Dog Health Questions: How can I get my dog to become less nervous during training classes?

I have a 15 month old Lhasa Apso/Maltese cross that I take to weekly dog training, along with my Yorkie (and Dad). During the class he becomes completely unresponsive and won't even react to his name. He can already do the commands (sit, stay, etc) but won't listen to me or my Dad (or anybody!) during the lesson. I know he's very nervous and by the end of the lesson his tail is down. How can I help him to become less nervous? As soon as he gets home, he's back to his normal, non catatonic self.

I've tried to say things in an exciting way to see if I can grab his attention, but that doesn't work. I'm also very patient with him, and always make sure to praise him, as I know they can sense if you're being impatient. Also, he won't respond to chicken, treats or toys when he's nervous. What can I do???

Easy Dog Training - 7 Top Tips

Recommended Answer:
Well the dog needs to be more social. Try grabbing a few friends to help you. Skip his breakfast and train him in the afternoon. This will make him hungry and be more responsive to food. Make him sit next you and have your friend stand like 5 feet in front of you as if you were just meeting this person and have the person place food in there hand and show the dog. dont let the dog move until you give the command that its ok to go fetch the food out of the hands of your friend. this will work. practice this every other day.

Find Out How To Prevent Your Dog From Becoming Too Aggressive By Using Some Dog Training Skills

• Try making a word such as "class" and saying it at home, each time you say it giving him a treat. Do this often and he will soon associate the treat with the word. Whenever you're going to class, excite him by saying the word and if he reacts positively give him more treats. when you get to the front of the building continue repeating the word and if he is reacting well then give treats.


• um.. try and be more calm with your dog. talk to it with out fear and things like that. dogs can be nervous maybe because they don't know what it's like to be around other dogs. if that's the kinda of class.. oh and sometimes the dog gets so use to it's owner. so walk your dog many more. also the reason it might be nervous is because it's young. but idk that. if there alittle bit older. just work around them they'll get it sooner or later.


• Hm.
  
  Maybe try taking things step by step? Try to see if you have friends with dogs that you can take him over to. Try getting him used to having new dogs around by slowly introducing unfamiliar ones around him. Allow the dogs to sniff each other, being careful of aggression. If your dog is too uncomfortable, you can try again later but don't push him.
  
  Try getting a clicker or a whistle and get him to respond to you once he is past introductions. When (if) he does, pet him and praise him, along with giving him a treat. If it doesn't work the first time, keep trying at it.
  
  That's just what I'd try to do personally.


• yeah, i've the same problem as you do,
  but since i get dog personal trainer,
  i don't have any problem again with that.
  source :
  www.training-dog.co.cc