Training Classes Good or bad idea????

Hi All in need of advice (again new hurdle for this week)

Last week i took Cena (2yrs rescue dog - we have had him for 6wks) to his first training class and was really shocked when he showed his teeth to another dog - as he has never done that before and he has meet plenty of dogs. (Last weekend we where at the beach and meet 20plus dogs all breeds with no issues) But last night he started barking at one dog then went for two different dogs one of them was for no reason. The other dog had a ball on the ground and i pulled cena back so the another dog could get the ball and cena went for him. (Should say that dog was the trainers dog very embrassing) The thing is when we are out for a walk he doesnt bother with other dogs he either ignores them or has a sniff then comes when we call.

Its a big class of 15 dogs and at times its one person at a time in the centre while everyone else waits there turn i really think he is bored just not sure if to continue with class?

Moo isn't great when onlead if a dog approaches, she growls, but off lead she is a dirrerent dog, she is also very possesive of things, say if a dog went to get the ball from infront of her she'd snap, again fine if off lead. Its really up to you Xx

I would have a word with the trainer regarding your concerns. 15 dogs in a class does seem far too much to my mind. Training classes are a good idea in general.

Is it obedience training? Perhaps as you say he is just a bit bored and being on-lead with so many dogs in a small place might make him a little defensive. If you think he isn't enjoying it then it probably best to do womthing else. If you have got the training basics with him maybe look for a local agility class? Or flyball, something where he can enjoy himself and be trained at the same time. That way his associations with other dogs might be more favourable.

This all sounds very familiar to me. About 2 months after we got Rocky we took him to training classes, it wasn't exactly a disaster but he hasn't really ready for it. I wish I had given him more time to settle in with us now looking back at it.

It may be the same for you, perhaps leave it a little bit longer before introducing the training class. They are a good idea and an excellent way to socialise your dog in a controlled environment with trained staff around.

It could be that being inside and with other dogs is a bit too much right now.

Its a obedience class outside in the local park. The trainer says its nothing to worry about as it was only his second time and we have only had him for 6wks - but its so out of character everyone who knows cena cant believe it cause he is a bit of a coward but not aggressive just hope he doesn't start becoming aggressive. Another girl at the class say's it moves inside in the winter and its smaller groups which is better but i don't know if that will be worse. Think i'll try it again next week but do things with him when we are waiting??? Or just do the training myself in the garden???

Stress.

New situation, new dogs, lots of things going on at once. Give him a little time & he'll probably settle.