Overly nervous in training class

[opokki]

I just joined a clicker training class with Natalie. Monday was the first class and Natalie was so nervous during class that I had to sit out with her twice. She wouldn't even eat treats at first, which is highly unusal for her. I have never seen her so nervous in my life and I'm not sure how to make her feel more comfortable. She was almost as nervous during the pre-class evaluation even with just me, her and the trainer. I remained neutral as to not encourage her anxiousness. I think she is just overwhelmed with all the unfamiliar smells. Next class is Monday, any suggestions or ideas on how I might prepare her for class so that she is not so nervous? Do you think she might adjust after a few classes?

A little backround on Natalie -
She is a 5yr old australian shepherd/redbone coonhound x and this is the first training class she has ever been to. I've had her since she was about 7wks old. She has been well socialized and is very friendly and comfortable with other dogs and people....never appears to be nervous around them like she was in class. She's been to a doggy social group and appeared to be totally fine with the dogs and people there, although it was outdoors. She goes to the park, for car rides and to stores with me frequently and shows no signs of anxiety.

 

[Renee750il]

Is she this way before anyone is using their clickers? I'm wondering if the clicking noise is unsettling her . . .

 

[dr2little]

See if it's possible to allow her to be the only dog off leash (if all other dogs are dog social) for the first 15 minutes or so of class. I find that if I have a timid or nervous dog in class who is normally social, taking his/her leash completely off while the other dogs remain on leash really helps to build a bit of confidence. That way they are free to sniff and explore without the feelings of barrier (leash) frustration or the risk of being overwhelmed by over exuberant dogs. Also, if the clicker is bothering her, try putting it in your pocket when you click it to muffel the sound while you are "charging" it (teaching her what the clicker means). Good luck and please let us know how the next class goes

 

[opokki]

Thanks for your replies. I don't think its the clicker because I've used a clicker with her multiple times before joining this class and she was totally fine with it. At the pre-class she was very nervous even though I was'nt using a clicker and she was off leash a majority of the time.

Unfortunately, I don't think all of the dogs in class are dog-friendly and if allowed off leash I'm almost positive she would jet out of the room and wait at the door to leave.

If she acts this way again on Monday, maybe I can ask the trainer what to do about it. Do you think it might help if I take her there a few times during off-class hours?

I was hoping that all the clicking and treating I was doing would help create a positive association with the class but I think it was just too much too soon.

I'm currently trying to get her into another social group. The one I wanted to go to is on Mondays, the same day as her training class at a different training center. I'm looking for another one though....maybe it would ease her a bit to be able to play with a group of dog-friendly dogs.