She started using other verbal cues like the dog's name and a verbal command before the puppies had even a chance to figure out markers or hand signs. I know about all this stuff, but the other family? Probably not! She brushed upon negative punishment (NILIF - nothing in life is free) so quickly that if you sneezed you would have missed it. Luring and capturing weren't explained at all. Other parts of positive reinforcement were glossed over with the same lack of detail. She didn't have us spend time "loading" the marker or explain how to do it or why it needs to be done. She never explained that order, timing, consistency, and the promise of reward is important for a marker to work. She mentioned markers, but didn't get into what a marker is and how it predicts that a reward or reprimand is coming. For example, the trainer at this class never used the words "positive reinforcement" and never explained operant conditioning and how it works. My second complaint is the lack of detailed explanations and clear follow through. So number one, my main reason for attending - early socialization - is completely shot. They are never given a little off-leash time to unwind between exercises, so again, no chance to meet and greet there. The puppies are placed at opposite sides of the room and never get anywhere near each other. There is no walking, as it takes place in a room within the store. In traditional obedience classes there is some interaction because the dogs often end up walking in a circle together and later on having to weave between each other. But I was wrong.Īlthough the training is mostly positive reinforcement, there is zero socialization or interaction between the pups. Little breaks help the learning process, too its why we have recess at our schools. I thought that because it was a puppy kindergarten it would include socialization and play time between exercises so puppies could unwind and learn about doggy manners too. I knew that all of the stores use positive reinforcement training, so even if the experience and caliber of the trainers wasn't really great, I wouldn't be asked to do something potentially damaging to my pup. I decided to try PetSmart puppy kindergarten. I go to puppy kindergarten for socialization, not obedience I can teach obedience at home just fine. I like their natural drives and if I wanted an obedient, furry slave I'd have a Border Collie instead. I think that's a good way to ruin a primitive breed like the Akita. I also have no interest in squashing a dog's natural drives and personality by imposing my will on them at such a young age. I have my dog's entire life to teach it commands, but her early socialization is whats more important to me. They also don't offer the kind of puppy kindergarten I want, like the DogPACT and Dog Karma classes, which focuses a little on manners and a lot on socialization and canine etiquette. There are a few other options even further away in Yorba Linda, Pasadena, and Mission Viejo (all of these are at least 40 minutes maybe over an hour drive). The Dog Karma class was great, but the long drive made Angirasu freaked out before class even began and she couldn't settle, relax, or focus until it was almost over. SPCA-LA doesn't offer a positive reinforcement and socialization class for puppies its traditional obedience geared towards CGC or competition. DogPACT's puppy kindergarten is on hiatus indefinitely because the indoor facility they use is being renovated. None of these three (DogPACT, SPCA-LA, or Dog Karma) are an option for me right now. I found Dog Karma positive puppy kindergarten for Angirasu, not through Long Beach, but it was over a half hour drive to get there and back. That's how I found an agility class for Gojira. Sometimes there will be SPCA-LA classes through the Long Beach Parks and Rec class catalog as well. The positive reinforcement one I took Mosura to was by DogPACT and I really like their trainers. The Long Beach classes are run by a third party and not the city itself. The city of Long Beach has a pretty good Parks and Rec website through which you can sign up for classes, but none of the other towns in the area have anything like it. So despite living in the suburbs of a major metropolis full of animal lovers, dog parks and beaches, pet "boutiques", vegans, and crazy liberals its very difficult to find a good dog class.
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