Well, we had our first puppy class last night. When I signed Rufus up, I was assured there were other toy dogs in the class. Well, there was only one, a shih tzu. The others were HUGE, including a great dane (who was actually the best of the bunch with Rufus, since he has a chihuahua brother at home!)
So when it came time for all the puppies to play, Rufus had to sit in my lap and watch. Made me kind of sad, as I was looking forward to him having the chance to play with other dogs.
Only good news is the owner of the great dane, I found out, actually has one of Rufus' brothers (Casper) - so we plan to get together for some chihuahua play time soon!
We have 3 more sessions of the class, so we'll see how it goes. Didn't learn anything last night that I didn't already know and wasn't already working on. Did get Rufus some treats he absolutely loves - mint flavored biscuits.
Sorry the class wasn't what you had hoped, but at least you made a new playdate for Rufus with his brother! Take pics of them together and share with us.... Deb
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I would have to agree with Deb, what a coincidence!!!! (pardon my spelling). But the idea you met up with Rufus' brothers' owner (did I use all the right puncuation?) is really neat. Take some pics!!! That would be great!!!
Oh well, it's hard to find a really good puppy kindergarten. I brought Mia to a kindergarten, they're all big dogs (well, when compared to Mia). There were only one toy breed - pug in the class. The other dogs were so big... sigh.. Mia only hide in a corner when it's play time. I feel bad for her. She doesnt' really get to socialize with other dogs. She is still scared of dogs; I don't blame her... she's so tiny. Oh well... the good thing is that by the end of the 6 classes, she's not as scared of other dogs as before.
Lin, sorry to hear about your disapointment with the puppy class, how annoying for you! I dont much like to be the one to tell you, but in fact you were the only Toy breed as Shih Tzu are in the Utility group!
How amazing though, to meet, completely by coincidence, Rufus' brother! Incredible! If there are only three more classes left (seems a very short course) it might be good to go along if only to socialise Rufus with other dogs. In fact, socialising him with other breeds/groups of dogs will probably do him the world of good as the more he is around different types the more accepting and socialised he'll become. Having an unsocialised dog can be hell, you'd be well advised to introduce him to as many dogs, no matter how big or small, as possible as soon as possible. Just keep an eye on them to make sure all goes ok and Rufus doesn't get scarred.
Jess - duh, with all the dog shows I watch I should have remembered that about the shih tzu! Yes, we carefully let Rufus meet some of the other dogs - but he couldn't enjoy the play time for safety's sake ;-(
I do plan to continue the classes - and continue with obedience training either at that school or with another one. I think it's of value for both Rufus and me!
I had the same problem with the obidence class I took Chewy too. We were always the smallest dog, except for 1 mini doxie. But they let us put Chewy up on a platform till he got used to the bigger dogs and comfortable in his surrounds. It took 4 mos for him to sit and lay down in that setting, but I think it was really good for him.
Ellie has just finished her obedience class. It was a small class that ran for six weeks, and in that time she learnt sit, stay, wait, leave, and come. We also worked on general handling and good manners. She was the smallest by FAR but it wasn't a problem, in fact I regard it as good experience. I would definitely recommend an obedience class to anyone who has a dog, no matter what size/age.
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