If any of you go to indoors training classes then it is always a good idea to ask the trainers if they will take you outside to do training if time allows and weather permitting. Not a howling gale.:) Then the trainers can see what you are doing differently outside to inside.:) They might even be able to come with you on a walk to see what you are doing differently during the days when you are not at training class.:) A lot of owners can't get to grips with outside as well as inside.:)

Huh???

anyway during the summer at our ringcraft we used to have two trainers up in a nearby school field and one staying in the hall.  for the past 2 years the hall got out back cleared and fenced off, now we can use out there (we always end up cutting the grass though)  Its really important we feel as dogs hav to learn to run outside on grass and we do do this, but in the winter its too cold and dark as there is no lights out back on grounds.  The space is only small, about the same size as the hall (though large hall!)  It was big enough though to put 2 decent sized rings when we held a Handling training day with 3 classes!!!

Yes outside on grass is imporant, more so for dogs to get used to being on different textures, we also have two different types of mats (carpet and rubber) that cover the whole floor, never had a dog gone though our ringcraft who had problems with flooring types (waiting is done of a wooden flooring which is slilpry!

You have a good point Jumbuck as many dogs will be fine in class but not so good in other locations. If you are lucky the trainer will have indoor and outdoor facilities but many don't partly due to the cost of hiring.

The trainer i assist is hoping to start classes in a local park specifically with outdoor, "real life" training in mind :)

Lindsay
X

I posted this under this heading as I was hoping it would help hilarybrenn. Good luck hilary with your dogs problem.:)
Trainers don't necessarily need outside grounds just a walk up the road is a help. This can be done at any time as there are always street lights at night to help light the way.:)

We are lucky with the training class I help out at as we run it at the local Guide Dogs for the Blind hotel so they are incredibly dog friendly. We train in their grounds outside during the summer and then in a large summer house during the winter when it is cold.  it is also good for distraction as we have the odd squirrel and rabbit hopping about along with the guide dogs walking by.  Works wonders!

Claire