[Sylphide and Shrek's Mom]

I don't know whether you need to pay $500 to get her trained. Have you tried obedience and agility classes? They cost less than $100 for 6-8 weeks---I found a club with a wonderful trainer who trains and owns small breeds...

Sylphide was a maniac at that age. She's can still be really hyper and bossy, but is very obedient now. I took her to agility classes, which she LOVED, and they really helped focus her energy and make her more obedient. We'll continue with agility in the Spring.

 

[Sylphide and Shrek's Mom]

Originally posted by tlunn@Jan 11 2005, 02:49 PM
How do you find agility classes/trainers? I would like to put Brink in some agility classes. That would be fun!!!!

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Sorry I didn't answer this earlier--I've been really busy at work.

I asked around - I have a few colleagues who are breeders and they know all the dog affiliated groups in the area. Although there is a dedicated canine recreational facility in the town I live in, I drive about 25 miles to attend the Kennel Club trainings in a nearby town. They have a really nice facility, are friendly and informal, and the classes are really fun. Plus, the trainer has small breed experience and is wonderful with Sylphide. Sylphide loves agility, and took to the obstacles like a duck to water. It was funny to see her all confident and tiny as a puppy, gleefully tacking the dog walk, A frame, and other obstacles that terrified the big dogs. The other tiny dog, a griffon mix, was very good, and she and he were "buddies". although Sylphide was also good friends with all the big dogs, including the huge German Shepherd who kept attacking the labradors.

Agility does wonders for their confidence and social skills. But most of all, it's so much fun!