Training classes

[TIMMAY 6]

Just wondering if anyone uses training classes, when doing basic obedience with a pup? Went to classes when i was 11 with the rescue dog we had just got, and he was turned from a nightmare into a reasonably well behaved dog in a couple of month.

 

Are there any drawbacks to going to these types of classes with my new lurcher pup? i guess it will help with socialisation as well?

 

I have read loads of books, and have dave sleights dvd's which are good, but thought classes might be a good idea, as things rarely go the way they describe in books!

[Geoff.C 0]

You can't do any harm at training classes. After the pup gets over the excitement of the first couple of visits, it learns to listen to you and start to train with the distractions. Socialisation as you mentioned is important, and the instructors will ensure you train correctly for the basics, which all dogs need no matter what breed or future purpose. Some dogs (and owners) do not like the mass heelwork which some clubs do to keep all the group involved.

Opt out of that if it's a problem. Don't expect much help with lurcher work, that is specialised and can be sought elsewhere,(on here for instance). Good luck with your new pup, and most of all be patient.

[TIMMAY 6]

would hellwork mean that it would inhibit the dogs hunting instincts, or can you have it both ways?

[Geoff.C 0]

would hellwork mean that it would inhibit the dogs hunting instincts, or can you have it both ways?

 

No, I can't see that being a problem, you need to teach the pup to walk at heel for close control sometimes. You would release it from close in to hunt around. I am not a lurcher man, but just comparing how our gundogs have to be at heel or hunting about as the situation demands.

Dogs in general are a lot cleverer than people realise I think. Many years ago, I showed GSD's, there was a faction that didn't even teach them to sit in case they sat in the showring, or stopped trotting round. These dogs showed ok but were on the verge of being out of control, all because the dopes that owned them underestimated the intelligence of the breed.