Not sure where to go from here...

[tatsxxx11]

I think she's just jealous and it sounds like she definitely has some control issues, with dogs and people! I agree with the others that I'd hate to see you "give in" to her and leave. But, if you're not enjoying the classes and if you and Malone are feeling stressed, well, it seems to defeat the purpose of the class. I'd first try talking with the official instructor and explain your feelings. She might actually appreciate your input. After all, you are the paying customer and how you feel does matter; or it should. You should also ask her if this is or is not a class for companion dogs and their families; or is it just for the dogs heading for the show ring??? It makes me so mad to think that someone's picking on our precious Malone! Dont' give up yet!

[captain]

I agree with Sandra - even if the instructor is friends with this woman, you are a paying customer, and should be listened to!

I had this exact thing with Captain. I LOVED the one trainer we always had - he used to talk to me about giving Captain some "time outs" during training (because the spotty boy got BORED with SIT more that 3 times in a row ), So I would do the SIT a few times, and then walk Captain away to the trees, and come back for the next thing.

WELL, uselesss young moron taught one day, and called my dog stupid!!!!! Stubborn, ........... and said that the dog has control of me, YELLED at me - Where are you going? MAKE the dog pay attention ............... blah, blah ........... don't walk away, do the whole class .......... so I walked out!
Went up to the NICE guy who was training an advanced class and told him. He had words with the young guy (who I found out later ONLY like GSD's! - thought all other dogs were STUPID!)

Needless to say, about 3 weeks later, the young guy took our class again ......... and I went home immediately, never to return.
I did have a chat with the nice guy after that, and he was all apologies ........ but still, I didn't go back. It still makes me MAD to this day that I didn't perservere and show this guy how wrong he was.

You stick it to her!!! Malone - not a pure bred - WHO CARES - just look at his beautiful face!!!!! He is gonna prove her wrong too!

AND - sorry, anyone who is still training her dog every week after 3 years of training and NOT doing agility or something else is ODD! Just shows you that she CANNOT train her own dog anyway!!!

[Miss Meow]

I'd definitely talk to the trainer after class and discuss your concerns. Apart from being incredibly rude, the other person's "methods" are different to your trainer's and might confuse the heck out of you and Malone.

We had a special guest from overseas at one of our puppy classes and I disliked her on sight (only about the second person in my life that I've felt like that towards!). No interpersonal skills and told me off for supervising Buffy when a group of kids wanted to pet her ("... if you are around, she'll never WANT to play with the kids.") And when B&S wouldn't sit, our trainer suggested holding their chests and apply some gentle presssure with the other hand on the hindquarters. Shane did that and the visitor said, "Well, that's the easiest way to give your dog a bad back, isn't it now?" He nearly chewed her head off for that one!

Sorry, I wanted to help you but I vented instead!

[ramanth]

Hey Anna, how are the classes going? I hope you didn't quit. Did you talk to the true instructor who is getting your money?

[Cookiebaker]

Thanks very much for the input. I really appreciate it.

I don't exactly have a "plan for action" as of yet, but class isn't until next Tuesday, and I will definitely keep these suggestions in mind.

I am printing this thread out so I can read it several times through.