[sashasmom]

Last week was the orientation so dogs didn't come. I am in a class with "bigger" dogs - a great dane, a bull mastiff, labs.
I am nervous about how Sasha will act - not that we have ever seen act aggressive towards other dogs - but she and her sister Maggie have had some spats (all seems well now and we supervise all play). On walks when we pass other dogs she is all tails wagging to want to engage with them, no growling or barking. And she engaged rather quickly in play with my cousin's dogs and our dog-sitter. But because of her weirdness towards some strangers (men in particular) I am nervous about how she will act in the whole situation.
My plan is to go early and hang out in the building so as people arrive she sees them rather than walking into chaos of everyone else being new.
Any suggestions?
Also - I know I need to not be nervous so she doesn't sense me and get worried. How the heck do I do that?

 

[Kasco]

Just look at it as a fun thing. I would hope that the instructor will know what to look out for in terms of body language with the dogs. If she hasn't shown any signs of aggression yet, it's not likely going to start tonight! Keep an eye on her, if you feel uncomfortable keep her on her leash. Good luck!

 

[sashasmom]

She freaks out at the vet and if a new person "stares" at her (that is the only way I can describe it - it's more than eye contact. I mean - I would feel intimidated if someone stared at me!). We had to muzzle her and it was still pretty dramatic. She had a bad vet experience (overnight at med vet) right after we got her and I am sure that is the cause.

You're right -I am really excited about it and need to focus on that. She picked up "sit," ""stay" (for a minute but only with concentration), and "give paw" so quickly and she has picked up certain routines (such as last week we started making her sit before we let her out of her crate and now she just does it!) so I am excited to see how fast she picks up other things.

 

[Kasco]

Maybe you should speak with the instructor before the class starts and let him/her know your concerns.

 

[Family of 5]

If you are going to Columbus All Breed Training they will help you get through the first night. They are very good handlers and patience is not an issue with them.

Have Fun!

 

[sashasmom]

If you are going to Columbus All Breed Training they will help you get through the first night. They are very good handlers and patience is not an issue with them.

That is the place!

I did talk to one of the instructors last week and she asked us to try and have a "savvy" (but one who she had not met before) person approach her over the weekend. Didn't happen.
Sigh.
I am determined and you are right - they are very nice and patient there. My husband is going to so he's got our back