Hi there,

Just wanted some ideas/opinions on obedience training.
Our Mini schnauzer is not causing us too many worries or problems,
just the usual mischief of a 13 week old puppy.
But we were wondering if it would be beneficial to also take up
training classes, the type where we attend together for an hour or so.
Has anyone been to these? What were your findings?
It would be more for socialisation for Rufus and a little help for us more than
anything.
Also anyone know of anywhere in greater manchester/bolton area?
Love to hear your stories...like I say no specific probs, just wondering if
they are worth it?
Thanks, Louise
ps this site is fab!

Classes are great fun - and unless you are an experienced handler - they are really for training the owner to train the dog. A good social event as well - be prepared to make a fool of yourself and have a great time. Lots of people keep going even if their dog is very well trained :) :)

Daisy

Louise

When I got my akita I first went to puppy socialisation classes from 1st jab onwards for about 5 weeks. Get's puppy used to other dogs - great success and was run by my local vet. Then at about 4 months took her to obedience training for 6 weeks - would say that she didn't learn masses but I did. The trick is to continue doing the training even when you are not at the classes, but bear in mind your dogs boredom threshold. Akitas have a very low boredom threshold so if you do too much you don't achieve much and can even go backwards.

The lab I have is a different matter - so wants to please that you can keep on and on and she never gets bored (just tired as she is only 11 weeks old!)

Do you know Bernadette ?Stoneham of the Paran Ibizan Hounds. she lives in Bristol and excersises her Ibizans in Oldbury Estae country Park (Frenchay/fishponds/downend borders). It is a large enough place that the dogs can have freedom in relative safety, though she did loose her young male and his sister by making the mistake of letting them run together, an she had not long had him back, so had not trained him as a pup. All us local walkers spent a morning co-ordinating sightings. Mostly she has not too much trouble with letting them off lead in such a big place.

definitely Louise - whether you just do pet obedience or go for the competition , I feel that either is beneficial for both you and your dog. Good socialisation, your pup will meet all types of dogs and people. But like everything in life - there are good and bad ones. Have a look at this site Louise, the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, click on Members Index and have a look for a club in your area: http://www.apdt.co.uk and also your vet may have a list of clubs in your area. Go along a watch first, you can usually get a feel for the place, if the owners and dogs are happy, if the training methods use suit you, and also whether the club teaches to competition level, some are just for pet training and it depends on what you are looking for. You'll get hooked I warn you! enjoy it! Julie:)

My freind an expeienced obedience competitor for 30 pkus years runs pet obedience classes, with thelast class for those competing or aiming to compete. The classes are helf at Grove Hall, Charlton Road, Bristol BS15, at the junction of Lodge Causeway. Kingswood/Fishponds/Speedwell border.

I have also seen a Ibizan doing Obedience at on the Exemption show Circuit around Bristol, and he works with great enthusiasm, and his stays are good.

Hello,

I would just like to say that you should not feed your dog as many treats as you do because he thinks this is everyday food and will not seem like a reward for when he has actually done something worthy of a treat!!
Also he will get a chubby belly!!!

Take Heed!!

Hello Mark,
Thanks for your sound advice, I shall bear in mind tomorrow lunchtime!

For others..
Just in case your wondering this is my Fiance trying to be clever, as he say I don't listen to him but do to everyone on here!!
(He caught me giving sneaky treats!!)

LOL :D :D

We ALL get complaints of that sort from our other halves (I believe...) :)

Beth