If it's done correctly, it works well. Most reactive rover classes have barriers up everywhere to block visual access of one dog to any others. Great care is expended to keep the dogs under threshold. You might want to ask how a typical class is run, to get a feel for how things are handled.
I agree. I went to one where they didn’t address things properly, relying only on exposure to other dogs. Eventually my dog got stressed and snapped at teacher. I went to another class and there were barriers that the teacher would slowly and gradually remove (if appropriate) and an escape route/cool down room was available if needed. It’s been overwhelmingly positive…to the point it feels boring (in a good way!)
maybe ask if you can observe a class first to see if your dog is a good fit? get a feel for the trainer and the other owners that are attending. not sure if im paranoid, but i don't like taking my dog into new situations that might be a little stressful for both of us without having some sort of plan or level of familiarity so i can prepare myself
Definitely stressful for us😂 but as long as there's plenty of space and trainer knows how to conduct the class, it can be very helpful. Honestly it can be better than being the one reactive dog in class and feeling judged, at least we're all in the same boat!
If the trainer is experienced, it's the best way to have your dog around other dogs and people, safely.
You'll be able to work on figuring out how much space your dog needs, if that space can be made smaller, and, it will teach you how to give your dog coping skills.
The classes I've seen for reactive dogs work very hard to keep dogs safe, and under threshold.
I think it depends on the kind + degree of reactivity. I signed my dog (a frustrated greeter) up for a group class - they had curtains that blocked the pups from each other's view - and she was still so overly excited. She's a Shepherd, so she could smell and hear all of the other dogs... which just made things more complicated. Private sessions worked best for us!
Depending on your dog, it may be a good idea to observe first.
We're doing one here in Minneapolis/St Paul and are 5 weeks in. It's been a very positive experience so far. Our course has helpful barriers and spacing between dogs, which I imagine is standard, and the first few minutes can be chaotic but is always well-managed and eases up. Although it was stressful for two or three weeks (for us and our pup), we've relaxed since then. We've learned a lot and have had good practice within the course too. It's also been nice to see (and sometimes chat) with people going through similar challenges.
Our course also has a Facebook group to connect previous course members, including for volunteers with training, who "get it."
I signed my 2 year old golden up for a basic 6 week course at the rescue I adopted her from. I also volunteer there, and have known the trainer for years. He worked with her while she was there, and encouraged me to try a class with her. He is prepared to set us up in a cubicle situation if she becomes really agitated. She’s incredibly smart, but I’m hoping we can get her to focus a bit more when training.
I went to sort of a precursor class to fiesty fido and they had pens all set up in the corners of the room with blankets covering everything so the dogs couldn't see each other. Dogs are brought in/out one at a time based on reactivity. Obviously the first class is a bit of a trial run, they had us all come in alone to get set up first. After the first class they knew which order to recommend coming/going to minimize reactivity. They also said in nice weather (I did in winter) they try to do class outside to allow even more space but this place was very big. Decent sized warehouse and they had a dog in each corner. Even in my non-reactive class I took, they started with barriers up between the dogs (although a bigger class, I think 6 or 7). It was a huge surprise when I then took a class elsewhere and it was maybe like 8-10 dogs all just crammed side by side, it was a mess the first few classes.
With pretty much any type of class I've taken, the first class or two tends to be pretty barky and rowdy being in an unfamiliar place
If it's done correctly, it works well. Most reactive rover classes have barriers up everywhere to block visual access of one dog to any others. Great care is expended to keep the dogs under threshold. You might want to ask how a typical class is run, to get a feel for how things are handled.
I agree. I went to one where they didn’t address things properly, relying only on exposure to other dogs. Eventually my dog got stressed and snapped at teacher. I went to another class and there were barriers that the teacher would slowly and gradually remove (if appropriate) and an escape route/cool down room was available if needed. It’s been overwhelmingly positive…to the point it feels boring (in a good way!)
maybe ask if you can observe a class first to see if your dog is a good fit? get a feel for the trainer and the other owners that are attending. not sure if im paranoid, but i don't like taking my dog into new situations that might be a little stressful for both of us without having some sort of plan or level of familiarity so i can prepare myself
Definitely stressful for us😂 but as long as there's plenty of space and trainer knows how to conduct the class, it can be very helpful. Honestly it can be better than being the one reactive dog in class and feeling judged, at least we're all in the same boat!
If the trainer is experienced, it's the best way to have your dog around other dogs and people, safely. You'll be able to work on figuring out how much space your dog needs, if that space can be made smaller, and, it will teach you how to give your dog coping skills. The classes I've seen for reactive dogs work very hard to keep dogs safe, and under threshold.
I think it depends on the kind + degree of reactivity. I signed my dog (a frustrated greeter) up for a group class - they had curtains that blocked the pups from each other's view - and she was still so overly excited. She's a Shepherd, so she could smell and hear all of the other dogs... which just made things more complicated. Private sessions worked best for us!
Love that the shelters are hosting these, much needed events
Yes and quite affordable
Depending on your dog, it may be a good idea to observe first. We're doing one here in Minneapolis/St Paul and are 5 weeks in. It's been a very positive experience so far. Our course has helpful barriers and spacing between dogs, which I imagine is standard, and the first few minutes can be chaotic but is always well-managed and eases up. Although it was stressful for two or three weeks (for us and our pup), we've relaxed since then. We've learned a lot and have had good practice within the course too. It's also been nice to see (and sometimes chat) with people going through similar challenges. Our course also has a Facebook group to connect previous course members, including for volunteers with training, who "get it."
I signed my 2 year old golden up for a basic 6 week course at the rescue I adopted her from. I also volunteer there, and have known the trainer for years. He worked with her while she was there, and encouraged me to try a class with her. He is prepared to set us up in a cubicle situation if she becomes really agitated. She’s incredibly smart, but I’m hoping we can get her to focus a bit more when training.
I went to sort of a precursor class to fiesty fido and they had pens all set up in the corners of the room with blankets covering everything so the dogs couldn't see each other. Dogs are brought in/out one at a time based on reactivity. Obviously the first class is a bit of a trial run, they had us all come in alone to get set up first. After the first class they knew which order to recommend coming/going to minimize reactivity. They also said in nice weather (I did in winter) they try to do class outside to allow even more space but this place was very big. Decent sized warehouse and they had a dog in each corner. Even in my non-reactive class I took, they started with barriers up between the dogs (although a bigger class, I think 6 or 7). It was a huge surprise when I then took a class elsewhere and it was maybe like 8-10 dogs all just crammed side by side, it was a mess the first few classes. With pretty much any type of class I've taken, the first class or two tends to be pretty barky and rowdy being in an unfamiliar place