| SEE ALSO:Group Training
Miss Manners Q and A
Q. Why do I have to muzzle my dog? That sounds so mean.
Modern muzzles are not hard, wire torture devices. Soft muzzles, some with cute designs, are effective as well as comfortable. Since every dog in class is aggressive, it is imperative that no dog or human is hurt. Therefore, muzzled dogs make it safe for everyone.
Q. But it looks so mean!
No, mean is allowing someone else's beloved pet to be injured. I'll help you teach your dog to accept and wear a muzzle using easy and humane techniques.
Q. Will my dog be able to play with all dogs once he completes the class?
A reasonable goal is that your aggressive dog can walk past other dogs without lunging, barking or attempting to attack them.
Q. Can my dog go to the dog park to socialize once the class is over?
No .Many dogs enroll in the 'Miss Manners' class because of dog parks. Taking a dog to 'socialize' at a dog park is similar to taking your child to a prison yard. Dogs parks would do less damage if they were turned into nuclear waste dumps.
Q. What else will my dog learn in the 'Miss Manners' class?
As your pet learns to be less aggressive, we'll teach other skills, too. He'll learn to stay at your side when other dogs go by, to stop barking on command and to play checkers.
Q. What methods will I use? Will my pet have to wear a pinch or shock collar?
Now that's mean! No, your dog will wear a harness, head collar or flat collar. Pinch collars promote aggression as do shock collars. Any punishment techniques used are the ones I use in my 'regular' classes. I'll help you decide the best training tool, and help you learn to use it effectively.
Q. Will my dog play with other dogs in class?
Nope.
Q. It sounds like my pet will never be normal. Is it worth taking this class?
Many dog aggressive dogs are wonderful pets. Intelligent owners who accept the limitations of a loved pet enjoy their dogs for a lifetime. No reason to surrender your pet at a shelter or return him to the rescue. Learn smart ways of training and managing your aggressive dog. By the way. the definition of 'normal' is a discussion we'll have, and you may be surprised at the result.
Q. Why don't we bring the dogs the first session?
So I don't have to sweat. And, I have so much information that helps you immediately, I want the environment free of worry and distraction. When you arrive at the second session, you'll have confidence, your dog will already be less aggressive and you'll know exactly what to do and where to go.
Q. Why is this class the same price as the other classes? This is a three session class.
Enrollment is very limited. This class is much, much harder work. Teaching a group of dogs who dislike one another takes lots of energy, calm in the face of chaos, cheerfulness when owners are discouraged and plenty of patience. I've taught many of these classes and always have a wine cooler (at least!) in hand when I come home.
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