Training class going badly! Long vent

[Jankind]

So Barkley and I are a few weeks into basic obedience classes now.
It's not going so well and I need to do a little bit of venting here...
He is SO good at home with all the training we do, I honestly thought he would get a gold star on his first day or something for being so good! LOL
Boy was I wrong! VERY wrong!

All the other dogs are so well behaved and they all just sit pretty and do all the behaviors and act all nice and Barkley is just an absolute SPAZ! I am seriously on the ground practically wrestling him to keep him still. His treats, which are like crack to him at home, are powerless with all the other fun dogs around.
He doesnt even look at them, much less try to eat them. The trainers had to put up barriers and little fake walls to keep him in our corner and he still spazzed the entire time. I havent heard a single word from the lessons because I have to fight with him to keep him from bolting into the middle of the class.

He is so very good at home with our training but as soon as we get into social situations, especially with other dogs, he is just an absolute spaz!
I've gotten him to the point at home where we can do training practically nose to nose with the cat (his favorite chase toy)... but other dogs... it's just impossible! The trainers are being so supportive and encouraging and promise me he will eventually calm down. I really hope so!

I'm really sorry for making this so long, I just really needed to get this out of my system, maybe share it with others who might be going through the same thing... Thanks for listening!

[SILLY6PAK]

Oh my God you have my dog's twin. lol. Mia is an trainer's nightmare. More embarrassing for me because I have brought the other dogs to this trainer so he looks at ME like I should no better.
If it helps at all Mia really is super smart and thus easily bored and tons and tons of energy and good will to all.

My only advice is try and wear your dog out before class. A good game of fetch or a super long walk or visit the dog Park. I have noticed a HUGE HUGE improvement in Mia since she hit 18 months and is now old enough to run with me. She has grown up alot now she has a positive outlet for all that energy.

[DannyB]

Hang in there. If the class lasts long enough he'll eventually get used to the other dogs there and won't respond to them as much. Each subsequent class he may have a few sessions where he's worked up about new dogs and then calms down again. If your classes are at the same place a lot of dogs eventually learn "this is a place where I must focus." I agree that exercising before class is a good idea. Just don't wear him out to the point that he won't focus because he's tired.

[Kerry Jane]

Then I guess you realize what a good thing it is that you are taking him to classes! This is a pretty common problem.

I would start training with him in as many different places as possible - the park, the pet store, just anywhere you can imagine. Remember though, that when you work in a new place it is almost like your dog is learning all over again - so, if he can sit and stay for a 1min at home then initially just expect him to sit when at the park.

You also need to find some treats that he really, really likes to take to class with you - the regular treats you use at home for training won't work too well elsewhere. Try some cooked chicken or beef in garlic, homemade liver treats, cheese, shrimp, etc. Find out what he really likes. This will help you keep his attention on you.

Give it time. He will also become more used to the other dogs. Do you have any toys that he is wild for, that you could maybe take to class (like maybe a special toy that he doesn't normally get to play with). Then ask him to do something simple - like a down - and when he does it - then reward him by playing with the toy.
Something else I have done to get my dog to focus on me is to spit treats at her (obviously he would need to be interested in the treats though) - I put them in my mouth (kinda hanging out where she can see them) and I spit them to her and she catches them. Now I just need to point to my mouth and she focuses really well on me, thinking she is about to get a treat.

Good luck!

[Lola's mum]

We begin training classes in September and I can seriously see Zebedee behaving just like Barkley
I'll be following this thread with much interest for advice.

[Jankind]

Thanks everybody, this is what I needed. I appreciate the support and advice!
I did take him for along walk last night before class and am thinking of stopping at the dog park on the way, since it's only a few minutes from my house and so is the training class. The only thing is I told Barkley no more dog park until we are done. One huge reason for us taking the class is his recall at the dog park. (Or lack of) He gets off on his own and runs into the street to chase bikes and kids... I think I might do that though. We're definetly going to step it up a notch or two and start going outside and to new places.

[Jankind]

Hi all! Just wanted to revisit this thread for a quick update!
Last night's class was UNBELIEVABLE! Barkley and I have been stuck in our little corner that they partitioned off ever since the first week. Even with the deviders, he still sticks his nose to the ground to look out and/or tries to knock the whole thing over...

Well last night when we got there, I walked over to another dog and his Mommy to let Barkley say Hi and have a little playtime before class. He was so good that I decided to not even go back to the corner and we stayed out the entire time. In the middle of class I had Barkley in a down position without holding his leash! (A huge deal for us) The instructor's jaw dropped and she said she was almost in tears at his remarkable improvement!

Then later on, she stopped in the middle of the room and made a little speech about Barkley and how he is strengthening her belief in what she does and how proud she is of him and made this huge big deal about him, and
even me for being so dedicated to him! It was absolutely our finest hour for Barkley and I. I was so incredibly proud of him I just had to take this time to share it with everyone!

I wish I could paint this picture for you guys. The other dogs in class are so proper and pretty and well behaved, like showdogs almost! And Barkley is this big, goofy, clumsy spaz! And he just shined last night! I am SO proud! Score one for the BOXERS!

[DannyB]

Yaaaaaaaaaay for you and Barkley!!!!

[ForeverMama]

Way to go, Barkley!! And Mom, too, for having patience and being persistent.

[Dham]

This is the thing our Diesel has taught us. I thought for sure he was untrainable and my hub has been so diligent with working with him in all situations and by God he has come so far. He is going to be two in Sept and he has done a 360 for us. It really takes time and patience. Best of Luck!!!!

[snugglebug]

On our first day of puppy class, we are absolutely embarrassed! Cassius wouldn't acknowledge us or our treats the entire class. He pulled so hard I thought his eyes we're going to pop out (that's the day we switched to the harness) and barked at the other dogs the entire class. All he wanted to do was play. The first thing we did was change his feeding time on class days to after class so he would be hungry and more interested in the treats. We go a little early to class so that he can play with the other dogs before we start to get some energy out. During class, we listen intently and we don't try to fight when Cassius plays with the dogs sitting next to us. (Luckily the trainer is ok with this. I'm not sure if that goes for all trainers.) When it's time to do the tricks, he comes away from the other dogs and is very attentive. Amazingly enough, Cassius graduated from puppy class and is now in intermediate class. He is still all play, but when it's time to work, he is very easily redirected.

Congratulations on the turn around and keep up the good work!

[BXRBESTFRIND]

Congrats on Barkely's improvement.

Keep up the good work Good luck