I wouldn't choose to have my dog in that class at this particular time with the situation as described. I don't think you are worrying unneccesarily. Trust your instincts.
Obedience class with a bunch of reactive dogs...
I like to enroll in obedience classes so I am more accountable to work on training and have a good place to work my dog around new people and dogs. Our current class, however, has me a little concerned. The class is a bit large and about 2/3 of the class is very reactive. Whats worse is the majority of the owners are clueless and just frightened of their dogs.
My pup is only 6 months old and very sweet natured and sensitive. It seems a little stressful for her. I am concerned that, perhaps, I shouldn't subject her to such an environment? Not only is she an impressionable and sensitive little puppy, but in the last week I think she has entered her second fear phase and isn't real confident with things. I am also concerned because she tends to copy everything my older Doberman does. I dont want her to think this is how dogs are supposed to behave.
am I worrying too much?
My pup is only 6 months old and very sweet natured and sensitive. It seems a little stressful for her. I am concerned that, perhaps, I shouldn't subject her to such an environment? Not only is she an impressionable and sensitive little puppy, but in the last week I think she has entered her second fear phase and isn't real confident with things. I am also concerned because she tends to copy everything my older Doberman does. I dont want her to think this is how dogs are supposed to behave.
am I worrying too much?
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What you have described worries me.
I dont think that a training class should be large, esp with puppies. If the dogs are all that reactive, then the trainer is not doing their job. (If its a large class with a bunch of dogs, there is no way for them to do their job properly)
This sounds almost like one of those Petsmart or Petco "training classes". I've helped "correct" the poor skills resulting from those classes, including pups that ended up fearful from all the chaos, or thinking that training time was romper room. Puppies end up confused and owners frustrated, and THAT is a terrible combination!
I would have to pull out, and hope for a refund or a transfer to a smaller class more suitable to your needs.
I dont think that a training class should be large, esp with puppies. If the dogs are all that reactive, then the trainer is not doing their job. (If its a large class with a bunch of dogs, there is no way for them to do their job properly)
This sounds almost like one of those Petsmart or Petco "training classes". I've helped "correct" the poor skills resulting from those classes, including pups that ended up fearful from all the chaos, or thinking that training time was romper room. Puppies end up confused and owners frustrated, and THAT is a terrible combination!
I would have to pull out, and hope for a refund or a transfer to a smaller class more suitable to your needs.
What you have described worries me.
I dont think that a training class should be large, esp with puppies. If the dogs are all that reactive, then the trainer is not doing their job. (If its a large class with a bunch of dogs, there is no way for them to do their job properly)
This sounds almost like one of those Petsmart or Petco "training classes". I've helped "correct" the poor skills resulting from those classes, including pups that ended up fearful from all the chaos, or thinking that training time was romper room. Puppies end up confused and owners frustrated, and THAT is a terrible combination!
I would have to pull out, and hope for a refund or a transfer to a smaller class more suitable to your needs.
The class would be manageable if it didn't have a bunch of dogs who wanted to eat each other. The trainer was not aware that he would have so many reactive dogs. He was expecting 2, but inexperienced owners dont always explain things, well, on training applications.
The class is taught by a very skilled trainer who specializes in aggressive cases. He has a laundry list of qualifications. This gentleman is by no means petco quality and is very capable, but with so many "problem dogs" there is no way to stay on top of it all. I could see the pained look on his face as he tried to split his attention between all of them.
There is no concern as to losing money because he doesnt charge me. (we have known each other for the last 10 years and he knows I am just using him for location and distractions. lol )
IMHO the emphasis on group classes is a bit over-rated. It is possible to train a sound and well behaved, confident dog through "home schooling" that is tailored presicely to their needs at a particular time. Especially in a breed as sensitive and willing to work breed as a dobermann. Socialisation can be successfully introudced in controlled and optimal manner at a later date when the dog is more mature and confident.
I'm not saying group classes are a bad thing...but they are to a degree a one size fits all situation and dobes thrive with individual attention. The occasional outstanding group class can be a rewarding and beneficial thing...but a less than ideal class can create some obstacles that require more work to 're-set'. Being flexible in training opportunities is (again IMHO) just as important as consistency.
I'm not saying group classes are a bad thing...but they are to a degree a one size fits all situation and dobes thrive with individual attention. The occasional outstanding group class can be a rewarding and beneficial thing...but a less than ideal class can create some obstacles that require more work to 're-set'. Being flexible in training opportunities is (again IMHO) just as important as consistency.
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