I've just came back from our first puppy class with my American Bulldog pup. It wasn't a good experience.
He was attacked,though thankfully not bitten,as soon as he went in the door,by a large dog, that really shook him up. A number of other smaller dogs also went for him.
I have sensory issues and the class was too large,too loud and confusing,with approximately 30 dogs and handlers,it was hard to hear and take in the instructions.
I also felt that the handler who was assigned to us, was too rough with him,though pleasant enough to talk to,perhaps not overly rough, but I wasn't comfortable with it,and his eyes were bloodshot by the end of it.
He was shaking all the way home,and that isn't like him.
Personally I favour positive reinforcement.
I don't intend to take him back,and I'm wondering if I should try to find another puppy class,or if it's fine to train him myself at home,with clicker training,and if necessary later to pay for one to one sessions with a dog trainer.
I take him into a fairly busy town centre every day and do what I can to socialise him when out.
Any thoughts/advice would be much appreciated
He was attacked,though thankfully not bitten,as soon as he went in the door,by a large dog, that really shook him up. A number of other smaller dogs also went for him.
I have sensory issues and the class was too large,too loud and confusing,with approximately 30 dogs and handlers,it was hard to hear and take in the instructions.
I also felt that the handler who was assigned to us, was too rough with him,though pleasant enough to talk to,perhaps not overly rough, but I wasn't comfortable with it,and his eyes were bloodshot by the end of it.
He was shaking all the way home,and that isn't like him.
Personally I favour positive reinforcement.
I don't intend to take him back,and I'm wondering if I should try to find another puppy class,or if it's fine to train him myself at home,with clicker training,and if necessary later to pay for one to one sessions with a dog trainer.
I take him into a fairly busy town centre every day and do what I can to socialise him when out.
Any thoughts/advice would be much appreciated