First day of puppy class

A

Apples

Forums Regular
Dash astonished me with how terrified he was of the other dogs before class and during the brief play times during class. Very quickly he was running in fear from those other dogs. They thought he was playing and chased. Poor guy! He was terrified.

For the next play time the trainer put up an x-pen barrier that Dash could sit behind and watch the other dogs through. He was clearly interested then, I think he wanted to join in. But it was all so overwhelming for him.

He is the youngest and smallest in the class, which probably didn't help.

We've had other dogs over to our house, and he's always been interested and eager to meet and play with them, but they were adults, not puppies, and I suppose that could make the difference as well.

As far as official, learned behaviors, he's way ahead. He can do the sit, down, and so on.

So he doesn't need manners classes, he needs social classes. Which he will get starting next week.
 
So great that you understand that Dash needs obedience and socialization...
Pays great dividends down the road!

Congrats that Dash already knows sit and down! :yes:
 
It sounds like the class has a good trainer running it...letting Dash have the safety of an x-pen rather than pushing him to stay in a situation that is so stressful to him is the correct response but not all trainers would do that. Hopefully each class will get a little easier for him...being both the youngest and the smallest can be overwhelming.

Shelties typically are the fastest learners in most classes...so Dash is living up to his heritage. :smile2:

Trini
 
Dash, strut your sheltieness, show the others how superior you truly are. Great things come in smaller packages, don't be shy...take it slow and steady,:yes: pretty soon the others will be jealous of you.
 
Dash has blossomed in the play time. He found a couple of friends and plays with them now. He's still cautious around some of the larger dogs because of their rough play, but he's not afraid of them any more.

Surprisingly for a Sheltie, he is turning into a real people dog. He likes meeting the other dogs, but he really enjoys meeting the people. Of course, it helps that they all say he's adorable, which is true, and give him treats, which he totally deserves.
 
Apples said:
Dash has blossomed in the play time. He found a couple of friends and plays with them now. He's still cautious around some of the larger dogs because of their rough play, but he's not afraid of them any more.

Surprisingly for a Sheltie, he is turning into a real people dog. He likes meeting the other dogs, but he really enjoys meeting the people. Of course, it helps that they all say he's adorable, which is true, and give him treats, which he totally deserves.
Click to expand...

Great update all around! WTG Dash! :smile2:

Trini
 
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