

[Phoebe]

Jep, it's a good idea to ask the people directly what they want.
_________________
"It is possible to live without a dog, but it is not worth it."
Heinz Rühmann

[Phoebe]

Oh I still forgot something...
Doing occasionally classes outdoors, where the distractions are different is a great thing to do! This way the dogs learn to behave outside the hall as well.
_________________
"It is possible to live without a dog, but it is not worth it."
Heinz Rühmann

[Susan]

I have had a good think about why I go to the classes, and I think that it is mainly because I want to have a well rounded, well behaved dog. There are two main reasons why I want to go to an obedience class in order to achieve that. Firstly, because to really enjoy being outdoors and off leash, I need to get Rufus to a stage where he will obey my commands first time. (ha, well that's the dream!) Right now if he sees another dog he is off, and there is nothing I can do to stop him. Secondly, I do like the challenge of seeing how much I can achieve with him and I think he is the kind of dog that needs to have his brain stimulated. (although I suppose all dogs are!)

I think it is important to feel that the class is friendly and welcoming (and I have felt this at puppy school and at the club nights)

I know it is only a 30 minute class, but a little bit of personal feedback really can make the difference. I am not looking for constant praise, (honest!)but I am the kind of person who worries I am doing things the wrong way, or that I am teaching Rufus irreversible bad habits, and just a word to say that I'm OK, or that I should try a different method would settle my nerves a lot!

I would like to do tests, or assessments, but not all the time, and I would like to have plenty of warning of what will be in them and when they will be. Tests are a good way for me of getting to grips with 'where we're at'!

I would love a wee spot of agility, or anything at all, just occasionally as a bit of fun and to give both dogs and owners a change.


It would also be really good if we could organise the odd talk or demo. This used to happen at my old riding school and it was always really fun, but I suppose that is a bit difficult, as it comes down to hire costs etc.

I like Pheobe's idea of going outside sometimes!

[amandawhitelaw]

i think each person takes what they want from the training classes. However i feel there should possibly be tests i know it does not motivate everyone however i feel the classes would be taken seriously. Or even allow people to opt out of the tests. Some sort of grading system. i feel there should be clear guidelines of progression. What is the aim, how do we get there and what happens next.

agility is great however i don't think it is good for all dogs. this again could be set as an option that the individual decides if they want there dog to take part.

I think having the arranged walks are a fab invention and is a good idea to promote at the classes for new comers.

[b]I think a good idea to have the last 5 to 10 mins or so of each class as a chat time. Giving the owners a chance to air views on progress, questions or anything else. I know how much i have benefited from speaking to everyone on the walks. It allows for people who

A. Don't have a computer or access to forum
B. Who don't like computers

[geri carroll]

finally getting around to posting a reply to this one
first and foremost i want a friendly club with everyone and everydog made to feel welcome
small classes will be a great help
each class should have obedience elements but also fun/games to help with bonding with your dog and lighten the atmostphere from time to time
each owner should have a set of aims as we are each trying to achieve different things with our dogs and each dog has a different personality
treats and toys should be encouraged
the trainer could supply/recommend training books or dvds if a partic owner and dog have a particular difficulty to be done as 'homework'

most of all i want a kindly and experienced trainer
looks like you will tick all the boxes john

good luck and looking forward to getting started geri

[Barry]

Well seeing as this has came back up in the recent topics i may as well add my 2p's worth. As a newcomer having not went to previous class i would hope for a few things to be incorporated at class times. Plenty of practical opportunities, not just the 'best dog' in each class constantly showing how it should be done. Without a bit of a challenge why bother, so everyone to show a certain part of what John would like us to do. A warm-up, sounds silly i know, but something to relax handlers and dogs alike, purely alcohol free i,m afraid although some weeks it could be an option lol As mentioned in previous posts, everyone will take the class and what level they would like the training of their dog to be at, totally different. I personally would like set goals, homework, things 2b trying outwith the class. Stick with certain task and once mastered then move on. The walks are great, the forum helps 2, all these aid in providing a very successful dog training school! Encouragement is going to be a key factor for most of us, and the rapport the club are building in doing the walks and such things are benefiting all handlers!
P.s A Class dog of the week every week with a wee rosette or mini trophy would be nice!? Return it each week and try to achieve it again? Am i starting to get a bit carried away???
_________________
Barry, Kylie & Jay with precious Rotti Tikka