ABCs OF DOG TRAINING

 
As you know, we've had some trouble with Biggs around other dogs.  He just goes crazy when he sees them and it's hard for us to keep him under control.

My niece Madi had been searching local dog trainers but they are expensive at $100-$120 an hour.  However, she found a FREE Dog Training Course in Astoria Park.  I was skeptical at first, but it was a beautiful day on Saturday and what did we have to lose?  (Well, Biggs craziness for one!)

The Free Dog Training Course is open to all dog owners and hosted by ABCs of Dog Training.  All they ask is a $10 donation for four hours of work, which is a great bargain all the way around. The classes run from March thru Halloween, every Saturday barring holidays and bad weather.  The trainers Michael Mei and Joe Jimenez are certified dog trainers, certified canine behaviorists and are certified in Pet First Aid.  And they were wonderful!

There were about 16 dogs at the class.  Some were "groupies," dogs and their owners who continue to take classes for a few years now.

When we arrived at Astoria Park, Biggs went crazy at the sight of all those dogs.  I had to tie his leash to one of the park benches because he was pulling and trying to get at them.  So we stayed in the back and Madi went to sign us up. 

We got off to a very bad start but Dog Trainer Joe Jimenez came over and talked to us and to Biggs.  He lent us a new collar for Biggs with chains and spikes.  It looks like a medieval torture device but he assured us that it did not hurt Biggs and that it would help us control him.

I couldn’t take pictures because we were busy learning words like “heel” and “no”.  Actually, I should say relearning the words and how to use them effectively.  For four hours, we walked Biggs around the other 16 dogs.  There was a “Soul Train” dance line which Biggs did beautifully in.  He paraded down the middle of those dogs like a pro… Twice!  Then at the end, there was a weaving in and out of the dog line.  I chicken out and Joe took Biggs through the first eight dogs, I did the last four. 

Overall, Biggs got a big A for effort.  Madi gets an A too.  She was really good and she paid attention to the lessons and got them right.  I got a D. 

My problem is that I am not confident when I walk Biggs.  And if I’m not confident, he can sense that and then Biggs won’t respect me or listen to me and that will put all of us at risk – Biggs, me, the neighbors.

Once the four hours were up, we all went home.  Poor Biggs crashed immediately upon the car seat and when we walked into the elevator of my building he melted into the floor.  He was exhausted; he couldn't take another step.  It was a lot for him -- outside in the sun, 16 other dogs, more people than he's ever seen in his life.  Of course, the poor darling was pooped.  Me too.

Keep your fingers crossed for us.  Lessons are every Saturday.  And, we’ve only just begun!


To see some pictures of other Dog Training Camp, click here.