Anna Westhoff
No one wore a cap or gown, but Pippi graduated from her basic training class this week.
Actually, going into the final session of the eight-week course, I wasn't entirely satisfied with Pippi's progress. Sure, she could sit and wait, but that was about it. When it came to going "down" onto her belly as commanded, she would only do so if there were treats involved, and even then she didn't do it very quickly. As far as getting her to "drop," forget about it. When she had a toy or a forbidden food item between her jaws, there was just no getting it out.
But then, lo and behold, things started to come together during the last class. We had a substitute instructor who helped me try out a new technique to get Pippi to go down. I held the treat in my hand, palm down, as I always do. But instead of bringing the treat all the way to the floor, I simply placed my palm at her eye level, and waited for her to do the command. I waited and waited, and finally she went down and I gave her the treat. Then, I tried doing it without the goodie in the hand, and, amazingly, she obeyed immediately.
The assistant instructor also taught us a new technique for "drop." While playing with Pippi using a rope, the instructor held it at its ends when he wanted her to tug at it. When it was time for her to let it go, he moved his hands so they were on either side of her mouth. He told her to drop and, as if by magic, she dropped. Now I just have to learn to do it myself; I'm a little nervous she's going to nip me.
It was nice to see Pippi's progress, but according to the instructors, we needn't have been so surprised. It's quite common, they said, for dogs to "put it all together" at the end of training.
Now the question is whether we should enroll her in an advanced class. We'd like to get her to learn to walk on the leash properly without making a mad dash every time she sees a squirrel or rabbit.
Tell us, readers, about your own dogs' success (or lack thereof) in training classes. Should we enroll Pippi in a more advanced course, or should we save our money and just attempt to teach her these things ourselves?
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My first Schnauzer, Chenny, LOVED going to class. She LOVED all the dogs and other trainers. She'd sit beside me, wiggling and looking this way, leaning out to look the other way to watch what was going on. When it came time to sit and stay in a line while owners walked several feet away she entertained everyone. The instructor would tell the first person in the line, "Call your dog." The person would call his dog and Chenny would make a mad dash to respond to that person too, sitting perfectly straight in front of the person right next to the correct dog. "Place Chenny back in the line." Back Chenny would go with wiggles and kisses for me at my command to "STAY." "Call your dog" would come the command to the second in line. Chenny would respond immediately. "Place Chenny back in line." This would go on until Chenny would be the last dog sitting. "Call Chenny." "Chenny! Come!" Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle. "Chenny! Come!" She had every one in hysterics. She also would melt into wiggle and kisses when the instructor did her "exam" by running her hands down Chenny's back and over her side. Chenny failed the "exam" at graduation by lying down and rolling over on her back, so she didn't get her diploma. We were invited back for the next beginners class and back we went. She did really well all through the class, even with the sit/stay and exam only shuddering in ecstasy and losing a few points. Come graduation everyone was on pins and needles for her. We drew the last straw. Six dogs went through their paces and then it was Chenny's turn. She performed like a pro even on the exam. Everyone cheered. But she didn't get her diploma. It never occurred to me to walk her before her turn. When I took her off leash during the exam, she shot off two feet to relieve herself returning immediately to my side, however, an automatic "O." Still I cherish the memory of her love of those classes. They were a joy.
I took my chihuahua, Casanova, all the way through from beginning to Advance and he passed his Canine Good Citizenship Test with flying colors. I started taking him as a puppy and he still has trouble with "down" vs "sit"...he does whatever feels comfortable at the time, but he stays like a charm. I, as his Alpha, need to stay on top of him when it comes to strangers...he doesn't get exposed to many and when he does he wants to protect me...the growling and barking is a no-no. So we are working on that to get him back in the groove of sitting and accepting petting from friendly strangers.
I loved seeing the little dogs perform at class. One poodle was so small you could barely see her over the tall grass. Just a leash moving. LOL Chenny finally got her sit/stay down pretty darned good. Went camping in the mountains above the desert. Went down into town for supplies. Couldn't leave her in the car. I asked the lady in the small store if I could place her inside by the door. She said yes. I put her there and told her to stay. When I walked passed the end of an isle I'd look and she'd be stretching her neck and leaning sideways to follow my progress. When I checked out the lady said she was welcomed any time she was so good. She traveled thousands of miles with us never had a moment's problem. I highly recommend classes. I laugh, however, that they are called dog training classes. It's the owner who is trained, the dog's learning is a bonus.
"Now the question is whether we should enroll her in an advanced class. We'd like to get her to learn to walk on the leash properly without making a mad dash every time she sees a squirrel or rabbit."
I have a Pointer/Bull Terrier mix that does that SAME thing!! I swear if it weren't for those Deer that come right up to our door at night she wouldn't dart out the door every now and then, nose to the ground completely engulfed in finding that.... rodent. lol I use a Halty/Gentle Lead on her for almost 2 years now and she still cannot walk without pulling. With the Halty on she will walk right next to me where I can allow slack of an L on the leash as it should be. After reading your stories though... I think I am going to enroll her and my 8 months old APBT in classes. Thanks for sharing!