Lasareina Posted August 27, 2013 Share Posted August 27, 2013 I took my boy Hunter to his first obedience class last night. My girl Juno is in season at the moment so she had to stay at home. Hunter was already a little anxious when we got there, as this was the first time the pups have been separated since we have had them. The dramas started when we introduced a halti for him to wear. Hunter was Not Impressed. He spent the first 10 minutes before class doing some very athletic contortions to try and get the thing off, and then climbed in my lap and hid his head under my arm for the next 10 minutes. After some initial difficulties ( first quarter of the class haha) getting him to walk at all on the halti he settled down and was going quite well by the end of the clas.. His "stays" surprised me with how good he was, but I think he may have been too miserable with the halti on to misbehave . Overall I was impressed with the class and relieved that the instructors weren't forceful or pushy... they allowed us space to try and work out our issues with the halti before rejoining the class and the general atmosphere was great. I can't wait to see how Juno goes when she is allowed to join in... Hunter is the easy, eager to please dog while Juno is a lot more independent so could be interesting. Is anyone else an absolute beginner at obedience like me? I read all these posts about all these wonderfully accomplished dogs and owners which seem light years away from my level haha. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OSoSwift Posted August 27, 2013 Share Posted August 27, 2013 Why was he given a halti straight up? Did they even get you to dry training him in his collar? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lasareina Posted August 27, 2013 Author Share Posted August 27, 2013 (edited) No they put him on the halti straight up - i think they like everyone to use either the halti or a check chain... I'm starting to think a check collar might have been the better option for him though! I think it is probably because we usually walk him etc in a harness which is apparently no good for doing corrections etc. Also the collar we have on him at the moment is a leather studded one... super cute but probably not good for training lol Edited August 27, 2013 by Lasareina Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandra777 Posted August 27, 2013 Share Posted August 27, 2013 Nothing wrong with a flat collar if it works for that dog. Pretty dodgy class IMO if the first thing is to hand out a halti - did anyone even evaluate his behaviour on a flat collar? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisey Posted August 27, 2013 Share Posted August 27, 2013 My two would carry on if I put a halti on them without getting them use to it at first too! It's a good idea to get them use to being separated from each other also. I train and walk them separately but there are times on weekends, etc. that my partner & I walk both together. But not every time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lasareina Posted August 27, 2013 Author Share Posted August 27, 2013 No it was pretty much as you signed in the sold you a halti... I didn't have an issue with this until Hunter hated it so much! I will try some short sessions during the week to see if he becomes accustomed to it otherwise I might have to see about using the check chain if flat collar not allowed. It is a 6 week obedience class - basic level. I think they assume that if you are doing this level course then your dog hasn't had any other training - maybe that is why they don't evaluate them? To be fair, he was a tad overexcited when he got there,and was ahem quite eager to meet the other dogs ... definitely not displaying his best manners :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lasareina Posted August 27, 2013 Author Share Posted August 27, 2013 hi Lisey, yeah i agree that i probably should have go them used to being separated before now ... they did pretty well I think but he is definitely calmer and more confident when they are together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minimax Posted August 27, 2013 Share Posted August 27, 2013 No it was pretty much as you signed in the sold you a halti... I didn't have an issue with this until Hunter hated it so much! I will try some short sessions during the week to see if he becomes accustomed to it otherwise I might have to see about using the check chain if flat collar not allowed. It is a 6 week obedience class - basic level. I think they assume that if you are doing this level course then your dog hasn't had any other training - maybe that is why they don't evaluate them? To be fair, he was a tad overexcited when he got there,and was ahem quite eager to meet the other dogs ... definitely not displaying his best manners :) Why would you use a check chain if he works on a flat collar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaCC Posted August 27, 2013 Share Posted August 27, 2013 I don't like the thought of putting all dogs on either a halti or a check straight up without trying a flat first, and not even training them to wear them. I used a head collar on my last dog for a time and it takes time to get them used to it. If your instructors are as nice as they sound perhaps ask if you can see how he goes on a flat first? I went to the first night of beginners obedience on Monday, it was a lecture first, pups and dogs come next Monday. We were told, she preferably wants to see all dogs come at least the first night on flat collars, but happy for you to bring martingales, front attach harnesses, or head collars if you like them and she will show people how to use them correctly after she's tried getting the dogs to work on the flat first. This is my first time doing an obedience class since early 2000s when it was all pulling and corrections on check chains. I really loved the lecture and looking forward to class, she is happy for me to continue using both clicker and toy rewards with my boy during class too :) Bonus she has split everyone in to small groups. Only 5 other dogs/pups will be in my class :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lasareina Posted August 27, 2013 Author Share Posted August 27, 2013 well the reason I am going to obedience classes is because he doesn't "work"... not as well as I want him to anyway. One of my main issues is pulling while walking :) As I mention in the topic heading , this was my first obedience class so I am about as far away from an expert in dog training as you can find haha. Hunter has basic manners and a beautiful nature but he doesn't walk well on the lead and our recall in particular is what I would describe as "half-assed". As he is already 22kg, it is getting to the point where I want to have a bit more control of my dog so HE doesn't take ME for a walk. If these people with so much more experience and knowledge recommend a halti or a check chain then I am open to the suggestion... They were very focussed on the correct usage of these tools so I am not concerned that they are encouraging harsh treatment etc. My only issue is that Hunter doesn't accept the halti yet so if this can't be resolved then I will need to look to alternatives. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lasareina Posted August 28, 2013 Author Share Posted August 28, 2013 wow Lisa that sounds like a great class...I will definitely talk to my instructors if Hunter doesn't get used to the halti during the week. He is a bit of a sook so it could be that after a few attempts he will accept it fine. I agree that in hindsight, sticking a halti on him and then expecting him to go straight into the class probably isn't the best strategy lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weasels Posted August 28, 2013 Share Posted August 28, 2013 If you condition Hunter to like the halti he will accept it more quickly than just putting it on. I used to see dogs at obedience all the time who would dive on the ground and try to rub their halti off as soon as there was a lull in class They do need to be conditioned first. Although I do agree with others that those are strange only choices, I wouldn't train if I couldn't use a flat collar. Conditioning - Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elise+Hudson Posted August 28, 2013 Share Posted August 28, 2013 Lasareina - seems like we need to find an obedience club together! (didn't realise we lived quite close!) I am going to go along to Logan and see how it is, otherwise will keep looking for other clubs that won't clash nights with agility. :) Or perhaps look at training not at a club, but maybe training with a private trainer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisey Posted August 28, 2013 Share Posted August 28, 2013 Oh now I'm reading it on the computer I can see where you attended! I found Bonnies (not the one at Durack) not to be as flexible with training methods and are pretty old school. I don't attend anymore. Elise+Hudson - what do you think a private trainer would cost for obedience lessons? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lasareina Posted August 28, 2013 Author Share Posted August 28, 2013 I was looking at going to Logan All Breeds but found a few comments which seemed a bit un-favourable whereas i came across a few which were waxing lyrical about Bonnies lol so thought I would give it a go... we are actually closer to logan all Breeds so maybe after the 6 week course we can change over if we need to. I would be glad to hear you impression of it Elise. I'm pretty sure it is all the same people as the one at the Gap Lisey if that is the one you attended? I think i would try a private trainer if I had a specific issue i needed addressed like barking etc but i am happy going to classes and socialising at the same time for basic obedience/manners... my budget isn't the sturdiest of things either so that impacts haha. Where abouts in Brisbane are you Elise? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elise+Hudson Posted August 28, 2013 Share Posted August 28, 2013 I am honestly not sure Lisey - I guess it would depend on the person :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fluff1234 Posted September 5, 2013 Share Posted September 5, 2013 (edited) I am about to try Bonnies too curently at another which is positive only. I have spoken to a few people and they recommend Bonnies highly after trying a few clubs for artic breeds, including the one I am at and didnt find it worked for their dogs as well as Bonnies... Edited September 5, 2013 by fluff1234 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lasareina Posted September 5, 2013 Author Share Posted September 5, 2013 oooh goof luck fluffy! The trainers are lovely and seem very knowledgeable. We had our second class on Tuesday and tried out the check chain instead. I think it was a better choice as we were able to pay more attention to the class and keep up without the major distraction of fighting the halti. I did find myself getting a bit frustrated as Hunter is so much more obedient and focussed at home then in the classes. We had one dog on our left who kept howling and barking to its mate down the other end of the line, and the most gorgeous fluffy husky next to us on the other side that Hunter just wanted to cuddle with haha. Plus my OH was on the sideline watching as Juno wasn't able to go again this week, and Hunter kept half an eye on him the whole time. Clearing we need to work on focus! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staff'n'Toller Posted September 5, 2013 Share Posted September 5, 2013 (edited) oooh goof luck fluffy! The trainers are lovely and seem very knowledgeable. We had our second class on Tuesday and tried out the check chain instead. I think it was a better choice as we were able to pay more attention to the class and keep up without the major distraction of fighting the halti. I did find myself getting a bit frustrated as Hunter is so much more obedient and focussed at home then in the classes. We had one dog on our left who kept howling and barking to its mate down the other end of the line, and the most gorgeous fluffy husky next to us on the other side that Hunter just wanted to cuddle with haha. Plus my OH was on the sideline watching as Juno wasn't able to go again this week, and Hunter kept half an eye on him the whole time. Clearing we need to work on focus! If they are positive focused and up-to-date they should have no problems with you stepping out of your place in line and working beside the class with your dog if you feel you need to. That way you get more attention on you and many more opportunities to reward your pup for correct behaviour. :) The best spots for you to be, in a grid formation is at the very back or on the side edge/s. That way you can take a few steps back, or a few steps out to the side for a few weeks until you feel you've got a handle on it. That's what I do if I'm working my own dogs in that sort of class. Just my two cents worth. :) Edited September 5, 2013 by Staff'n'Toller Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lasareina Posted September 5, 2013 Author Share Posted September 5, 2013 Thanks for the tips Staff'nToller - I have been sort of doing that lol ... think I might need to move out of formation completely. It's just frustrating when I know he is so much better behaved at home. I feel like our bond is a bit strained in the classes as well... Hunter and I are both big softies whereas the Instructors are very non nonsense and firm... Hunter never really looks like he is enjoying himself. I know my inexperience is as much (if not more!) the problem as the dogs ... I am also a complete gumby so getting footwork and hand signals and everything working at the right time is a challenge for me :laugh: I;m a bit special :p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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