So, I need to blow some steam. I'm just a touch upset right now & I really shouldn't be.
Tonight was Robin's first big boy training class. We moved up to Beginning Obedience at the OTCGL. This is our local AKC obedience club.
To set this up, you all should know I have some issues with authority figures. I was always the kid in class who even when the teacher was very nice & pointed out a mistake in a positive way I still started crying. This sensitivity goes double (or more) for male authority figures... In school I solved this by deciding that all that mattered was that I knew that I knew the materials, I don't give a rats .... what the teacher thinks. I don't think that attitude works very well.
So, I noticed earlier today that the teacher for Robin's class was a guy. I almost decided not to take the class right then & there, but it was the only class at any of the training facilities that worked in my schedule for the next 2 months.
This guy was really nice about everything, but he's an opinionated AKC obedience competing dog guy, and we're going to do things the right way. Poor Robin was thrown into the deep end of the pool tonight. I had steeled myself in advance because I figured heeling would be lesson one. Yep.
After much praise & correction to Robin & much constructive criticism from the instructor I'm just feeling really drained. I was practically in tears after the class. I feel really silly about this, but I guess it's just who I am. I will get through these 8 weeks, both for myself & for Robin.
And let me tell you, I have to go & get a 'choke chain' for this class. I'm totally only doing it because Brother Christopher (of the Monks of New Skete) recommends them & talks extensively about the correct way to use them in their book, not because this guy teaching my class told me Robin would respond better to it.
I’m going to go curl up with my dog now...
Comments (5)
I think you should make a chart with boxes you can mark off with a big huge "X" for every training session you complete.
And you and Robin each get a special treat for every box you mark off. Liver treats, glasses of wine, sock yarn, chew toys . . . your choice.
Posted by Sarah | May 8, 2007 4:32 AM
Posted on May 8, 2007 04:32
You may see if you can use the "choke" chains that are part nylon and part chain. Or the ones that are all nylon. We use that style for our dogs simply because they can't pull out of them, yet they can't get tangled in them like a regular choke collar (we had an incident with 2 dogs playing, one got a foot tangled in the others choke collar and circulation was being cut off to one's foot and the other was strangling... quick thinking and a dremmel tool saved the day but I nearly had a heart attack!).
Posted by Secret Pal | May 8, 2007 2:24 PM
Posted on May 8, 2007 14:24
I know how you feel - I get so defensive whenever anyone implies that Annie might be anything other than the world's most perfect dog!
I like how you called us "the group" in your post about Sunday!
Posted by Erin | May 8, 2007 11:52 PM
Posted on May 8, 2007 23:52
PetSmart has a "choke" chain that is a durable nylon type plastic with "teeth". I know it sounds awful, but my friend has one for her blue heeler mix, and it's much more gentle than the solid metal ones, and it's a wonderful training tool. With this collar, she can safely walk her dog without fear of the dog ripping her arm out of the socket when she sees a cat.
Good luck with the class.
Posted by Melody | May 9, 2007 12:33 PM
Posted on May 9, 2007 12:33
I've been dreading getting a choke chain for Maddie, but her pulling while walking is getting out of control, and she weighs enough that that is a real issue for me. A friend of ours who trains dogs explained to me that the dog's mother would nip the dog on the neck for correction, and that the collar is meant to imitate that...it's the only thing that's letting me think it's ok to use, so I totally empathize with you. Hang tough with that instructor--8 weeks will be over before you know it!
xx
Posted by beverly | May 9, 2007 5:12 PM
Posted on May 9, 2007 17:12