last week was my 3rd week at the class, as usual we were walking round the floor with the lead on the right hand and dog to the left, we had to then stop and get the dog to sit no problem, then the next time we had to say lie down, but my puppy wouldn,t do it so the trainer came over and grabbed my little puppy by the neck and forced him on to the ground he was screeching he has since been very frightened of strangers and i didn,t enjoy last weeks class , i,m thinking of not going back is this normal tactics.
any help hes due another class tomorrow night.
                        denisexxx

This is totally unacceptable and unecessary behaviour for ANY dog let alone a puppy!

there are much easier, quicker and fun ways of getting a dog to go down (if you will excuse the expression) :)

you can train dogs to go down sitting on the floor with your back to the wall and raising your knees so that your feet are flat on the floor to create a tunnel effect, then using a treat as a lure put it down on the floor so that he has to go down for it, click and treat.

Or you can have the dog in front of you or beside you and again use food as a lure in the same method; or in a chair etc.

A lot depends on your agility and the dog's size.

You would be better off finding another class or getting a book or video if you cannot than going back to "Neanderthal Trainer"!

thanku i wasn,t happy to take him back hes 15 weeks old and he is the smallest puppy there but i have watched them with some of the other dogs and they are not one bit gentle.
i wanted to do this for a fun thing but last week i came out almost crying and my pepsi hid under the table and wouldn,t come out for a while .
the trainer knew i wasn,t happy and he said to me that i probally have him spolit and i need to show him i,m in control.
i,d rather have him the way he is.
                      denise

When you resort to force/violence/shouting you have LOST control not gained it!

If your "trainer" does not have any other "tools" than this at her disposal, I would suggest that she is incompetent!

http://www.apdt.co.uk/ look here for trainers in your area who use kind, effective and fair techniques.

HTH

http://www.puppyschool.co.uk/uk_train.php.

or look here

Denise,

I'm so sorry to hear that your puppy had this horrible experience. I think I would have given that trainer a mouthful. That is absolutely NOT acceptable. There's no reason to frighten or hurt a dog when they're not doing something. There are other ways to get compliance. You can even take a treat, have your pup sit and then slowly put your hand down in front of the pup. Or if you must, help her with her front legs. Or get an almost down, reward and up the ante the next time. It's a shame that she's afraid of strangers now. You'll have to work extra hard to bring her back around with super gentle, quiet people. I'd let that woman know how I feel. She'll ruin a lot of dogs. Maybe you can spread the word. Things will get better for your pup starting now if you never ever return to that class or another like it. I don't think one incident is going to ruin her forever. If you get a new class, go observe first before you sign up.

Carrie

Whole heartedly agree - I could never accept this sort of behaviour towards my pup from anyone no matter who they are.

I can definitely recommend the puppyschool classes.  They are made fun, enjoyable and are all completely reward based.  Each tutor has been trained by Gwen Bailey herself (well known behaviourist) and have to go back on regular intervals to ensure that they are still doing the job well. 

My BC is now 5 months old (just) can loves training and in fact cant wait for it.  As soon as we turn up at class he gets all excited. 

All the best

Claire

thanks everyone i,m def not taking him back there have looked up the puupy school site but none in northern ireland.
                   denisexxxxxxxxxx

http://www.apdt.co.uk/trainers_area.asp?area=Northern%20Ireland

At our classes we sometimes use the phrase 'golden opportunities'.  When the dog is in the right position, praise and use the word that fits the position. When the dog is in the down, sit down with it and read a book, anyone that asks say  'I am training the dog to lie down'. :)

thanku tohme,
have emailed a trainer near me so have mailed him some questions hopefully he,ll get back to me .
i,m hoping as its near the place i used to take my puppy for his classes it isn,t the same person.
                       denisexxxxxxxxx