My puppy, biggest in beginning obedience class, is hard to control. help please!!?

Question

She doesn't really bite the other puppies. She just wants to move around so much that it's sooooo hard to pull her back because she has such huge muscles.

Btw, she's a 6 month old pit/lab mix. Exactly the reason I have a hard time holding her back to listen to the trainer.

And I think that the trainer at Petsmart is incompetent. What should I do about this?

Answer 1

Go to a differnent training class, OR hire a ReaL trainer.  That way, at first, you don't have many distractions.  (www.victoriastilwell.com)

Answer 2

You need to work a on few skills, the first being attention work. It is essential and will teach your dog to pay attention to you. Honestly i also think dpending on what collar you are using and what they allow  (an dyes iknow i'm going to catch some flack for this recommendation) you need to get a pinch collar. it correct the dog when they pull and then when they stop pulling it stops correcting them.  you don't have to jerk them in order to correct them it just happens when they pull to the collar tight on themselves.  

Speak with your traininer see waht their recommendation are versus what you are already using . you are going to have to be very firm and consistent with our dog with a ton of praise and treats once she does it right.   Lots of positive with a few corrections and your dog will get it.  

Answer 3

You have already answered the question.  PetsMart is not the place to take obedience classes.  Their "instructors" are not professional trainers and are generally just clerks who have watched some videos.  You would do better (plus it would be cheaper) to look into training classes held by an Obedience training club in your area.  In many areas, community education classes will also offer obedience classes given by knowledgeable trainers.

I doubt that you could get your money or even part of it back from PetsMart, but you can try and then find a professional trainer who has experience with dogs of this type

Answer 4

Petsmart trainers are not held to the same standard as trainers that work from their own facility. Look for someone that does something other than just puppy classes...for example, obedience training.

Your dog needs to learn to listen to you. This takes work at home. Sitting and staying at your side will help you alot. Break out your leash and the treats. Have her walk with you. Promptly stop, have her sit. Give her a treat. Repeat about 50 times (best to do when she's hungry). She'll get the idea. Over time you can wean her off of the treats. She will need some time to be able to do this around other dogs. But if you don't feed her before training...give her the idea that you've got treats and give her the command. Time and patiences, repetitive training will yield results.

Answer 5

Go to a different trainer and training group completely. PetsMart isn't that good.