How many of you take your dogs to training classes?

[shanzee]

Just interested really. I have had dogs in the past, and not really bothered with classes. I took Shanzee to one place, but it was too chaotic and they taught the dogs by reprimanding them rather than rewarding them, so I never went back.

Now that I have Sasha puppy, I have enrolled her in a puppy / starter group at the local training group and she's doing really well. They are very encouraging and teach just by rewarding good behaviour - I can't believe the difference it has made to her behaviour already.

I decided to take her because she is a big dog (Mastiff X) and had not been well socialised, and was very strong on the lead. I hadn't expected results so quickly (5 weeks so far). I think we'll carry on to do the Good Citizen Scheme awards. has anyone done them?

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr72/themoose_album/sashaandJess.jpg

[Bessy]

If you find a good class and tutor they can be invaluable. I took my first dog every week up until he was 10 months old. His breed are known for being difficult to train and for being very timid. However through the training classes and hard work he is now a little angel who isn't timid of anything. (though there are certain traits so ingrained in his breed that its not always easy to be perfect 100% - he won't recall if there is a rabbit to chase!).

I didn't however take my second dog to classes, as I found he picked things up from watching our first dog, and follows his lead in how to socialise with other dogs. Naughty of me really, and I would use puppy classes for any new additions.

[i love dressage]

I take my dog (8 month old Cocker) to training classes. He loves them and it's great socialization. I haven't done the Citizen Scheme but I know people who have and they think it's great.

[Jessica23]

I take mine to ringcraft classes each week. Not quite the same as obedience as you are preparing the dog for showing so teaching slightly different things, but you have the same basic principles - walking nicely on a lead, behaving around other dogs, having people handle them etc etc.

[Minski&Kai]

My 2 have been going to classes for years!!! Millie my kelpi cross is in the advanced class, had her kennel club gold. And Gizmo my jack russel is in the middle class and has his kennel club silver. I really enjoy catching up on all the gossip with everyone there and the dogs absolutely love going. :D

When we got there on Monday it was cancelled because of the snow and they both had a complete paddy because they wanted to go in the catch up with their friends. :)

[kirt's mam]

I used to take my boy when we were both younger and fitter - we started out in the beginners obedience class and then we did some ringcraft (for socialisation purposes - he's a lurcher) and then we discovered agility, which we both loved.
it is definitely a case of finding a class where you feel comfortable with the methods used.
My friend shows Newfies and she does the Citizen awards with them all because they are such bigs dogs, they need to know how to behave.

[Kc Mac]

I used to take my staffie to obedience classes - was more for my socialising with like minded people!! Also did the good citizen scheme, bronze silver and gold. Did agility for a few years - competed and had great fun! Unfortunately Kc's arthritis in her wrist has worsened so we have had to stop agility.

[davidfearnley]

Max has his Citizen award, has been to obedience and is now starting agility.

Ive been to different schools and I think they are worth while as long as you find one you get on with.

The one I'm at now is run by x police dog handlers which I feel suits us - my previous one was just puppy lovers and Max didnt get on well with it.

[stormy's mum]

my lab and i did puppy class and she loved going very happy to socialize with all the other dogs. its good for dogs who like to play

[shanzee]

I'm really pleased with Sasha - we have been going to her puppy class every week since the beginning of January, and she has been getting on really well. Last night the instructor said that as she had progressed so quickly did we want to move up to the Bronze award catch up class. We stayed for that too last night, and did well, so we will be doing the assessment in 3 weeks time. We need to practice the one minute stay now - she gets a bit busy!!

[jsr]

I am a dog trainer (qualified but don't run a class) but I still always take any new dogs to classes. It give great 1 to 1 time and also concentrates my mind to have someone else giving me exercises. All my dogs are rescues and 3 of them needed alot of rehabilitating so I found taking the courses to become a trainer much easier than spending days (and alot of money) with someone else.

I always recommend that new owners taken their dogs to classes, no matter how old the dog or how experienced the owner. It's something that creates a bond and it can also be great fun. And definately any puppys should be in classes as soon as they are able, lack of socialisation creates most of the behavioural problems dogs have so it's vital for helping a pup learn. Dogs learn more off each other than we can teach them so letting a young dog mix with safe older dogs is a perfect way of teaching manners.

I use my pack to help people with dogs that haven't recieved proper socialisation. My pack is well adjusted and is perfect together and they will not tolerate a young dogs naughtiness. They are firm but not aggressive and it's quiet amazing to watch them take on a teenage thug and turn it into a polite young adult!!!:D I've only once had one dog push the limits with my pack...he tried it on with my older dog and soon learnt when the other 4 dogs shouldered him to the ground and stood over him!!