Dear DogLover9501,

I went thru a little bit similar situation with my rescued American Eskimo. She and I repeated beginning obedience about 4 times last year because, although she learned all the commands, she just couldn't deal with the other dogs!

We also were behind a barracade forever - for at least 3 of those entire classes!! The trainer we worked with believed in setting the dogs up to succeed, and we worked on the dog's timetable; not ours. I could see how, very gradually, she was able to pay more attention to me and less on freaking out at the other dogs.

I also felt rather frustrated, because all the other dogs seemed to be doing so much better than my Sascha was - but we had to deal with her specific fear and aggression issues.

If you think Jasper would do better with the table barracade - talk with the trainer about it - maybe set it up for the first 1/2 of the hour, then removing it after he gets used to the environment?? Or use it for as long as he needs it - you're the paying customer of this class, right?? Also, do what your dog needs - if it's a walk around the room to work off some energy or even go outside and then come back - do what it takes for Jasper!!

Our trainer also talked about high value treats - sometimes you need to be offering them STEAK or something that they can't help but do what you want to get it. Than you can gradually back down to something else. We used cheddar CHEESE a lot, because Sascha loves it! (tiny pieces work great!) And I didn't feed her dinner before class so she'd be that much more motivated!

Also, the class should be fun - for both of you! Get silly to get Jasper's attention if you need to - "watch me" can start out being goofy; an invitation to play, etc. - then gradually, after weeks or months, make it more of a basic command. If he's a youngster, then even more so!!

After about 6 to 8 months of working with Sascha, she's now able (yeah!) to attend more advanced classes with lots of other dogs! And her problem behavior is onlyabout 10% of what it used to be.

Helpful??? Good luck!