Miss Ruger attended her first obedience class last evening. She was very well behaved. Of course with 18 dogs in the room of varying sizes and temperaments, it wouldn't take much to look average.We learned some basics about who's in charge and I like the idea of holding her at the door to let us through first, rather than bolting through the door. Before coming into the classroom, or leaving, the dog must sit and wait for the command to go through the door. It worked there, but not at home yet. She does great with sit, down, but not stay, or come or off. She jumps on us less than before, but at first contact she gets excited and wants to jump. My biggest frustration is being outside and she leaves our property but won't return when I call. My biggest wish would be to train her to stay on our yard and come when I call.
There is one treat she really likes so much but she cannot wait for. She gets so excited and darn near takes my hand off when I offer it. It is a chicken jerky product that looks like something I can make in the dehydrater. I'm not sure how I'd keep it fresh though, but could refridgerate it I guess. But I simply cannot rely on this for training. We found an Old Roy brand meat snack that works really well. You just have to have a nice treat that they will work for, but not go crazy for.
I loved the idea of using the snack to lure the dog into the sit or down position, and letting them nibble while you want them to stay there, only giving up the snack when you want to release her.
I do not want to be one of those owners who can't control my dog, or get pulled behind the dog that will not heel. Right now, that's how it is, and neither she nor I are happy with it.
Ethan and I go to class together. I'm hoping we can teach the techniques to Brady and Dad. Everyone has to be on the same page. I did not realize that the choke collar had to be put on only one way. Who would have known? We learned to use her name only when giving two commands (come and heel). But the instructor said you want the dog to recognize their name used at times that something is important or could be a safety issue. Not to mention that in situations where you heel and come, there are likely to be other dogs and owners who yell Come/Heel such as a dog park. Your dog needs to recognize when you are talking to him specifically. I think there was more to this, but did not figure it out. So many dogs were whining, barking, etc, it was hard to hear all of the instructions. Some of the breeds of dogs we saw were two german shepards, a pit bull, a bishon, pug, border collie, a border collie/corgie mix, a golden retriever, black lab, cocker spaniel, a baby st. Bernard, a yorkie mix and two papillions and two or three I could not tell what they were. About 5 were rescued dogs which was great.
One rule...no aggressive dogs. If teeth are bared, or trying to bite, they cannot come to class. I was worried when Ruger's hair stood up on the back of her neck outside when we saw her first classmate. Eighteen dogs in one small room, though will make anyone uncomfortable. One beautiful but nervous large black lab did not make it through the class. I was sorry to see him go, he really needed it more than anyone.Looking forward to next week when Ruger's brother Joe comes with.
