Training Class Nightmare

[Ashley]

Sooo this morning was our second training class and I wasn’t overly impressed by week one. It’s an outdoor class and dogs are very close together and allowed to meet/say hello to other dogs and the whole thing is just an adolescent Labrador nightmare.
Anyway, Primrose is not too bad really - but today she was being used as an example to teach heel (trainer wanted a “pulling” dog). She was pulling quite a bit and after she was done Prim pulled towards a chihuahua who then was nipping at her, so I was watching that thinking wtf. Then all hell broke loose and people were getting water for the trainer and I thought maybe the leash cut her fingers. One of the helpers told me to get my dog and the trainer left. Someone asked what happened and apparently she broke her finger.....

Ugh. No one said anything to me. I don’t think it was Prim’s fault. I also am confused about this entire set up and OH has told me not to go back...

 

[edzbird]

No, it wasn't Prim's fault. I wouldn't go back either. Primrose was put in a situation that was too much for her to handle by someone who should have known better. It shouldn't have happened. Let Prim unwind and destress now. Big hugs to you, it must have been very stressful x

 

[Jacqui-S]

Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.
I can imagine you are a bit upset about this, but Trainer sounds like a bit of an idiot.
Think I would go back once ( rather than scuttle off feeling to blame) then find someone better.

 

[Candy]

It sounds like a chaotic situation which wouldn't be good for anyone. Nothing remotely like that happened in any of the training classes that I attended with Joy. I think I'd be looking for another trainer.

 

[Ashley]

It sounds like a chaotic situation which wouldn't be good for anyone. Nothing remotely like that happened in any of the training classes that I attended with Joy. I think I'd be looking for another trainer.

I have never had anything like this and I have been to a number of schools and trainers with Quinn over the years - the whole thing is a bit off. I regret not just biting the bullet and making the drive to where we did puppy classes. A lot of money wasted.

 

[Natalie]

That's a shame, as for me the attraction of outdoor classes is the space that provides for both humans and dogs.
I did go to one class for three weeks with baby Monty where you had to exchange dogs with some else and walk them around for a minute. Now I'm like . I'd probably revert to your previous classes if you can.

 

[Cath]

The trainer is an idiot. Not Primrose's fault or your.

 

[Atemas]

I don’t think it was Prim’s fault.

Of course it wasn't her fault. As @Candy says sounds like a chaotic situation.

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

Agree with everyone else. Though the trainer ended up with a broken finger, she owes an apology to YOU, certainly not vice versa. You could go again (I'm assuming you've already paid for the series) and see if improvements are made and an apology made to you in front of the whole class or just see if you could get your money back because that was a mistake by the trainer. But either way, absolutely nothing for you to feel bad about.

 

[Selina27]

Oh dear Ashley, I'm sorry you've had this experience. I agree too, not Prim's fault.

 

[Stacia]

The trainer should take responsibility for breaking her finger, if indeed it was caused by Prim pulling towards the other dog. It was the trainer's fault. I broke my finger once at a training class, Drift lunged for the dummy, `I carried on with the class and when finished I went to A&E. The nurse there said I was a 'tough old bird' I said more of the 'tough and less of the old' Your trainer sounds a bit weak.

 

[Joy]

Certainly not your fault and I wouldn't go back.

 

[M.F.]

Did anyone explain to you what happened? Do you know how the trainer broke her finger? Did the trainer even make an attempt to chat to you?

I’d ask for my money back on the grounds that you’re paying for an experienced trainer, and this person doesn’t sounds like she is.

 

[David]

I'd suggest find a smaller puppy class. We took Lady to one with lots of dogs and it was hopeless. I just wasn't learning anything. Then we found a 6 dogs max class and that was fine and worked really well. After all it's the owners being trained to train and you can't do that with a whole heap of distractions.

 

[Loraseal]

I read this and thought this trainer has no idea.
All dogs need space especially at puppy classes.
They should have explained what is happening.
As my son would say... AMATEURS
Yoy are doing a fantastic job with Primrose.
I know you are upset but I think finding a better puppy class is much better for team Primrose.
I know it is throwing money away but you need to do what is best for both of you x

 

[Naya]

I agree with everyone else. It seems the trainer isn’t very good. All classes I have been too are very spread out to give dogs space (especially puppies). I would have thought she would have phoned you to apologise.

 

[FayRose]

I also agree with everyone else. I would ask for an explanation of what happened and ask for a refund if you feel you can't go back. I certainly wouldn't continue as apart from everything else, I would have lost my confidence in their methods.

 

[Oberon]

Oh, that is really unfortunate. What an awful accident. It definitely was not your or Prim’s fault though. Trainers/instructors should not take or handle the clients’ dogs. It is way too risky, and can also make some dogs very anxious (I don’t mean Prim…but many dogs won’t appreciate it at all…).

I am not sure why some people are suggesting that the trainer apologise though. What for exactly? Genuine question. Certainly the trainer should call you for a chat to address any awkwardness or questions about ‘what next’….though you may not want to talk at all which is totally reasonable.

While the trainer made a mistake here and needs to rethink class management I think the commentary is a bit harsh. Cast the first stone and all that……

 

[Ashley]

The trainer emailed the whole class apologizing for leaving abruptly and said that she left because she broke her finger. I don’t need an apology- I think it would have been more professional to address the class before rushing out as it was a bit awkward and everyone was standing around confused as to what happened. I don’t feel responsible but maybe she will think I am or have an opinion about Prim. The leash must have been odd on her hand - I walk both dogs and have had prim actually lunge and pull hard unexpectedly (she is very strong) but at most I’ve had leash burn.

 

[Naya]

I am not sure why some people are suggesting that the trainer apologise though. What for exactly? Genuine question.

It sounds like the trainer has done it through email - apologise for leaving abruptly and No-one really know what was going on. It clearly left everyone unsure of exactly what happened and feeling unsure of themselves.