Training class for Border Collie??

[Gin&Dex]

Hi everyone,

I've been mulling an idea over and can't come to a conclusion. Some of you may have seen my post in the Rainbow Bridge forum about losing Dexter.

Cowboy, the Border Collie, is still grieving a little. Not eating like he used to, and sometimes sad. I am thinking of putting him (and ME) in a training class. The class starts Tuesday, Jan 8th.

Do you guys think it is too soon, since our loss?? Would it stress him too much? Or would it be good for him to get out and about? I see both sides, and just can't decide which is best.

If you have any advice, it would be appreciated!!
Thanks!

 

[gmacleod]

I would think it's a very good idea. At the best of times, border collies are a breed that really needs a huge amount of mental stimulation (they're really too clever just to be kept as pets, and often actually end up destructive 'problem' dogs because of that frustration). And if he's now left without his buddy, he's probably got an awful amount of mental energy to expend. It may be soon, but on balance (said without knowing the actual dog ), I would think it very good for him.

 

[Gin&Dex]

Thanks gmacleod! I've been thinking about it all day, and I really am leaning towards the idea. I hadn't really thought about it from Cowboy's perspective, but maybe he's bored now that his big brother is gone?? (I know he is sad too, but BC's being the way they are, boredom might be it as well.)

Cowboy and Dexter did play together, in their own way. And Cowboy and I have always played too. We also go to my parents farm (where my horses are kept) as often as we can, where he can run and play. I try to keep him "always occupied"! Thankfully, he is one of the more "laid back" BC's so he hasn't destroyed anything (except his own toys), or been horribly annoying. But he is still 100% Border Collie. I think the class would do him well (and me too).

We'd be starting in the "Beginner's Class", which teaches sit, lie down, stay, heel, etc.... he already knows all that, but they strongly encourage you enroll and start with the beginner class. He's not very good (at all) with "stay" so we could use some work on that, and walking on a leash! I think it'd be a good "refresher" for him. (He's been harder for me to train than my Boxers were...)

Cowboy is definitely not a Boxer... but geez, I love him. He's so much fun and has saved my sanity over the last week. They are just as silly as Boxers, but so very very different at the same time.

We will keep you posted!

 

[Gin&Dex]

Our first class - I need to vent

Well, we did it, we signed up and had our first class this evening.

I must admit, I don't feel overly warm and fuzzy about it, but the training methods were good and consistent with what I believe.

Cowboy started out with a bang! While we were waiting for our "collar fitting", he was overly exited and jumped up on one of the trainers (he wasn't the only dog to do so). At the collar fitting, they put him in a "pinch" collar, because I guess they decided he was an unrouly dog that I couldn't control. I don't necessarily like the pinch collars, but I DO know how to properly use one (I had to use one on Dexter in the beginning). And it did help.

Then as we were leaving the fitting area, another dog lunged at him, so he responded with a growl. I guess the trainers didn't see the other dog lunge, so one of them said to me "does he not like other dogs?" So I assume they pegged him as "aggressive" and asked me if I knew I was supposed to keep him away from the other dogs. The other dog lunged at him!!! The other owner did not have his dog on a short lead, I DID!!

So before the class even begins, I feel like a total idiot, just waiting to be removed from class, due to my "unrouly, uncontrollable dog". But the actual class went fine. We did very well with heel and sit, but not so good with stay. And the training methods were consistent with how I trained Ginger and Dexter. I'm pleased with that part.

But at the end of class, one of the trainers (husband and wife team) ... the wife came up to me and said "he needs to lose some weight". I guess I had a shocked look on my face, because she said "you really should be able to EASILY feel his ribs". I disagree. In my opinion, you should not be able to feel ribs by simply petting a dog (or SEE them). You should be able to feel them with a slight bit of pressure, and I can. Am I wrong?? I don't know how tall he is at the withers, but last vet check, he was 51 pounds (I don't know what that is in kilos). He may be a tiny bit heavy, but he is not overweight. She also said his weight was "bad for his hips", as if she thinks he is obese. He's definitely not obese. And I DO know excessive weight is bad for the hips.

So now I feel like these people think I have no idea about dogs, have never even owned a dog and have never trained one, and that I certainly don't know how to feed one. I feel like they think I am an idiot, and I am not. I feel like there is a target on our backs.

As soon as I have a chance, I'm going by the vet's office to have Cowboy's weight checked and see what they think.

I just feel like crap. Sadly, I don't feel welcome there. I don't feel like it is ok to make mistakes in the class. I was a bit suspicious when I signed up (for various reasons), and now I really am. If the training methods weren't consistent with mine, I would not go back. But since they are, we will go back, and give it a chance. I'm just disappointed.......

Does anyone have any advice on this??? Words of encouragement??? We need them......
Sorry to vent.

 

[zomo]

You are there for you and Cowboy, just go and enjoy yourself. You know you are a good dog owner that loves your dog that is all that matters. Have fun with Cowboy and disregard any unwanted comments. I'm looking forward to see how the next class goes.

 

[Gin&Dex]

Thanks Zomo! You helped put this all back in perspective... Cowboy is already "fairly" trained (not "greatly" trained). I just lost so much time with him dealing with Dexter's failing health.

We signed up to simply have something to do. Something where I could spend more time with him, at the class and doing homework. So I'll keep that thought in mind.

Though I'm not necessarily thrilled with the class, I can train him however I want at home, and attend the class as required.

I'll work on my attitude too. I'll go in happy and stay quiet, work with my dog. I'm doing this to spend time with him.

I'll update again, after the next class. But I do plan on asking the trainer who called my dog "fat" what food she recommends!!! I curious of her opinions of dog food choices! LOL!!!

HUGS to all!