Puppy classes-Opinions please?

[icemaiden]

Hi,

In the many years I have bred, shown and had dogs I have never been to a puppy socialisation class (Only Ringcraft).

Three weeks ago I started taking my pup, Darwin, to puppy socialisation classes. The reason for this, is that when we first took him out on the lead to lovely parks around us, he was very afraid of other dogs, to the point where he would lunge, bark and nip at them to get them away from him. We knew it was through fear that he was doing this because when the other dog reacted, ie barked back, he would run away with tail between his legs.

Anyway, thinking it would be a good idea I enrolled him in puppy classes. This was held in the waiting room which is no bigger than the average dining room at our local vets. Thinking it would be a small gathering of no more than maybe four or five puppies, when I got there I was surprised at the amount of people and puppies!. The first week my pup spent the whole 90 mins under my chair quivering at the sight of 12 puppies all shapes and sizes, running madly at him, barking and yapping, and scaring him half to death! Last week was a little better, but this week he was getting quite stressed and aggressive. This was because the other puppies were constantly yapping, squealing, and whining etc.

I am now thinking if this is such a good idea. He is regularly walked twice a day at the lakes and parks and when we go there he seems to be getting more and more used to other dogs. I have noticed that he is much more relaxed now when dogs come and sniff him. Even letting them sniff his bum, which he never did before. Big improvement.

In my opinion, I think the classes are far to intense and very excitable and noisy for him and he just does not like the enviroment.
My question-Should I stop or do the last three weeks?

Thanking you in advance.

[lankeela]

I would definitely stop taking him. Its fine if they are outgoing and happy to play and interact with others, but for a pup of this type it can only serve to emphasis to him how frightening other dogs can be and can put him off for life.

Why not take him to ringcraft, (even if you don't intend showing him) where the other dogs and handlers will be far more relaxed and approachable, and you can find someone with a nice quiet dog that he can make friends with. He can take part, and learn how to walk nicely around other dogs and people, and be handled by strangers.

This can also be a problem with beginner obedience classes, as the owners often don't have a clue and think their dog needs to be allowed to rush up to all and sundry.

[icemaiden]

Thanks Lankeela.

I don't think I can go through another week of torturing the poor thing. I really don't feel comfortable putting him through that again. He is a lot happier having a jolly good walk in the park.

[madmaggot]

I think you basically answered your own question icemaiden. If you have this gut feeling that it is doing more harm than good then don't go again.
I feel that it is better to introduce a shy puppy one at a time, to other dogs that you know are friendly and will not do something that makes your pup more nervous. Gradually build up his confidence as, from what you say, you already seem to be doing.
Try not to be nervous as your dog will pick up your tension, he is looking to you to be a confident pack leader who will not take him into situations that he can't cope with.

[woofgang]

stop!! now. Wewent to excellent socialisation classes at the local vets but are still dealing with the issues created by the puppy training class we went on to after that. Won't go into details here but I so wish i had followed my gut, but as we had paid 90 quid per dog for the course of 6 we thought we'd carry on. Happily (well not really but YKWIM) DH got a chest infection so we missed some or we'd have even worse probs

[icemaiden]

Thanks for your answers guys.

When I got home yesterday I had a phone call from the head nurse who runs the class and I told her all what I have said here.

She absolutely agreed with me and has now decided that as there were so many puppies this week (even she was stressed) that she will now split them up in to two groups, on different nights. She will place us with the more docile and quietest group.

I was honest with her and said that if next week, even with a smaller class, he becomes stressed and upset, then I will leave the class and not return. I have to say she was very understanding and agreed with what I was saying.

So we shall see what happens next week but I will not hesitate to leave if he is upset.

Especially after what you have said, woofgang. I do not want to traumatise him to the point that he has further issues. I am sorry to hear of your experiences. Your dog is lucky to have an understanding owner.

Many thanks again guys for your answers.