How well did they help you and your dog?
If you had to do it over again would you?
What are some of the methods they teach you and your dog?
They are recommending with my dog that I take the beginner class. Where I'm not exactly sure that will help as my dog already knows the basic "sit, stay, no, lay down, and quiet" commands, but it can never hurt to relearn the basics.
The reason why I am thinking of these classes is because he's a hyper active dog who refuses to listen to instructions when he's excited (I'm sure many people have this problem). He's well fed, well exersized, and gets plenty of attention. The biggest problems we have with him are:
~Doesn't listen when excited, constantly excited.
~Barks for no reason and continues barking after being told not to.
~Bullies his way through doorways taking out anyone in his path (hallway doors, outside doors)
~Chews on the cats (never in a harmful manner always playful but being a large dog he could possibly hurt them at any time)
~Plays aggressively with the older dog when she doesn't want to (she generally can put him in his place when she doesn't want to play though)
~Always eats as though he's never seen food before despite the different methods we've tried to get him to slow down (vet said he may not stop this until old age though no matter what we do)
~Constantly pushes his limits example: when we tell him to lay down he will scoot on the floor forward constantly until caught and told to stay, or waits for you to look away and gets right back up again.
~Always at the back of your legs whenever you stand up and walk through a room, nosing at the back of your knees and has caused people to fall down before.
~Extremely agressive towards ALL other dogs intimidating them (not in a playful way) It seems like he trying to prove something, charging at them, barking, showing his teeth, trying to corner them.
We have tried:
Krate training
Muzzle
Ignore bad behavior method
Constant attention method
Dog massage method
Distraction with toys method
Petsmart is offering an 8 week class for $109.00 that we can come back to for refreshers anytime we want to for free.
Those who have taken this class before do you think it will help considering the quirks that this dog has? Do you think that maybe I should go for something a little more strict? If anyone else has a dog like mine and has tried these classes what are your experiences?
Any help that could be given would be great!! thank you in advance!
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First, We have taken the beginner class with our 2 Goldens. The trainer was very good and knowledgeable. She did recommend, however that it prolly wouldn't hurt to take it again separately as our dogs, the male especially, suffers separation anxiety when not in the company/line of site of the other. But overall we were fairly satisfied with the class. I'm not entirely sure that the beginner class is what you need though. I'm thinking Canine Good Citizen training might be the better way to go. Just a thought
That always at the back of your legs? My Aussie Cattle Dog/Terrier mix used to do that a lot. I think it was her way of herding me. lol
The majority of the issues your describing sound like your dog does not see you as the pack leader. I suggest even more exercise for starters.
Good luck.You don't say what kind of dog you have. Have you thought of having him wear a doggie back pack when your husband takes him running? The feeling of having a job to do while he's exercising might help some.
I'm still thinking that the Citizenship training might be the best thing for him. Or even obstacle course traing. Just some more thoughts.
Oh! Congratulations on the upcomming blessed event. You are certainly going to have your hands full!
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- Before signing up for classes at pet Smart I would ask what the trainer credentials are. I have stood and watched some of those trainers and they don't know squat. I think they will hire just about anybody.
- I have a small dog that is somewhat hyper as well. She jumps alot and barks alot. We completed the beginners class (8 weeks as you stated) and she did learn the basics. I believe if we would have continued the training process that she would have benefited from the classes. She is more manageable now, and we are able to "get her to pay attention."
I recommend the classes and they are reasonable. - I have a dog that took the beginner class and a dog that took all of the obedience classes (beginner, intermediate, advanced).
I LOVE their classes. It is fun for you and your dog. The trainers are very knowledgeable, and really want to help you and your dog. I would do it all over again because that is how much it works. You can ask all your questions when you sign up for the class. They also have a private lesson where you can work alone with the trainer on things you think the dog needs to know. Like you said he knows all the commands, but still barks a lot, then they can teach him how to be quiet and stop.
I really think you should give it a try. It is great socialization for your dog, and you learn how to be closer to your dog and how to be in control. Also, at any Petsmart store, if you aren't satisfied, you can re-take the class for free! - We just finished with beginner and intermediate classes at Petsmart. We have a 65 pound 4-year-old dog. She had issues with excessive barking, jumping on people, listening only when she wanted to, ignoring us when called, taking items off countertops, chasing/tackling our cat, and FAR too much energy. In addition, I couldn't walk her as she pulled too much. In short, she was driving me crazy.
The beginner class will focus on the building block commands: leave it, sit, come, stay, take it, drop it, lie down, etc. In addition,
the instructor will speak about grooming, diet, etc. The classes are largely shaped by the challenges of the people/dogs in the class.
The intermediate class builds on the beginner class by adding upon the 3 D's distractions, distance and duration. An example of the 3 D's is having our dog come to us in a busy store with treats/toys littered along her path...she responded to come, leave it and drop it. We never would have thought this possible a few months ago. It is a HUGE improvement.
The training occurs as group training in the middle of the store. I was dubious of this at first, but it actually helped with the training of our dog. If we did well in that busy setting, we were able to do well in a busy park and it was easy at home.
Our dog proved that the saying that 'you cannot teach an old dog new tricks' was wrong. The training has taught us how to better understand our dog and to work with her so that she is MUCH better behaved. It was a journey for both me and my dog. You have to learn the commands and be consistent with them. Our dog thought learning these commands was a fun game and she did well. The training has bought me closer to my dog. - A: Yes, I've used them.. (I actually got beginner for free because I work there).. I was given a one year old schnauzer from a breeder who NEVER socialized or trained the dog in any way.. (aside from being around dogs, as he was kept in a run for the year with other dogs).. I could not get him to listen to anything.. or go near ANYONE.. he didn't even take treats the first two weeks.. With him, the beginner class did wonders, he is getting MUCH better around people, does EVERYTHING we were taught.. listens for the most part.. (well, I have 3 other dogs pushing him around when he is trying to do a sit/stay.. but he trys)
B. Actually, I am doing it again, I am starting his intermediate this week.. (and I do have to pay for this one)..
C. In your situation.. I think a private class would be better, .. did you have a counciltation with a trainer with the dog present?.. (I know at our store we do those for free.. takes about 15 minutes)..
I think it WILL help, but some of those issues are beyond the beginner class.. (as for the food.. look up the "brake-fast" bowl or something similar.. it is designed for dogs who eat too fast.. makes them work to get it out.)
The dog aggression MIGHT be an issue.. especially if you have a crowded class.. (with only one other dog it might not be a problem, but if there are 5 or more.. dealing with your dog might cause a problem for the other's in the class)..
I know it won't hurt, and our trainers deal with these situations well.. not sure about your local store however.. Oh, and I see you said a muzzle helps.. have you tried the halti/gentle leader?.. it goes around the head, so if they try to lunge, or pull their head comes back towards you.. making them focus on you.. I have seen how wonderful these can be.. I am a cashier so I've had customers who come back in and let me know it worked for them.. .. - I used to work at petsmart and i've seen many many people go through this training. i'd definitely recommend it because i think it's a great program.
I've never personally taken my dog to the class but i've met many people there who say they love it.
they only thing i'd say is that these classes only really work if you're persistent. You'd have to continue with the training even outside the class and when the class end.
Most of the trainers there love helping you and your pets so if you're pet need extra help simply asking for it can lead to extra training for free just because the trainers really want to help.
you're pretty much guaranteed to be satisfied and have a well behaved pet on your hands. - your question was way too long. I didnt even read it.
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