first puppy class

[Natalie]

Lady had her first puppy class the trainer was fantastic its a small class only 5 in total 2 german shepards, a cute little pug, a cross and us. She played with all the dogs at beggining of class for socialisation time, the german shepard stella seemed more scared of the little dogs than they did of her. But this all changed when the stella was on a lead she was barking at all the pups especialy lady but she just sat still and looked at her not sure what that means. Lady showed off and was the first dog to do sit by a hand command alone with no treat i was so proud. We practiced leave it command which needs a lot more practice. Lady was getting really distracted during the class by the other dogs barking is there anything that we can do to make her focus on us and not the other puppies?

[Moviedust]

That sounds like a wonderful class! Just having 5 dogs is wonderful!

Have you worked on the "watch me" command? It is a way of getting your dogs attention when she gets distracted.

Hold a treat up to your nose, say "watch me" or "look" or whatever, and when the dog gives you eye contact, immediately give the treat. Work on this and eventually the dog will hold your eyes for longer and longer between the treat. Eventually, just saying "watch me" will get the dog focused on you!

[Jackie]

I've found the clicker really helpful in training too. Especially in noisy situations. Once they've been clicker trained they can hear that anywhere

[Natalie]

i will try the watch it command and i have a clicker i will take it next week and see if trainer will show me how to use cos am not sure what to do and when to click it does that make sense.

[Lisa_T]

Certainly does. I must find my clicker and try it with Amber. Holly is a no go. No matter how many treats I have, the sound of the clicker sends her running to hide. Silly girl.

[Moviedust]

I used a clicker when Willow, our Lucky Star Rescue, joined the family. Willow was so nervous then, that the clicker scared her. So I put it away. I havent used it since, as Cedar doesnt need much more than praise and Willow is completely food motivated.