1st puppy class and a bit nervous of other dogs! - UPDATED

[LinzB]

Hi all

Its Millie's first night at puppy training tonight  and I was wondering if anyone has any tips on getting her used to other dogs? She's really wary of them (though she has met several different dogs on walks and on family days out) and I want to get it right for her tonight, is it better to hold her while she has a sniff of the other dog before letting her down, or should we let her just be, even if this means she runs off in the opposite direction?! It's in a hall, so she will be safe to be off lead etc. I don't want to force her before she's ready but at the same time, don't want her to think its ok to run away! Help! 

[bibathediva]

Lola was scared of other pups at our puppy classes and would hide under the chair for most of the time...it got to the point of her snapping at any dog that approached her as she felt trapped  ...we had a 10 minute off lead play session in our puppy classes and i would just stand in the middle of the room to encourage Lola to come out so she didnt feel cornered..she seemed to get better after that...i would just let Millie down on the floor and let her deal with it in her own way......Lola now looooves all dogs 

[Colin]

Jimmy was really timid at his 1st socialisation class and hid under the chair but did get gradually more confident week by week.

I wouldn't hold Millie on your lap though as this would likely re-inforce any fear she may have. It would be better to keep her at your feet ( onlead if you prefer), try and stay bright, confident and cheerful and hopefully it might rub off on her. Try not to stroke or comfort her as again this is likely to re-inforce the idea that there's something to be wary of. A word with the trainer before the class might help and if there are any rough and ready bruiser pups there, he/she should attempt to keep them away from Millie until she's gained more confidence.

[jenpup]

I had the opposite problem with Pacino, he was far too eager to get in there and ended up in the sin bin regularly.

There was another cocker there and the 1st class she spent hiding under the chair but by the 3rd class she was well able for Pacino and gave as good as she got!!

[ludo]

the sin bin?  don't like the sound of that  what on earth do they need a sin bin for puppies for in a training class? 

I agree with the advice you have had by the way; just take it slow and she will soon be in luuuuurve with all the other dogs ... just make sure her contact is with nice dogs who won't take a chunk out of her and she will be fine (I say this because some training classes include border line dogs) 

[Supa cocker doppers]

Try not to worry - you are doing the right thing going to a puppy class.

It is here that your little ones learn to be confident with other pups.

Relax and so will our pup.

Best of luck Ellie XX

[LinzB]

Well, we went, and as predicted, Millie was nervous and spent the first 15 mins under the chair or jumping backwards as she was lunged at every 30 seconds  by a cute, but VERY boisterous yellow lab. Anway, we then got down to a bit of training, sit, lie down, watch hooman not treat and recall, and Millie was top of the class!!  We were sooooo proud! There were 2 labs, a rottie and a terrier of some sort, and Mills was the most chilled! (so much for cockers being 'mad' eh?!) No barking, no whining or whinging, just a chillaxed cocker who was most happy to be out on a new adventure with mum and dad, and chuffed with some hot dog sausage just for sitting down! (was that all you wanted me to do? That was well easy!) Hurrah!  Fingers crossed for next week now!! 

[LurcherGirl]

Well done! Sounds like you had a whole lot of fun and showed everyone else how to do it. 

[jenpup]

the sin bin?  don't like the sound of that  what on earth do they need a sin bin for puppies for in a training class? 

It's when the puppy plays too rough, he gets picked up, that's it. There was the tiniest little terrier in the class and Pacino kept jumping on her and wouldn't go away when he was told. Rather than let the other puppy get hurt, we picked him up and didn't let him play until he calmed down.

Glad it went well, and well done Millie for picking things up so quickly.