We're going to Obedience School!

[MH<3dogs]

So I finally found an Obedience school that isn't a million miles away from where I live. They charge $95 for a 7 week session. Here's their website Index2.htm

Sad part is I missed this session so we will have to wait until August. Which is okay with me since I don't have the extra money laying around right now because I just paid off one of my school loans.

I've been training Hannah on my own at home but want some professional help since distractions are a big issue for us. She totally loses focus and I just can't seem to get it back. If you saw us in public you would think I never spent a second training her at all.

I am a little nervous though. I emailed the school and explained my situation they seem to be positive that she will do well in a group setting instead of private classes. Which is obvious but I still have this fear that we are just going to look like fools. Which is another good reason to wait until August since I need to get this fear out of my head! As long as the class times stay the same I'm going to go for the night classes so I can burn off some of her energy before class.

If any one would like to give me their own experiences or any advice it with be greatly appreciated.

 

[StillandSilent]

As someone who had the absolute WORST dog in a 7 dog class (spastic, DA, knew nothing, peed on the trainer- you name it, he did it) I wouldn't worry too much. Yes, Perry humiliated me for the first three weeks, but the other owners were so supportive and nice, and they were almost as pleased as I was for him at graduation. Just remember, if the other people weren't having problems also, they wouldn't be in class.
That said, I think I got Argon into "Fiesty Fido" class for dogs with DA/DR, and I'm hoping he doesn't embarass me either! :lol-sign: It's natural to worry about your dog being the worst, but she probably won't be.

 

[MH<3dogs]

I guess it doesn't help that I just watched Marley and Me. I swear Hannah is some how related to that dog! :rofl1:

Thanks for the reassurance StillandSilent.

 

[Kayla]

I'm sure you and Hannah will have a blast at class Just remember that your here for you and Hannah, celebrate your success and remind yourself of them during a set back.

I was also an owner of the "worst behaved dog" in class when Duke was a puppy. I now teach at this school and Duke comes along with me as my demo dog!

Keep us posted

Kayla

 

[MH<3dogs]

Thanks Kayla!

The class is for dogs 6 months and older. I'm curious to see how many of them are under a year. Hannah is 1.5 years old.

I really do hope we have a blast and don't get kicked out! I'm hoping to get her into agility some day. We will have to complete at least 14 weeks of obedience training at this club before we can go any where near agility equipment.

 

[CaliTerp07]

We had several Marley-type dogs in my obedience class. Everyone was really patient and encouraging--anyone who's ever spent time around dogs knows that dogs don't come perfectly trained!

We had one or two puppies in the class, but most were actually 2 years old or so. People adopted dogs and signed them straight up for obedience school!

 

[corgipower]

My first time with training classes was with Ares. He was unfocused, handler aggressive, and I felt miles behind everyone else. Five weeks into classes, everyone could do basic heeling with their dog (or close approximations to heeling). Ares however insisted on walking on the wrong side of me. WOW! I was embarassed. A week later, Ares was the best heeling dog in class.

Ares is now retired after getting a CDX title, several first places and scores consistently in the mid to upper 190's. He also was my demo dog when I was teaching.

Just remember that you're there for you and your dog to learn and to have fun. And remember to breath .

 

[Kayla]

And remember to breath .

^^^^^ Very useful.

 

[germanshepardguy]

thats a good price for it.

 

[MH<3dogs]

Thanks everyone!

Corgipower that's what I tell all the customers that come riding at the barn I work at. Hopefully I can take my own advice.

Its an awesome price!

 

[corgipower]

Corgipower that's what I tell all the customers that come riding at the barn I work at. Hopefully I can take my own advice.

LOL! Must be a horsey thing. I was always being reminded to breathe when I was riding.

 

[MH<3dogs]

So the community college offers summer courses and I was looking to see if there was anything good. They have obedience training! It is for 7 weeks and the cost is $75

Think I should try it? It starts in July. It's awesome that it is cheaper but I'm kind of leery and its only 10 minutes up the road. Any one else's community college offer dog training?