Had Major Panic At The Dog Training

[Srain]

I just wrote about this issue in a post that Bloom put up. I have major issues when it comes to being able to understand what people are saying to me, especially in an open public area. I tend to picture their lips moving, words spilling into my brain then bouncing around as letters that need to be put in order so that I can understand just exactly what they just said to me. This is an arduous task and often the person is looking at me like, "well????", and I usually ask them to repeat what they said once, twice, (God help me) even four or five times if it's something I really have to get straight!

Well, yesterday I thought it would be a great idea to finally get the Girls into pup training, yeah, way over due but a good opportunity for us to get out on a few a bit all together and at least try to help Rudi to stop jumping like some Carnie Wind-up Prop on everyone who even comes close to her, plus Big Girl needs to get out a bit, she's rusty.

The first problem was we were seated next to 2 (count 'em 2!!!) pit bulls,not yet socialized. My first reaction was to hit the door and not look back, dragging Sasha with me! The second was to verify my bone chilling sense of reality, I got "yep, they are! It's not big deal." I said quickly, "It is to ME!!" I got met with a dismissal and a "suck it up lady" look. I told my husband that I didn't think I could stay and popped a panic pill, I've had several run-ins with pits (I'm sorry if you are a lover of them but my experiences are mine) I have the scars on my body and mind to tell me that I'm not comfortable EVER. My Big Girl has been dog fighting bait and attack as was my Susie, among a friend's dog. I have trauma-related experiences.

My husband suggested it being a learning moment and settled himself as well as some of the trainers between us so that I was far away. I looked at my pup and she seemed fine, so okay. I sucked it up , lady! :unsure: Then the problem came with the directions on how to do this and that while moving the dogs. I have always walked my Girl on my right, nope they wanted me to change that to my left - I explained that my Girl has been trained to walk on my right so please show me how to do this from there and I will make all the other adjustments myself. So he did, but as I was adjusting here comes the woman telling me "no dear, put HIM (her!) on your left" I told her that I couldn't, "yes you can", "no, I cannot I have always walked her on right and when I have to wear my walking cast on my left foot I could kick her" , "no you won't".


I went and sat down. Sasha started getting upset. Here comes the woman after me. On me again, I don't know what she is saying. I tried to explain things to her but she says "well that's class!" Now I am embarrassed beyond believe, pissed off, and so far away from the door I can't get out without passing EVERYONE!! I looked at Sasha, who was looking at all the other dogs and she started whining (she never whines) so I sucked it up :ninja: and got her out there walking (on my right!) and sitting. Finally class was over!!!


She won't walk on left btw. But damn!!! Do I tell these people I have brain issues or what?? I got through the class okay, with 5 more to go, yikes!

Rain
Sucking it up!

 

[kimberley dawn]

I'd find another puppy-class with other trainers. I was a dog instructor for years before, and believe me, there are soooo many people out there with issues that come to class! You are not alone in that group, I'm sure.

Just let them know you have problems with your left foot, that's all they need to know. And stay clear og them pitts!!!

* so nice to be able to write something without opening any wounds * Thanks and best of luck, Rain!

 

[maddog]

I'm so sorry Rain, I was cringing to read this, cringing for the sense of being trapped, of having to "suck it up", for the whole injustice of how that sort of thing was more than just irritating for you...

I agree with the suggestion for another class. You should not have to justify your preferences with your dog, not to anyone, so if you choose to have your girl walk 6.5 metres to the left of your right ankle, then that's your choice.

I really admire your grit and determination to just get out there and do this, in spite of how distressing and difficult it is. It mightn't feel like it, but this really means a lot - and it means a lot to someone who has countless such "activities" that I need to get out and start doing too.

Give the girls a scratch for us.

Maddog

 

[mamachick]

I admire you for doing this. I have had not experiences with pitt bulls, just scared I guess.

 

[Meadowsweet]

I must admit, one of my nightmare images is of coming face to face with vicious dogs. I've never been attacked by a dog, its just a substitute image I guess. But I used to love walking in the countryside, and have let that activity go because of these images of dogs.

So I admire you for staying around with those pittbulls. But the trainer sounds like she's just being pedantic really, who cares what side a dog is walked. I agree with others, I think I'd find another class, one that makes it a fun activity for you and the dogs.

 

[freakofnurture]

Rain is a Puppy Class Hero ;)

I find it brave that you stayed for the whole course, and that you defied that obtrusive lady with her right-side-issue.

 

[Heather]

You made it through the whole class. You go girl:tup:.

 

[Srain]

Wow!! Thank you guys so much!

I was feeling pretty crappy about myself but my husband and the Girls were so happy to be there. Yesterday every time we turned around they were sitting down wagging their tails - "Treat Time!"

My husband told me later after I had got grabbed Sasha and hit the door that several people had chatted it up with him about Rudi, he loved that. They had told him that they were concerned about how "scared" I looked - ugh! I guess he was trying to let me people were concerned so I will email these folks and let them know that I will make it again but that I will do under my terms. The classes cost a lot of money at this point so if they don't like it, I won't go back and my husband can take his pup while I look for an alternative for Big Girl and me.

I appreciate your support, you have no idea. I shudder to think about facing that situation again, I really do! Hopefully, if it makes Sasha less afraid and us, as a family, closer then I'll give all I have, or at least try. Maybe next time I'll be able to stand up for myself better, knowing what I'm walking into.

Man, I hope it doesn't sound like I'm just buckling under. (I had my pepper spray with me, I always do but you can bet I'll be bringing it again!)

 

[kimberley dawn]

Next time you look at that trainer, send me a thought, will you? I startet dog-instructor school when I was getting a grip of my ptsd last time, in 2000. So maybe this awefull instructor has issues of her own and just lacks "people-antenna" ;-)

Every minute is a victory and every step back is just catching your breath before you come back your way!

You go girls!!! Proud of you!!!

 

[Sammy]

I am so proud of you!! Skai and I go to class every week and it is difficult some days. There is a huge pit in the class that makes me anxious. He is on the other side of the room and the trainers keep an eye on him to make sure he is under control. What makes me feel better is he acts worse than my Skai and Skai can be a total jerk in class! The trainer is good but seems to have some breed preferences - and my GSD isn't one of them. Well, he isn't one of my favorites either but he seems to know his business. I figure it is his job to teach me and I will teach the dog. Focus on your girl. She will help you get through class. I fight with anxiety every time I go to class but it is getting easier. It would be my choice to stay home but I want better for my boy.

 

[Srain]

Thanks, Sammy, I have become increasingly nervous about this upcoming class once again.

I will try to remember to focus on my Girl and how much she enjoys the drive as much as needing the class. As least this time I feel like I can be much less unsure what I need while being there.

 

[Sammy]

I think you will do great! Try to remember why you are going. Not only are you going for Big Girl, you are also learning to manage a new situation!! Good for you! Let us know how it goes!! I am rooting for you!! :tup: