How much is enough?

[anna_66]

We have been taking Roxey to school now since she was about 3 months. We have went through most of the classes and she has done wonderfully. One of the reasons I kept taking her is for the socialization, the other for obedience. She loves going, but I'm not sure there is anything else she can learn. Do I keep taking her, just to keep her around other dogs? I'm not really sure. I just don't want her to end up being like Angus and have problems with other dogs. We live in the country and she would never be around any others, even if we go for walks. Any suggestions or pointers?

[Dixieland Dancer]

You have to make that determination based on what you are looking for in your dog. As far as the classes are concerned, my experience has shown that once people quit going to the classes, they tend to slack off on the training of the dog. If you are happy with what Roxey has accomplished and you feel she is socialized enough, then now is enough.

Obedience classes (especially if you get into a good obedience club) are a place for dog lovers to get together and share in the love of working the dog. Once you master the beginning basics, you can advance to different levels. You can participate in obedience trials and get titles on your dog. There are other venues of participation too such as agility, flyball, tracking, field work, etc.... I personally find that working my dog in these kinds of events continues to develop a closer bond between us and keeps them very happy! Dixie actually gets bummed out when we don't go to class. It's as if she knows it is training night. Dusty likes to go so he can play with the other dogs before and after class. He reminds me of a big bouncy clown. He is such a happy boy and lights up around other dogs.

I wish there was a perfect answer to say at 1 year or 2 years you are done training. I train them until they can't go anymore. But you are talking to someone who loves training dogs and competing with them!! And one thing I have discovered is that no two dogs are the same. They all go at their own pace and either love going to classes or get stressed out over it.

[Cincy'sMom]

I have wondered this myself...Sadie has only had one class and it was over a year ago. Cincy had two and she finished those early this year. I do take them to dayschool to keep them socialized and we are fortunate enough to have lots of dogs in the family for them to socialize with. Our training place also has a weekly "Fun and Games" class that is drop in..no signing up or prepaying, just drop in when you want, learn new tricks, learn agility, work on basic commands. The girls always enjoy that.

I think I am going to take both of the girls for at least one more class...one that stresses hand signals and off leash control. It is a pre-req here for any agility, obidence etc. and I don't know if I will go on to those, but I think those would be good things to work on.

[anna_66]

Dixieland Dancer, thank you for your reply. I do believe people start to slack once they quit taking their dogs also. I know we did with both Angus & Keisha. Our trainer really thinks Roxey would be great in agility. I'm just not sure I would have the patience or time! Do you do agility? If so, how much time do you have to spend with the dog on a daily basis? See with Ashley coming, I'm just not sure what to do. I feel she will require alot of time also. Have any suggestions on that dilema?!

[Dixieland Dancer]

I usually spend 15 - 20 minutes a day with each dog in training. Once in the morning before their breakfast and in the evening before their dinner for about 10 minutes each meal. Each dog goes to class once a week for an hour. I show competively in obedience, hunt trials and soon conformation so I spend sometime on weekends at the events but usually it's a family event. I need my cheering section there to calm my nerves before going in the ring.

I did show Dixie in agility but about a year ago, I fractured my foot and have had problems with it ever since and agility just tears it up now so we have not done much in that arena for awhile. She absolutely loved it though so perhaps if the foot ever gets right again I will start again.

I think your great neice will love to do agility work with you. Perhaps she can be the one to run Roxey in class and the two of you can train together daily. Remember you need to find wholesome things for her to channel her enegy into and I can't think of anything more special than working with dogs! It will build a loving bond between Roxey and her too! Double bonus. As a teen, my first dogs were what pulled me through those turbulent years.

[C.C.'s Mom]

I don't know if this is an option.
Our dogschool offers playgroups for dogs a few times a week where you can go to for little money. Dogs play together for about 1 hour with little games and aggility as well. Usually here the groups are based upon age and how large they are. The trainers walk around and supervice the playing dogs.

I go there once a week with Cookie, and she loves it.

[anna_66]

Originally posted by Dixieland Dancer
It will build a loving bond between Roxey and her too!

That is a WONDERFUL idea, she has a strong bond with Angus, because we've had him for about as long as she can remember, but not with Roxey. Ohhh, that really makes me excited! Thanks Dixieland!
Thank you also C.C.'s Mom!