We love our new class! We are taking a class called "Proofing and Distraction." Basically, rather than focus on learning new tricks, we work on how to perform the tricks we know even in distracting situations (ex: near food, other dogs, strangers, etc.) The instructors are wonderful, and treat Ramsey very nicely!
We began to realize that Ramsey's anxious behavior was getting a bit worse before enrolling in this class and thought it would be a nice outlet for him, and a way to get some extra socialization. The instructors pointed something out to us... what was once labeled as defiance, looks much more like Ramsey is too fearful to listen in certain situations. This explains A LOT! The instructor in our previous class labeled Ramsey as defiant, almost immediately. An unruly puppy at the time, yes, but defiant, no. You might remember our 'Bad Kid in Class' post almost a year ago? To refresh: Ramsey refused to 'Down.' We were told that some dogs refuse to lay down on command because it is a submissive position. They are refusing to submit to you. Our instructor forced Ramsey into a down position and he snapped at her, to the horror or our entire class. We were embarrassed, and from then on every time our instructor came near Ramsey he peed... this eventually led to her and others not petting him or coming near him in class. If it's true that he was simply too afraid to be in a submissive position in the class environment, he snapped our of panic. By not allowing people to pet him in class, his fears of others were allowed to remain. He should have been getting extra pets and treats! Poor Rams!
Anyways... we've been working with our new instructors, who noticed his timidness immediately. They've even let us borrow a book about training your shy dog. Shy, yes. Defiant, no!
It's easy to assume a well respected obedience trainer knows it all about dogs. Unfortunately, they may not know what's best for your dog. If your dog isn't improving (given you are putting forth the required effort), maybe think about the techniques used in class. Are they the best for your dog?
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