Observe and Learn Part 1

One of the benefits of doing any kind of research before making a decision or a commitment, is that at least some of the pitfalls can be seen in advance and can therefore be minimized or sometimes even avoided. Somewhere in almost every book or video about dogs is the recommendation of taking your puppy to organized training classes. These classes are not designed to really train the pup, but rather to train the handler who in turn actually trains the pup. It is suggested, if possible, to observe a class or two prior to signing up. Of course, if the pup has already become a part of your family, time is of the essence so sign up you must. Because I was still in the planning stages, I had this wonderful opportunity on several occasions. Unfortunately, a first impression, although lasting, may not be an accurate representation of what is actually available. Nevertheless, here are my impressions.

My first exposure was to a training facility that didn’t even exist back in 1976 when I was last involved with a puppy. I was invited to observe an Agility Training class at Paws-itively Obedient Dog Training School pawsitivelyobedient.net located in a community 36 miles away. I went onto their website and was intrigued! I was delighted when Pam said she would join me. Off we went, on a chilly Tuesday evening in April. When we went inside, there were seven dogs with their handlers and two instructors. I approached the lady who was obviously in charge, introduced myself and she coldly replied “What do you want?” I admit I was taken aback, but quickly regained my composure and replied that although I did not as yet even have a dog, I was in the process of researching the prospect and I hoped that it would be okay to observe her class. She warmed a bit and directed me to the chairs in the seating area. Later she told me that she initially thought I was a salesman and she did not want to be interrupted! I should have contacted her and obtained an official invitation prior to my arrival, but I was assured by a class member who did invite me that it would not be a problem. It was obviously my fault to proceed without clearing it with the person in charge.

Paws-itively Obedient Dog Training School is a private business devoted to dog training, utilizing positive, non-aversive methods. They offer both a fully equipped indoor facility and, in good weather, outdoor facilities as well. This was my first exposure to both the sport of dog agility and the use of treats for training. This class was for advanced dog agility, and an hour later was a class for less advanced dogs. Each and all of these dogs were impressive. Frankly, there were certain activities I would not have been able to perform, but then I’m not a dog. But the fact that dogs were trained to perform at this level was truly impressive. While I watched, I looked around the room and there were too many blue ribbons tacked to the walls to count. The owner of the facility had a male Giant Schnauzer who did the exercises without fail and without hesitation. She obviously had performed before she informed! During this more advanced class, only one dog was on the floor at a time, all the other dogs stayed quietly in their light and portable fabric crates. Again, these did not even exist, back in the day. The fact that only one dog was on the floor at a time meant that each dog got less than 10 minutes of “show” time during the class. Since this was my one and only exposure, perhaps this is not an accurate observation. On the other hand, classes are not to train the dogs but to train the handlers to train their own individual dog and by watching the other dogs with their handlers they could learn various techniques and approaches that could also work for them. I imagine that all of the participants had agility training equipment at home. I also noticed that all of the human participants were female. I was the only male in the room. Why was that?

Two very minor negative things, however, happened. First there was a very nice gal who had two beautiful Golden retrievers, one in advanced and one in beginners and between the classes she brought in her younger, absolutely gorgeous Golden retriever, to meet us. With her tail wagging, the dog without hesitation jumped up, planting her front paws into Pam’s lap. Pam was totally surprised and somewhat chagrined. Fortunately, Pam just sat there and soon the dog got down. The owner did not react so I suspect that this was typical dog behavior for her pooch. What this said to me was that there is a distinction between trained and polite. Perhaps that’s not quite fair to the dog! The handler must have been fine with the behavior. Sometimes people who are 100% committed to a past-time, are blind to the fact that others may not be so committed. According to my way of thinking, common courtesy would suggest that some people might not be pleased to have a 70 pound dog take over their lap without invitation. But I digress!

The other minor negative thing I noticed was that as we were leaving, another handler was getting her well trained dog out of her van. The dog was wonderfully behaved except that she had a penchant for taking the leash in her mouth as she walked along with her human. I suppose I’m not in a position to say, but it looked “not quite right” to me. The owner sloughed it off with a “I don’t know why she always does that.”

Except for these minor things, the evening was most positive, impressive, and I put it in my memory bank for future withdrawal.

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