New agility class didn't go so well...:(

Hey wolfq!

That would have got to me too. First for somebody being so confrontationally rude. I've never understood why people can't just talk things out calmly. And Second, I think most people want their dogs to do great and put a certain amount of personal stress onto ourselves over that and really don't need an outsider piling onto it.

If it turns out you can't ignore this lady and not let her effect you, you may want to either move to another class or find another place to train. Dogs pick up on stress and it's not going to take Nebo long to decide agility really isn't all that fun. And it's not going to matter that your anger and stress are directed at the lady, Nebo's going to pick up on it. He's in the early stages of this whole agility thing, so I wouldn't risk ruining the whole experience for him, trying to get to the other woman.

Oz and I had to work out with the Advanced class, early on when we were in Intermediate class. Not because we were ready, but because we were the only ones that showed up that night for Intermediate class. We had to actually run a course. Oh my gosh! I was so stressed and then it snowballed on us, because Oz got so stressed he wouldn't do anything or come to me. The instructor came out and started working one on one with us and got me calmed down. Then we watched the other teams take their turns and low and behold, they were making mistakes too. When we did our second turn, we did so much better, because I wasn't near as stressed. So again, I think an angry, stressful training environment is just really going to be determental you and Nebo.

Now if you feel you can talk to the trainer though, here's a suggestion of how we handle things where I train. If you're the person with the loose dog (and they've all done it at one time or another, so don't feel bad. Even Oz), just calmly go over and get him (maybe give him an UhOh) and lead him back to the obstacle. I wouldn't lunge for him anymore. Then have him perform the obstacle and give a real good treat and a big WooHoo!

Now for the other people standing around waiting with their dogs, they should be helping you. First it's their job to look out for their own dog. If another dog is charging towards her dog, she should be stepping in front to prevent it. Next she needs to be the negative one (this should be easy for her ;)), so that Nebo views you as the fun place to be. What I usually do is just put my hand out in a stop sign and say a quick Unt! If I felt the dog was charging in an aggressive manner, then I'd do whatever I felt necessary that Oz didn't get attacked. Haven't needed to though, the stop sign and Unt! has worked so far. The main thing is the message has to be sent to the dog that over there with Mom is where all the fun is, not visiting and playing with the other dogs.

Hope you can work out, because you and Nebo seemed to be having so much fun in the other class. It'd be a shame that you didn't get to continue because one woman didn't understand the concept of learning and training.

Par...

Aww, sorry to hear it didn't go well. :(

Talk to the trainer between now and the next class, see if that woman is normally like that. If she is, ask if there is a different class in which you and Nebo can participate without the hassle. Nebo's no dummy, he'll pick up on you being unhappy, and agility is supposed to be fun! If she's not teaching another class, try one more time, and if the woman is just as mean, make it your last time. It's not worth the emotional toll.

I'm sorry to hear about that. Being a owner of Huskies, I totally know what you are talking about. It's frustrating because we know our dogs and what they will and won't do, yet others freak out. I go through that at the dog park because my dogs are so mouthy.

I know this may sound elementary, but, are there no rules about human etiquette? It seems to me that there should be ways to conduct yourself. I know that if a dog is misbehaving badly enough, the dog can be removed from the class. Why would someone be allowed to be in a public class with other people if they're only going to be hateful? I'd say something to the trainer. I mean, in the long run, it seems as if this woman is going to cost the trainer money. I'd spread the word, anyway, about not going there. I know it's not the trainer's fault, but, still....I just can't believe that person was so rude to you. You held your tongue a lot better than I could have. I've been in a similar situation, and, I sure said a few things. I'm not suggesting lowering yourself to her level, but..... :) Anyway, please!!!! Keep us posted on your decision and what happens later.

Oh Amy, I'm sorry you had such a bad experience at the class.

I've learned through taking the classes and competing that some people are just like that...way to anal for their own good....and believe me I've seen some people like that, they aren't fun.

You shouldn't let them get you down. Some people just don't get the fact that their actions and comments really have an affect on other people, and it's people like that that need to be taken with a grain of salt.

Trust me there are worse things then Nebo running over to visit the other dogs...like gee I don't know running out of the ring to go sit with the spectators (Smudge) or doing zoomies around every piece of equipment (Tama) or visiting the judge and trying to herd you on course (Winter)

I say if you like the teacher and like the class, you should give it another go...as long as you and Nebo are having fun with it, you shouldn't be forced to quit by someone who can only see as far as the end of their nose.

And that probably made no sense but I'm tired

:D

Thanks for your replies everyone! I emailed the trainer. I guess she tried to talk to this woman after class but couldn't get through to her, she still thinks Nebo is evil.

She agreed that this class wouldn't be fun for us. Soo...she suggested that I come after the other class and do it with just Nebo. Kinda like private lessons. She said that she thought Nebo was actually really good at agility, he just needs to learn how to focus better. She we could do the rest of this 6 week class like that then jump in on another class with more dogs for the next session, there's more classes in the spring.

I think maybe this will work out ok afterall.

I'm glad the trainer was willing to work something out with you! The woman sounds like a Witch, and when you are paying $$ the kind of money classes cost, it just it fair to be uncomfortable. It sounds like she really just didn't want any non-aussie dogs inthe class, since she was mean to the lab too :(

Hope you and Nebo enjoy your private lessons :)

Woohoo! Glad the trainer worked it out with you. :)