Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello! New to this board and looking for advice
I am the new owner of a precious little JRT female (8 wks) So far she is just awesome. No early signs of agression. No problems with house training. However, I understand the challenges of this breed and want to enroll in obedience classes. Here's my question...

I have two choices I've narrowed down to. The local PetsMart offers an 8wk course. 1 night a week for 1 hour. A local trainer offers weekly (1 or 2 weeks)rates, but Abby has to remain on premises. I'm not sure which would be the best choice. Do you think being away for a whole week (or two) would stress her at this age? Also, would an hour a week once a week be sufficient? My 10 year old son wants to begin Jr. Handling classes with her and would also like to enroll her (after obedience training) in agility classes. I'm leaning on the 8 week course simply so my son can be involved in the training.

Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
TammyVA

>>Hello! New to this board and looking for advice
>>I am the new owner of a precious little JRT female (8 wks) So far she is just awesome. No early signs of agression. No problems with house training. However, I understand the challenges of this breed and want to enroll in obedience classes. Here's my question...
>>
>>I have two choices I've narrowed down to. The local PetsMart offers an 8wk course. 1 night a week for 1 hour. A local trainer offers weekly (1 or 2 weeks)rates, but Abby has to remain on premises. I'm not sure which would be the best choice. Do you think being away for a whole week (or two) would stress her at this age? Also, would an hour a week once a week be sufficient? My 10 year old son wants to begin Jr. Handling classes with her and would also like to enroll her (after obedience training) in agility classes. I'm leaning on the 8 week course simply so my son can be involved in the training.
>>
>>Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.
>>
>>Thanks,
>>TammyVA

HI!

It's too bad there are no independant trainers who you could meeting with 2 nights a week as I've not heard good things about PetSmart trainers.

I would NEVER leave my dog with anyone for training. First, I wouldn't trust anyone to keep my dog. Second, you're the one the dog has to listen too and you need to learn how to train her. Alot of training is the bonding that results between the dog/owner.

So, I personally would look farther and find an independant trainer where I am the one working with my dog. Have you asked your vet for recommendations?
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Melody/PHFasDog
Email me at PHFasDog

My furkids:
Shadow, Jadzia and Lyta.
Kira waiting at the bridge.

Dogs come into our lives, and too quickly go leaving pawprints on our hearts, and we will never be quite the same again.

first, do get your vet's ok before any classes or exposure to other dogs. lots of diseases out there & pup has to be safe! second, you will hear diff. opinions about the petsmart classes. some are better than others. go & observe without your pup. third, i agree with melody, would not leave my pup for several reasons. fourth, the 1 hour sessions are for you to learn the method & for your pup to learn to be calm around distractions. at this age your pup will be learing ALOT, some of which are 'side effects' of the training.Like bonding & socialization & status. sure some pups & handlers will do really well, but this depends on how much you work, in numerous/brief sessions at home. lots of repetition is neccesary & if your pup seems confused, then you may have to go back a step in training. its not magic, but patience & perserverance reaps great reward. keep us posted & search on other posts to get lots of good suggestions.

I agree with what both of the other two have stated.

I just wanted to a little insight.

First, I was a dog trainer at Petsmart for quite a while, and if you can find a good trainer that has a good head on their shoulders, than Petsmart maybe ok to go with. Not all trainers are the best at the Petsmarts.

Second, I encourage you to get your WHOLE family involved in training, as they should know what to do, so your pup does not get confused.

Third, I do agility with my two Jack Russells and do my own obediance/training. I love agility and it has been a wonderful experience. Doing your own training is not for everyone. I spend an hour everyday taking them to dog park. I don't limit their training, They are in training when ever I'm home. Our household goes by the rules, "Nothing is Free, you must work for your treats."

Four, You can always start on some basic commands until you are ready to take training classes. Your Vet maybe able to recommend some more independent trainers in your area or just outside of your area. I actually drive 20-30 minutes to take my boys to agility... It's all in what you are willing to do.

Above all, Training should be a FUN experience!

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Momma, Dadda, Juliet (Calico), Buddy (Tabby), Lima (Siamesse Mix), Colbi (Jack Russell), Francisco (Jack Russell), RJ & Billy (Bearded Dragons), SweetPea (Midland Water Snake), Three Parakeets, and the 20-Gallon Bowl of Fishies.

The search is over. I took the advice given and called my vet who recommended a lady in the next county that does home obedience training once a week for one hour. It's not exactly what I was looking for as far as socialization, but I intend to take her to "play groups" this lady also has once a week. We are very excited about this and look forward to it.

BTW my family is definatly participating in the class, including my father, who spends quite a bit of time with us

Abby continues to impress me with little things She is doing VERY well with housebreaking, has learned "come" "fetch" and "release". Thanks again for all the replys, very much appreciated

Tammy