Am I doing the right thing?

[Angie]

Molly started puppy class 3 weeks ago and the first class was just what she needed with opportunities to play with other pups of leash. However, Molly spent most of the time hiding under my chair! By the end of the class she had plucked up enough courage to say hello to other pups but still didn't have the confidence to play.
When we arrived the second week the trainer said that Molly's level of obedience was better suited to the graduate class and asked if we would like to take her into that group. I refused and explained that I was attending primarily for socialisation and if the other group didn't have an opportunity to interact I would prefer Molly to stay where she was.
Unfortunately, the second and third week of puppy training hasn't really delivered on the play front, with the puppies only having minimal interaction on the leash, though they do get to interact with whoever they're sitting next to on the sidelines.
Molly is an incredibly shy and timid girl and I've been working really hard to improve her confidence, it's a slow road but she's improving every week.
So, am I doing the right thing by keeping her in the puppy class? Or do you think I should let her 'graduate'?

[zetstaff]

The next class up will be a little more intense + she's a baby + not ready. I'd definitely keep her in the puppy class.

You mustn't let her stay under your chair

In the class make a point of standing next to different people so Molly gets to interact with the different pups x

[LucyA]

No I think I'd be inclined to do the same thing rather than throw her in at the deep end with even more confident dogs.
Where do you walk Molly? Most of our walks are done on the local field as its always full of different dogs. Honey was very timid at one point and having her in a situation where we were obviously calm and relaxed helped her come on in leaps and bounds, try not to hush Molly away from friendly dogs, we just let Honey run up and run away when she needed to, if she got too worried we carried on. I think the most important thing is that you need to stay calm or she will pick up on it.
Good luck xx

[GobbySchäferhund]

Angie have you tried getting to the classes a bit early and let some of the other owners know, that way they can have a play and run around before the class starts, thats all i can add sorry...Im sure you will make the right decision

[Angie]

Originally Posted by zetstaff

The next class up will be a little more intense + she's a baby + not ready. I'd definitely keep her in the puppy class.

You mustn't let her stay under your chair

In the class make a point of standing next to different people so Molly gets to interact with the different pups x

She hardly tried to hide at all last night, if she did I moved to a different chair. When she tried to hide behind my legs when we were stood, I stepped to the side. I don't give her any attention at all if she's being shy but lots of 'good girl!' and a fuss when she says hello to other pups.

Originally Posted by LucyA

No I think I'd be inclined to do the same thing rather than throw her in at the deep end with even more confident dogs.
Where do you walk Molly? Most of our walks are done on the local field as its always full of different dogs. Honey was very timid at one point and having her in a situation where we were obviously calm and relaxed helped her come on in leaps and bounds, try not to hush Molly away from friendly dogs, we just let Honey run up and run away when she needed to, if she got too worried we carried on. I think the most important thing is that you need to stay calm or she will pick up on it.
Good luck xx

We always walk her at public parks, the local nature trail or the woodland at the back of my home. There's always lots of dogs and many owners have been very helpful by allowing me and my OH to fuss them, which in turn makes Molly curious to take a closer look and sometimes she will say hello.
It's a fine line between giving her encouragement but not forcing the issue, I can only hope I'm getting it right x

[Angie]

Originally Posted by Daddy of Jess

Angie have you tried getting to the classes a bit early and let some of the other owners know, that way they can have a play and run around before the class starts, thats all i can add sorry...Im sure you will make the right decision

Good advice...I never thought of that! Thanks Liam

[Caryll]

I agree with Liam - see if you can arrange with some of the others to get there, say 15 minutes early. Not too early or she'll be too tired to enjoy the class itself.

[zetstaff]

You're doing fine x

[Zak]

Angie you are doing a fantastic job with Molly, just keep it up and stick with what you are doing.

[Chrystie22]

I'll keep Molly in the Puppy class for now as she is still very young. After a few classes she will be fine.
My Diva also spent the first class sandwiched between mine and my partner's chairs, and wouldnt get out! We thought it a bit funny as she wasnt shy outside of the class, forever wanting to go to other dogs and people, but the trainer told us that she was just a guarded pup and was sussing the situation and the other pups before deciding if she wanted to mix with them, and that we should just behave calm and she would eventually mix when she was ready. By the end of that first class, she went to one of the other pups and sniffed it but that was all. Next class was a different story though as she wouldnt let those pups alone !! We also took her on social walks organised by the club, there would be about 20 dogs there every saturday mornings come rain or shine, and it did Diva a world of good coz she could interact in a controlled and safe environment.