Re: Training - Size of Class

In Reply to: Re: Training - Size of Class
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Posted by:  Marie Evans
Posted on:  September 26, 2002 at 15:45:27

: : I keep reading on this forum that you should enroll your JRT in an obedience class that has no more than 10, preferably less, dogs in it. Why is that? The reason I'm asking is that I've enrolled in an upcoming obedience class that may have more than 10, not sure how many, but it's really the only game in town. Very good facility and I trained both my Border Collies there, I really like how the trainers interact with both me and my dogs. He's already in an agility class, has been since he was 11 weeks old (puppy class until 6 months - he's now 16 months old), and he does fine with the other dogs there (there is no physical contact with the other dogs, but he is running a course on one side of the room while a dog is running one on the other side). What should I be looking out for by being in a training class with more than 10 dogs in it?
: : Thanks!! And thank you for all the wonderful information on this site! Ty is my first JRT and you've answered so many questions for me. The only bad thing is that I don't always read your forum when I'm home, so when I'm reading about all these 'little guys' and I'm not home, I start to miss my 'little guy' terribly!
: : Patti Jo

:
Response:

: Hi Patti Jo,

: We usually recommend limiting class size because in many instances you just don't get the level of personal attention that you are paying for. Usually larger classes can become more unruly and more time is spent getting dogs settled than in learning.

: Seeing that you have had success with the training facility you have already attended then continue to stick with it if you feel you are getting your money's worth. You are lucky, many people aren't that lucky when dealing with a large class.

: Glad you enjoy the site! Give a pat to your "little guy" from all of us here :)

: Regards,
: Marie

Response:

Hi Patti Jo,

My experience has been that not every dog that starts a class will be there at the finish. Most of the time we have lost at least two or three. Another thing to think about is how many assistants help with the class. My instructor usually has at least one assistant and often two so if the class is a little larger you still get individual attention.