chi-chi in saskatoon - Page 4 - Chihuahua Forum : Chihuahua Breed Dog Forums

anarkissed · #25 08-20-2010, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brodysmom

My advice was to find a local training class. I found one in your area. You investigated and found they had harsh training methods. So be it. You could still ask around to local vets, pet stores, groomers and try to find a puppy class. Surely they have a suitable class in your area? I'm not canadian, but I believe that saskatoon is a large city/province?

I will be giving it a few days as those kinds of decisions should not be made in haste, so I don't know if I'm staying or not.
As to the bit about training classes, let me repeat yet again, we ARE that rural. there's petsmart's training programs which I've learned from a very reliable source, are quite harsh. There's buena vista kennels who have a less than stellar reputation. There's another from a link sent via this forum where they insist one must use at least a tight collar if not a choke chain, harnesses won't work. If you are unable to train in a harness then you're using methods that involve yanking on the dog's neck. I would do that with a bigger dog, but not with this one. Tracheal crushing is a real danger with Chinese Cresteds if not chihuahuas. Beyond that there does not appear to be anyone offering training classes for small dogs that focus on positive reinforcement training. Anyway, his obedience training is going great for all other aspects. He's very attentive and quick to try and please if he understands what I want.
I will be making more phone calls about the agility classes.
I haven't been replied to yet. My Asperger's puts people off a lot and many times I'm ignored as some kind of peculiar flake not worth dealing with.

Brodysmom · #26 08-20-2010, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anarkissed

I will be giving it a few days as those kinds of decisions should not be made in haste, so I don't know if I'm staying or not.
As to the bit about training classes, let me repeat yet again, we ARE that rural. there's petsmart's training programs which I've learned from a very reliable source, are quite harsh. There's buena vista kennels who have a less than stellar reputation. There's another from a link sent via this forum where they insist one must use at least a tight collar if not a choke chain, harnesses won't work. If you are unable to train in a harness then you're using methods that involve yanking on the dog's neck. I would do that with a bigger dog, but not with this one. Tracheal crushing is a real danger with Chinese Cresteds if not chihuahuas. Beyond that there does not appear to be anyone offering training classes for small dogs that focus on positive reinforcement training. Anyway, his obedience training is going great for all other aspects. He's very attentive and quick to try and please if he understands what I want.
I will be making more phone calls about the agility classes.
I haven't been replied to yet. My Asperger's puts people off a lot and many times I'm ignored as some kind of peculiar flake not worth dealing with.

My nephew has aspergers so I am aware of the stigma that comes from awkward social situations. I'm glad you are willing to work through that in order to help your pup!

You might go observe a petsmart training class. (Or any of the classes you mentioned). I had Brody in a puppy kindergarten class at Petsmart and it was fine. Many others here have used them too. It all depends on the trainer. I've never heard of a "harsh" petsmart trainer. Quite the opposite. They often aren't super skilled in dog behavior or real qualified to lead a class, but they do an adequate job. And if it's just for socialization, all that matters is that the puppy has fun. Not how much he learns, etc.

anarkissed · #27 08-20-2010, 08:27 PM

You know, Tracy, you're very right, I should go observe! I might be alright with it, and I"m very good at saying "no" as you've noticed. LOL I'll have to find out when the classes are scheduled.