I found a place that has a basic manners class for small dogs. I would like to take both Lion and Penny, as they could use more socialization and training outside the home.

Lion went to puppy classes at PetSmart at 4 months of age. I don't feel like we took anything away from those classes, because I taught him how to sit/lie down/etc at home. All of the other dogs were large and the 'trainer' didn't seem to know very much.
Eventually I ended up taking both dogs to agility classes. Penny loves it, Lion didn't. The problem is that dogs aren't allowed to socialize in agility classes, and all of the other dogs are very high energy/large. My overall goal is to socialize both of them more, so I think I will be stopping agility classes for now.

Anyways, my question is: Do you guys think it will be worth the money/time, or should I pass ? The class is basic manners for dogs 30lbs or less, so hopefully they could socialize with small-ish dogs. I think they also teach loose-leash walking which would be beneficial for us. They both know how to sit, lie down, stay, shake,quiet, etc, but they don't always listen when there are distractions.

__________________


Thanks LS!

Ruby went today to her second class. It is for all sized dogs (did I already tell you this??) so of course she is BY FAR the smallest dog. There is a Husky, a Staffie, a Belgian Malinois (looks like a gorgeous brindle German Shepherd to me), a Havanese and a BULL MASTIFF! There are only 6 of us.
She acts like a fool there but occasionally one of the other dogs (they are all very nice and the owners are all very approachable and friendly) puts her nicely in her place and today she was MUCH better behaved.
She knows tricks also so I really look at it as indoor heated socialization over the winter.
I am thinking of putting her in another class just like this one when this one is over but at another facility.
I want her to get used to all kinds of people, dogs and places.

__________________

photos-Jennifer Hague, fixyourimages.com

We're just getting into Kinder Puppy. Normally we teach our dogs here at the house without class so Rio is walking pretty well on the lead, sitting, we're working on an extended sit, I haven't gone much further than that though because I registered for the class awhile ago and wanted to use her methods opposed to just going free willy here.

If I were you I would give it a go. 30 pounds or less just seems like they have the smaller sized breeds in mind and I would think even if you are able to teach them at home loose leash and work on the distractions, the money spent just for socialization would be worth it. If you do go I will be anxious to hear what you thought about it so I hope you'll post.

I was watching a show sometime before we got Rio and I remember it distinctly saying a pet owner really should avoid taking theirs to PetSmart and places like that, because of illness (eliminations aren't tended too as thoroughly as they should be) and dogs in the care of people who aren't aware (injuries are common). They also did speak about avoiding training there unless a person meets with the trainer prior to see if they feel the person is capable of teaching a class effectively. Not sure if it was just a show out to get them or if they had some valid points.

Not to Hijack, but Karen if there were some smaller dogs in the class for Ruby do you think you would enjoy it more? I am not really sure what to expect but the email about Monday's class did let everyone know there were several small breed dogs so the 3 foot rule is in effect from the time everyone arrives in the parking lot. I know Rio will have at least one her size there.

No. At first I was put off by it. After I thought about it I am actually happy that they are not her size. She hangs out all day and night with her sisters who are exactly her size. She THINKS she is the Mastiff. That is her problem!! She needs to gain confidence but have her opinion of herself put in check.

In his class they are all on leash. The owners are all so realistic and we all just shrug off any altercations so no one is defensive or overly protective so it is really nice.

__________________

photos-Jennifer Hague, fixyourimages.com

All dogs regardless of size need to be trained properly. It's easy to do yourself at home but the classes are a good idea to help you teach your dog plus spcialise them with other dogs.

__________________

Well, this is from my personal experience
When we were in our old town, we went to training/obedience classes every weekend
It was a very small group with only around 4-7 dogs at a time
The trainers were amazing and we benefited quite a lot from it
When we moved to Broadstairs, we signed up for our local classes again.
These were with around 20 dogs or so and even thought the trainer was friendly, we didn't get much 1 on 1 time (if any at all) and it was just not fun and rather hectic with all those dogs.
So I would say if your classes aren't too busy and you have a good trainer, it will be fun
otherwise you might end up paying for a whole course of classes and only going to 2 of them like us lol

__________________
If you want the best seat in the house, you've got to move the Chihuahuas!

I live in small county area, we don't have any thing like that

__________________
In His Service
Theresa
and Amberleah Lou Lou

[IMG][/IMG]